Stars and Stones Explored

A journey of exploration from OM Dark Sky Park in Davagh Forest to Beaghmore Stone Circles, discovering the connections between the stars and the stones.

Saturday 11th October

The return of the first fully dark Stars and Stones Explored of autumn is all about the púca and stories told by our ancestors to cope with the long dark nights.

From banshees to bats and fairies, we have many ancient mischievous creatures who lurk in the dark ready to frighten anyone who dares to go out in the dead of night. As the autumn sky comes into view we will be explaining how these stories were birthed from long nights spent around the fire. Learn how stone sites like Beaghmore would provide protection for the coming season of Samhain [“Halloween”] in this spooky month of October.

This event starts with a delicious picnic and refreshments before following the Solar Walk from OM over to the Beaghmore Stone Circles. The total walk will be just under 4 miles. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Dress weather appropriate as this event is outdoors and in darkness.

Please bring a torch with you, preferably with red light.

Please advise when booking if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies

Saturday 8th November

Stars and Stones Explored will meet the Moonrise at the Davagh Stones, here in Northern Ireland’s only Dark Sky Park. With clear skies we should be treated to a Waning Gibbous Moon rising over the megalith, with binoculars at the ready to see it in detail. The previous nights will have had a “super moon”. Our astronomers will explain what these “super moons” are, and what effect the Moon might have had on the layout of ancient stone sites like those found here in the Sperrins.

This event starts with a delicious picnic and refreshments before setting off through the forest out to the Davagh Stones. The total walk will be just under 2 miles. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Dress weather appropriate as this event is outdoors and in darkness. Please bring a torch with you, preferably with red light.

Please advise when booking if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies.

Sunday 21st December

Our final Stars & Stones Explored of 2025 will celebrate the Winter Solstice sunset at the Beaghmore Stone Circles. The Winter Solstice sunset has been marked in Ireland and Britain for thousands of years – our astronomers will explain how and why. After sunset, the unique skies here in Northern Ireland’s only Dark Sky Park provide perfect conditions for viewing the minor Ursids Meteor Shower. A perfect end to the year.

This event follows the Solar Walk from OM over to the Beaghmore Stone Circles, finishing with a delicious picnic and refreshments. The total walk will be just under 4 miles. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Dress weather appropriate as this event is outdoors and in darkness. Please bring a torch with you, preferably with red light.

Please advise when booking if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies.