7 most magical stargazing spots in Northern Ireland
Check out our guide to the best places to view the night sky ✨
Did you know Northern Ireland offers some of the darkest night skies in all of Europe?
This means we’re more than likely going to see activity in the night sky. Whether you’re a budding astronomer or new to all of this, we’ve pieced together a helpful guide for stargazing in NI.
From the Wild Atlantic Way to forgotten forests and mysterious islands, there is a wealth of stargazing locations across Northern Ireland that will catch your eye.
Top tips for stargazing:
- Try to find the darkest location, get away from streetlights or moonlight
- Your eyes take up to 20 minutes to get used to the dark, so be patient
- Look up and lie down, you'll get a clearer view
- You don't always need a telescope or binoculars, your eyes are just as good
- If you do use binoculars, wait around 15 minutes. This gives them time to cool down outside
- Almost all stars look white but in fact they are lots of colours. If you use binoculars out of focus, you’ll be able to see the colours. The colours can tell us how hot the surface is. Red is cooler and blue is the hottest
- A cloudless sky is of the utmost importance to enjoy astronomy
Here’s our pick of the top 10 places to stargaze in NI 👇
Darvagh Forest, Cookstown
Davagh Forest Park is the first place in Northern Ireland to be accredited as an IDA International Dark Sky Park. It is one of only 85 places around the globe to hold this distinction.
Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge site is classified as one of the best places in Northern Ireland for stargazing. Periodically Carrick-a-Rede hosts special star gazing evenings for astronomy fans.
The entire The Antrim coast road offers points where the aurora sometimes makes an impactful show at night.
Mourne Mountains, Newcastle
There's no need to worry about finding a decent spot for your car or struggling with crowds to see the stars. The Mournes offer miles and miles of stunning scenery, hiking trails and nocturnal skies.
This is truly the perfect spot, void of any light pollution, so pitch up a tent and fall asleep staring at the twinkling sky above.
Oxford Island, Craigavon
Nestled on the banks of Lough Neagh sits Oxford Island! Fun fact: the area has hosted BBC Stargazing Live and has been named a top Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Delamont Country Park, Downpatrick
Another tranquil spot, this time situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.
This beautiful 200-acre park hosts monthly events here with the Irish Astro Association. These sessions cater for everyone no matter their experience, and all ages are welcome.
Divis Mountain, Belfast
The closest stargazing spot to Belfast has to be Divis Mountain, that towers over the city 478m high. The views overlooking the capital city are spectacular but cast your eyes to the skies and you'll still have plenty to see.
Th elevation is so high here, towards the top of the mountain sees very little light pollution from the city below.
Benone Beach, Limavady
Stretching from Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, enjoy seven miles of golden sands and unparalleled views across to Donegal. There's something so special gazing at the night sky with the sound of waves in the distance.
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