The Limerick Astronomy Club (LAC) was founded on February 6th, 1986. From the mid-1990s until 2018, the club was known as the Shannonside Astronomy Club (SAC), but we eventually decided to revert to our original name.
LAC is composed of members who share a common interest in the various aspects of astronomy from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and further afield. We were a founding member of IFAS (The Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies).
As part of our commitment to bringing astronomy to the public in the region, we provide talks for schools and arrange occasional public gatherings for major celestial events.
We run a bulletin board for people to discuss astronomical related subjects - it's a friendly place to chat with other amateur astronomers of all levels.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month (except January where it is the second Thursday). Our meetings typically include:
- 📰Discussion on astronomy news and events
- 🌟Night sky presentation for the coming month
- ☕Tea break with light refreshments
- 🎤Main speaker presentation
Topics are varied and presented by both our own members and occasional guest speakers. New members are always welcome!
Observation sessions are organized to coincide with various events or clear nights on weekend evenings. The club has:
- 🔭12" Dobsonian telescope
- 🔭Meade 10" Schmidt Cassegrain telescope
- 👥Members' personal instruments
We usually observe from dark sky sites around Limerick, the Burren car park in County Clare, and O'Callaghan's Strand in Limerick city.
- 🌌Burren StarParty: Annual astronomy gathering
- 🏖️O'Callaghan's Strand: Public observing events
- 🏫School Talks: Educational presentations
- 📰Starscape Articles: Weekly features (historical)
Keep an eye on our Club News page for upcoming events.
The club has a fully democratically electable committee and operates with a non-profit ethos. We're run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers who freely give up their time and efforts.
All club funds are channeled back into the club in terms of equipment for the benefit of members and other expenses such as insurance and room rental.
View Our Constitution