Star-B-Q
A Barbecue Under the Stars for Everyone in Ireland
Saturday 27th August 2016 - Gates open at 6pm
*Please note: Online ticket booking is now closed but do come along to the venue.
Tickets are 50euro per person at the gate, includes all food and beverages, all 3 talks, demos, unlimited telescope time and more!
'The Star-B-Q is Ireland's biggest telescope festival and Astronomy Ireland's biggest annual fundraiser, where you will get to see the wonders of the Universe from the dark skies of Roundwood in Co Wicklow, Ireland's highest village, with some of the most powerful telescopes in Ireland!
For those who might be a little hungry, a professional barbecue will be served up earlier on in the evening. You can enjoy some fantastic barbecued food (vegetarian option available - let us know by saying so in the comments box when you book) ) with side salads and soft drinks.
Gates open at 6pm, and the event starts at 7pm.
Listen to David Moore talk on radio about last year's Star-B-Q here, here and here
Take a look at this photo from a dark sky site like Roundwood which is hopefully what you will see in the telescopes here
Talks on the night
"Black Holes" by Dr Paul Callanan from University College Cork, one of Ireland's foremost Black Hole astronomers
" Black Space: how outer space has changed on our TV and cinema screens" by Dr Padraig Murphy, DCU Science Communication Course Director - a fun talk!
"The Universe" by David Moore, a mini-version of his one-man stage-show selling out theatres across Ireland this year. David Moore is Ireland's best known astronomer regularly broadcasting on TV and radio. He also edits our monthly magazine "Astronomy Ireland".
"Clear Sky Guarantee"
Even if it is not clear on the night the event will go ahead with talks, rockets and telescopes on display indoors. However, we will also set up the giant telescope on the following Friday or Saturday nights (when a clear sky is forecast). So keep the following weekend(s) free to be certain of a view of the universe that very few people in the world will ever get.
Some of the sights you will see at the Star-B-Q
These distant cities of stars have fascinated astronomers since they were first discovered, and can contain trillions of stars.
Giant groups of young stars and old stars, and some with millions of stars.
The glowing embers of giant dead stars dotted throughout the galaxy.
See Saturn, Mars, Uranus and Neptune this year!
On the night:
- Professionally catered food by a leading caterer (vegetarian option available - let us know by saying so in the comments box when you book)
- Night sky guide
- Binocular masterclass: bring yours, and we'll show you the secrets of the sky with a special laser show!
- Learn the constellations
- Door prizes
Tickets are only:
- Adult tickets: €39
- Child tickets: €29 for under-16s
- Family rates are: full price ticket for two adults and first child (€39+€39+€29), €20 per child thereafter
Note that ticket prices at the gate on the night are €50 per person, so be sure to book your ticket in advance.
Secure online booking form HERE
Alternatively, call (086) 06 46 555 with your credit card details
Gates open at 6pm and the event begins at 7pm.
Weather and Clear Skies
Star-B-Q 2016 goes ahead regardless of weather on Saturday, August 27th. If the sky is overcast on the night, a separate, telescope-only event will be organised for the following weekend, where you will still get to see the wonders of the universe!
The night is packed full of events to ensure that everyone has a great time, and we even have a number of backup talks and presentations planned in case the weather stops us seeing the sky.
Public Transport and Accomodation:
The Star-B-Q will take place at coordinates: N: 53.060, W: 6.230 (the green arrow below).
How to Get There
The GAA grounds are located just a couple of hundred metres outside Roundwood village on the R755. You can view a map of Roundwood below, with a guide on how to get to the GAA grounds.
View Larger Map
Taxis can be used to get you to or from the Star-B-Q. Alternatively St. Kevin's Bus service goes from opposite the Mansion House on Dawson St. to Roundwood. Fares and times are listed on their website.
There are a number of B&Bs in the area, and we recommend Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park for your overnight stay with tents, motorhomes, and caravans. Phone or email them at (01) 281 8163 or info@dublinwicklowcamping.com
All enquiries about bookings to office@astronomy.ie