26^th & 27^th of September

Weather permitting, the club will be holding night sky observing sessions, starting at 8pm and lasting well into the night, weather permitting. If the weather is not favourable, we'll be heading back to Logues Lodge in BallyVaughan.

The Burren is one of the darkest sites in Ireland and western Europe, making it a superb location for astronomy. The club telescopes are available for anyone who doesn't have a telescope and  club members will have their telescopes there also.
There will be a brief discussion before observing about the night sky at the 
observing site. 
This is a FREE event !!.

if the weather is not good we will abondon the observing 
and go back to Logues Lodge in BallyVaughan.

See the club news for more details on the StarParty.

FRIDAY 26^th & SATURDAY 27^th of September 2014

Observing: 8:00pm onwards

Observing Location: Poulnabrone Dolmen Car Park.
If the weather is not good, we will abondon the observing 
and go back to Logues Lodge in Ballyvaughan.

Before we begin observing with the telescopes, a quick open air talk will be done 
to show what constellations, stars and planets are visible.

If you have your own scope or binoculars please bring them along.
There will be designated parking and areas for scopes.
Please follow our direction with regards to this for health & safety.
Click the thumbnails below for the layout.

     

Observing site, lit up by a winter full moon.

Whirlpool Starparty (WSP) notice:

Shannonside Astronomy Club  ran the (Whirlpool) Starparty for many years and we have been very lucky to have played host to some wonderful speakers & guests including, John Dobson, Nick Szymanek, David Levy, Sir Patrick Moore, Dr. John Mason, Cor Berrevoets, Dr. Chris Lintott, Ian Ridpath, Wil Tirion to name but a few!

We like to take this opportunity to say that it is not without some considerable committee discussions and debate that the decision to change the format and location of our yearly starparty, which has become so very well established and connected with Birr was taken. The committee would like to thank Lord Rosse for his patronage and use of the castle grounds for the observing nights and also the Birr office of Shannon Development for their support over the years.

With that in mind and in the spirit of good will, the SAC committee have decided to gift the name of our starparty to the  Birr Castle Demesne and if his Lordship sees fit to continue to allow star party's under the name 'Whirlpool' and without any affiliation to SAC to be run in Birr and his castle grounds as before, then we sincerely wish his good self  and any future organizers of any such event the very best of luck and success.

Note: 2008 was the last year SAC ran a WSP in Birr. All other events (irregardless of their name) run at Birr after 2008 are in no way affiliated with SAC.

CLICK HERE to see info on previous years starparties 

Other accommodation in Ballyvaughan 

(please note that prices are subject to change)

Hylands Burren Hotel

info@hylandsburren.com

www.hylandsburren.com

065-7077037 

They have 30 rooms and have agreed a special rate for the BSP .
You must mention BSP when making a booking. 

2 nights B&B plus one dinner for €90 per person sharing (pps) 
for an ordinary room and €119 for a superior room

1 night B&B for €39 pps ordinary room

single occupancy incurs a €20 surcharge 
 
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Burren Walking Lodge 
(10 minutes walk from the village-book through Hylands hotel)

www.burrenwalkinglodge.com

info@www.burrenwalkinglodge. com

065-7077037 

€70 per room per night (not pps) 
 
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Rusheen Lodge  
(9 rooms about 10 minutes walk to the village
must mention attendance at BSP to get a 10% discount) 

www.rusheenlodge.com

065-7077092 
 

Double / twin   €45 pps

Single  €70 
 
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Some B&Bs in the town 

Teach Na Coillte

Ballyvaughan Lodge

The Soda Parlour B&B

Oceanville B&B 

Some B&Bs about 10 minutes walk to the hotel 

Burren View B&B

Cappabhaile B&B 
 
 

It is also possible to rent a cottage for a group. They are all beside the Burren Coast Hotel.

Rent an Irish Cottage

info@rentacottage.ie

061-411109