H2: Dundalk Hosts a Free Family Space Day Ahead of World Space Week 2025
Dundalk is set to become a hub of family-friendly science from 11am to 5pm next Saturday, 11 October, as town-wide events celebrate Family Space Day. Organized by Town Scientist Dr. Niamh Shaw and funded by Research Ireland’s Discover Programme, the day brings together planetarium experiences, expert talks, and creative workshops designed to spark curiosity in space and science for all ages. The event runs across multiple venues, notably Louth County Library and the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building, making it easy for families to plan a day of exploration.
H3: Immersive Planetarium Experiences from Armagh and Beyond
A highlight of the programme is the Armagh Planetarium Dome Shows, delivered inside a portable dome that lets visitors experience the night sky up close. Shows run every 30 minutes from 11am to 5pm at the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building, offering a rare chance to drift through stars, planets, and constellations without leaving town. The portable dome makes it possible for children and adults to enjoy a realistic planetarium experience in a familiar community setting, reinforcing the theme of accessible science.
H3: Talks That Bring Space Down to Earth
The day’s talks tackle everyday questions about life in space and the design challenges of living beyond Earth. At 11am in Dundalk Library, attendees can hear from former NASA engineer David Bushman, who helped build life support systems for the International Space Station. His presentation, “Engineering for Life in Space,” explores how astronauts sleep, cook, and survive in a microgravity environment, giving insight into the engineering behind long-duration missions.
At 3pm, also in Dundalk Library, Dr. Niamh Shaw shares “Living in the Arctic…Thinking About Space.” The talk blends her Arctic expedition experiences with reflections on how ship life in extreme conditions can inform future life on the Moon or Mars. Expect real footage, personal stories, and an interactive Q&A session that invites families to ask about resilience, adaptation, and exploration.
H3: Hands-On Creation: Design Your Own Space Accessory
From 12pm to 3pm, families can roll up their sleeves for a creative workshop at the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building. Led by Town Scientist alumni and local parent Eva Ponomoraw, the session invites children aged 8 and up (accompanied by a parent or guardian) to design and craft their own space-themed accessory. The activity blends science learning with artistry, giving young explorers a tangible reminder of the vast universe and their place within it.
H2: Why Town Scientist and World Space Week Converge in Dundalk
Town Scientist, Dr. Niamh Shaw, frames Family Space Day as a celebration of curiosity, collaboration, and community-supported science. She highlights how partnerships with Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Library, Louth ABC Programme, and Louth County Council make such experiences possible for families who might not usually access science programming. The event is part of World Space Week 2025, a global initiative to engage the public with space science and exploration.
H3: How to Join and What to Expect
All events are free, with advance registration strongly encouraged to secure a place on popular activities, including the planetarium shows and the Arctic talk. Some sessions are already fully booked, and a waitlist is in operation. Interested attendees should visit the Eventbrite page for Dundalk Town Scientist Family Space Day to register and view the complete schedule. Town Scientist urges everyone to register to avoid disappointment while enjoying a full day of space-themed learning.
H2: A Day for All Ages: Sparking Interest in Science and Exploration
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Shaw expressed excitement about the range of activities, noting that there is “something for all the family.” The day’s format—combining immersive experiences, expert talks, and creative workshops—reflects a practical approach to science outreach: making complex ideas accessible, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
H2: Looking Ahead
Town Scientist and partners view Family Space Day as a stepping stone to future events in Dundalk. With ongoing support from Research Ireland’s Discover Programme, the team hopes to expand educational outreach and invite more families to explore space, science, and technology together. Attendees can expect more opportunities to engage with space in hands-on, family-friendly formats in the months ahead.
H2: Registration and More Information
To view the full event line-up and register, visit the dedicated Eventbrite page for Free Town Scientist Family Space Day at Dundalk Library and Dundalk Credit Union. Prepare for a day of space-packed learning, creativity, and wonder that will resonate long after the last planetarium show ends.
