Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the Mayo Dark Sky Festival.
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When does the Mayo Dark Sky Festival take place each year?
Our three day festival takes place over the weekend FOLLOWING the October Bank Holiday each year, so in 2026 that will be 30 October to 1 November, and in 2027 it will be 29 – 31 October
Does the two day ticket cover entry to the Friday Opening Night event in Ballycroy Visitor Centre?
NO, the two day ticket covers entry to events on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival weekend (with the exception of the Saturday Gala Dinner, which should be booked separately)
Does the Early Bird ticket cover entry to the Opening Night event in Ballycroy Visitor Centre?
NO, the Eary Bird ticket is essentially a two day ticket (purchased at a special reduced price) that covers entry to events on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival weekend (with the exception of the Saturday Gala Dinner, which should be booked separately)
Do children get in free to every event?
Where possible, children under 16 go free to festival events – all talks, walks, planetarium shows, finale concert etc. The only exception is where we have an event with limited capacity (usually a workshop) and we need to limit the number of attendees for safety reasons – in those cases we may charge a small entry fee for children to manage attendee numbers safely.
Are dogs allowed on the Seashore Safari and other guided walks during the festival?
Dogs are not permitted on outdoor events at the festival (with the exception of guide dogs and support dogs). This is for the comfort and safety of all attendees and participants.
I have a full time carer – does he or she have to pay for a ticket if they are accompanying me?
Festival attendees with a carer can apply for a carers pass, which allows the carer to attend any event free of charge, as long as they are accompanying the cared for person, and that person has paid for their ticket – simply contact the festival team by email after purchasing your ticket.
Are all events wheelchair accessible?
We do our utmost to ensure all venues are wheelchair accessible. Please see individual events to confirm accessibility – or contact the festival team by email
How do I travel between venues?
A free shuttle bus, funded by National Parks and Wildlife Service NPWS, will run regularly between the main festival venues in Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy. The timetable will be available on this website one month before the festival weekend.
For those travelling by car, detailed maps are available on this website. Please note that the venues are approx. 20 minutes apart (ie Newport to Mulranny – 20 minutes, Mulranny to Ballycroy 20 minutes, so Newport to Ballycroy – please allow 40 minutes travel time. There is plenty of parking close to each venue – see interactive map
Is it possible to attend all events over the festival weekend?
The festival has a full and varied programme, to suit all interests and age groups, and it is not possible logistically to attend all events. We encourage people to check out the full programme, use the filters to narrow down your options to the themes, locations or dates that suit you, and plan your itinerary accordingly.
What is your refund policy?
Full refunds on all online ticket sales are available up to 10 days before the festival commences.
Do I have to pay to attend the Lantern Walk?
NO, the Lantern Walk is free for everyone to attend, and there is no need to book in advance.
Do I have to pay to attend the Finale Concert?
Festival attendees with One Day, Two Day or Early Bird tickets will get free entry to the Finale Concert in Sunday night (on presentation of their festival ticket(s) at the door)
Children under 16 also get in free to the Finale Concert
Non ticket-holding adults will be charged entry at the door – or they can purchase concert tickets online in advance.
Do I have to pay to attend the Opening Night event in Ballycroy Visitor Centre?
As space is limited at the Visitor Centre, we ask that people book in advance. For this we charge a small registration fee. Only those who have pre-booked will be able to attend this popular event.
Are there camping/camper van facilities in the area?
There is a selection of camping, glamping and caravan parks in the west Mayo area – see the ‘Explore Mayo’ page for more details.
Can I pay at the venue rather than booking my ticket online in advance?
YES, you can pay at the door for any event (cash or card), when places are available, though we always recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance, to save time at the venue and to guarantee admission.
Is wine included at the three-course gala dinner?
To keep costs as low as possible, wine is not included in the price of the gala dinner at the Mulranny Park Hotel. There is a full bar in the dining room, and a selection of wines to choose from if you so wish.
Still have a question?
If you have any questions about the Mayo Dark Sky Festival, our venues or upcoming events, please get in touch. We are here to help you plan your visit.
Plan Your Visit
Maps & Links
Shuttle Bus Service
Explore Mayo
Mayo’s Dark Sky Communities
Stargazing
