Family Space Day set to launch in Dundalk with planetarium shows, talks and workshops

Dundalk families and space enthusiasts are in for a treat next Saturday, 11th October, as a series of events will take place throughout the town to mark Family Space Day. The day will feature planetarium shows, live talks, hands-on activities, and inspiring space-themed experiences for all ages. Hosted at Louth County Library and the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building, the event is part of World Space Week 2025 and is organised by Dr. Niamh Shaw as part of her community science programme Town Scientist, funded by Research Ireland’s Discover Programme.

Taking place from 11am to 5pm, programme highlights will include:

1. Armagh Planetarium Dome Shows

Experience the night sky like never before inside a portable planetarium dome from Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Shows take place every 30 minutes from 11am to 5pm at Dundalk Credit Unition Community Building.

2. Engineering for Life in Space, 11am in Dundalk Library

How do astronauts sleep, cook and live in space? Learn what it takes to design a home in space with former NASA engineer David Bushman, who helped build life support systems for the International Space Station. Taking place.

3. Living in the Arctic…Thinking About Space, 3pm in Dundalk Library

Join Dundalk’s Town Scientist and explorer Dr. Niamh Shaw as she shares stories from her recent Arctic expedition. Discover what life was like on a ship in the frozen north — and why it might help us live on the Moon or Mars. Her interactive talk will include real footage, personal stories, and a Q&A.

4. Create your own space-themed accessory! 12pm – 3pm in Dundalk Credit Union Community Building.

This creative, hands-on workshop is delivered by Town Scientist alumni and local parent, Eva Ponomoraw. Children and families will create their own space-themed accessory, going home not only with a beautiful keepsake but a new way of looking at the universe. Ages 8 and up, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All events are free, but families are asked to register in advance. A number of the events are fully booked but a waitlist is in operation. The full line of events and registration is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-town-scientist-family-space-day-at-dundalk-library-and-dundalk-credit-tickets-1744060364499?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Speaking ahead of Saturday, Town Scientist for Dundalk Dr Niamh Shaw said: “We have a host of amazing family events for this year’s Space Week. From talks, to interactive workshops, to journeys through space in a portable planetarium, there is something for all the family. I would really encourage people from Dundalk and beyond to mark next Saturday in your diaries and come along to one of our free events – you never know what you may learn or what you may be inspired to do! However we are asking people to make sure they check out and register via the Eventbrite link to avoid disappointment.

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“Space Day will be culmination of collaboration and hard work between a number of organisations – Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Library, Louth ABC Programme in partnership with Louth County Council, and the team behind Town Scientist. It is thanks to their support and enthusiasm we can bring Space Day to life and we hope that the families of Louth will enjoy the day, find out more about Town Scientist – and come to more events in the future. None of this would be possible without the support of Research Ireland and their Discover Programme.”

Find out more about Niamh Shaw and Town Scientist here: https://niamhshaw.ie/