The Mayo Dark Sky Festival has been honoured with the 2025 Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Award for Best Tourism Festival, a wonderful recognition of the community effort, creativity and passion that have shaped the festival over the past decade.
The award was presented at a celebratory event in Breaffy House Resort on 5 March 2026, where the Mayo Dark Sky Festival team was nominated alongside a strong group of festivals and tourism initiatives from across the county. To be recognised among such inspiring projects was an honour in itself — and to come home with the award made the night even more special.
This recognition is a tribute to the many people and organisations who have supported the festival since it began. From local volunteers and community groups to national partners, the Mayo Dark Sky Festival has always been a collaborative celebration of Mayo’s remarkable natural heritage and dark skies.
Special congratulations go to Festival Director Fiona Hopkins, whose leadership, energy and vision have helped guide the festival’s growth over the last ten years. Under Fiona’s direction, the festival has become one of the most distinctive cultural and science events in the region, attracting visitors, astronomers, photographers, artists and families to experience the night skies of Mayo.
Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Wild Nephin National Park and the Mayo Dark Sky Park, the festival brings together stargazing events, talks, workshops, photography sessions, music, art and community gatherings that celebrate both science and culture under some of the darkest skies in Europe.
The award also recognises the ongoing support of our local communities in Ballycroy, Newport, and Mulranny, as well as partners including Wild Nephin National Park, Fáilte Ireland, Mayo County Council, Community Foundation Ireland, and many local groups and volunteers who make the festival possible each year.
Winning the Cathaoirleach’s Award is not just a milestone for the festival – it is a celebration of Mayo’s dark skies, its communities, and the shared effort to protect and celebrate this unique natural resource.
As the festival looks ahead to the coming years, this recognition gives the team even more motivation to continue growing the event and welcoming visitors from near and far to experience the magic of Mayo after dark.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Mayo Dark Sky Festival over the years – this award belongs to all of you.
