Explore Space Together in Dundalk for Family Space Day
Families in Dundalk and beyond are invited to a full day of space-themed activities on Saturday, 11 October, as the town hosts its annual Family Space Day. The event, which runs from 11am to 5pm, will bring planetarium shows, live talks, hands-on workshops, and engaging space experiences to two central venues: Louth County Library and the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building.
Planetarium Experiences Bring the Night Sky to Town
One of the day’s highlights is the Armagh Planetarium dome show, delivered inside a portable dome that offers a window into the night sky without leaving Dundalk. Shows run every 30 minutes from 11am to 5pm at the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building, allowing visitors to travel through space at their own pace. These immersive experiences are ideal for curious minds of all ages and provide a captivating way to understand stars, planets, and the vastness beyond our atmosphere.
Educational Talks: From NASA to Arctic Expeditions
The day features two marquee talks designed to spark imagination and curiosity. At 11am in Dundalk Library, former NASA engineer David Bushman will discuss “Engineering for Life in Space”—shedding light on how astronauts sleep, cook, and live aboard spacecraft, and what goes into designing life support systems for long-duration missions. Later, at 3pm, Town Scientist Dr. Niamh Shaw will share stories from her Arctic expedition in an engaging session titled “Living in the Arctic…Thinking About Space.” Attendees will hear personal experiences, see real footage, and have a Q&A to prompt further exploration of how extreme environments can inform life on the Moon or Mars.
Hands-On Creativity: Build Your Own Space Accessory
Kids and families can get creative with a hands-on workshop from 12pm to 3pm at the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building. Led by Eva Ponomoraw, a Town Scientist alumnus and local parent, this session invites participants aged 8 and up to design and craft space-themed accessories. Parents or guardians must accompany children, but everyone leaves with a tangible keepsake and a new perspective on the universe.
How to Register and What to Expect
All events are free to attend, though advance registration is encouraged as spots fill quickly. Some sessions are fully booked, but a waitlist is available. For the complete programme and registration details, visit the Eventbrite page linked by Town Scientist. This Family Space Day is part of World Space Week 2025 and is supported by a coalition of partners committed to science outreach, including Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Library, Louth ABC Programme, Louth County Council, and Research Ireland’s Discover Programme.
A Message from Town Scientist’s Dr Niamh Shaw
Dr Niamh Shaw emphasized the collaborative nature of the event: “We have a host of amazing family events for this year’s Space Week. From talks to interactive workshops to journeys through space in a portable planetarium, there is something for all the family.” She also encouraged attendees to register in advance to avoid disappointment and to discover more about Town Scientist’s ongoing work in Dundalk and beyond.
Why Space Day Matters for Families
Family Space Day is more than an entertainment lineup. It serves as a gateway for children and parents to engage with science, ask questions, and envision a future where space exploration can be part of everyday life. By combining live talks, immersive planetarium experiences, and hands-on activities, the event aims to ignite curiosity, nurture critical thinking, and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers in Louth and the surrounding region.
