Star-B-Q 2026
Saturday September 5th 2026
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Gates open at 4pm, with food available and viewing continues to 10pm with talks at 6, 7 and 8pm
Andromeda Galaxy, a target on the night
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Or call us on 086 06 46 555
ALL ABOUT THE EVENT
FAMILY FRIENDLY TELESCOPE FESTIVAL: All ages welcome! Something for the whole family! Learn the constellations, get advice on your telescope and take part in our space themed arts and crafts “creation station”.
LARGE TELESCOPES: You will get to see the WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE from the dark skies of Roundwood in Co. Wicklow (MAP), Ireland’s highest village, with some of the most powerful telescopes in Ireland!
(This is an event unique to Ireland, visitors from abroad are welcome too!)
LOTS TO SEE IN VERY DARK SKIES: learn the constellations when pointed out with Ireland’s most powerful hand-held laser (40km beam!), binocular classes (also with the laser.)
BARBECUE: A professionally catered 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.
5:00pm – Gates open. Food served from 5pm — 8pm
6:00pm – Rocket Launch
6:30pm – Formal Opening
7:00pm – ‘How Telescopes Work’ John Campbell, Class Tutor
8:00pm – ‘Total Solar Eclipse In Close Up’ Anthony Lynch, Astrophotographer
9:00pm – Viewing if Clear/ if Cloudy – Eclipses In History’ –
David Moore, Astronomy Ireland
11:00pm – Formal viewing ends. Some telescopes stay after this
Barbecue will be served from 5pm until 8pm. You can get your food throughout the night. Once ticket used it is invalid.
GREAT TALKS: These are talks aimed at the public, so no knowledge of science needed.
7:00PM – ‘“How Telescopes Work” by John Campbell, Class Tutor
8:00 PM – “Total Solar Eclipse in close up” by Anthony Lynch, Astrophotographer.
Absolutely Superb Video and Images of the 100% Solar Eclipse from Spain !!
9:00 – “Eclipses in History” by David Moore, Astronomy Ireland. (Only if cloudy, otherwise viewing)
LOTS TO SEE IN THE HALL:
Display, trade stands, advice, magazine.
Amazing talks on the night.
Book early to avoid disappointment!
Call us on 086 06 46 555 for bookings over the phone or email us at admin@astronomy.ie for any queries.
EXCEPTIONAL NOTES: Star-B-Q is mainly a standing event. There will be a few hundred seats for those who wish to sit for the 20 – 30 minute talks.
We do not post out tickets. Please bring along your confirmation with you on the night as your E-Ticket.
NB: There are strictly no refunds (in the event of the skies being cloudy a seperate Telescope Night will be organised).
Star-B-Q FAQs >>>HERE
Please wear warm clothes on the night as it can get quite cold.
There are no dogs allowed at the venue.
There is no alcohol allowed.
LOCATION: The event will take place in the GAA Grounds Roundwood, County Wicklow. Eircode A98 V2W5. Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/24jrE7xvtZNmcR5EA
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SHOP HERE
Telescopes, Books and Equipment
