Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

A working observatory and a planetarium on one site in Armagh, and by its own description Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical research and education. The observatory was opened in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson; the planetarium followed in 1968. It is a member of the Alliance of Historic Observatories.

The planetarium runs shows in a 360-degree digital dome theatre, programmed for adults as well as for schools and families. Shows are ticketed through the website. It opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, and closes on Mondays apart from bank holidays.

Most planetariums are built around school trips. Armagh programmes its dome for adults as well, and the observatory next to it is still running working research.