Schull Planetarium, part of the local
Community College, is the only Planetarium in the Republic of
Ireland and provides a unique educational resource.
On the Planetarium's 8 metre dome, the Carl Zeiss single
sphere sky projector shows an accurate representation of the
night sky from anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
Located in the seaside village of Schull in West Cork, the 70
seat Planetarium has a beautiful situation beside the harbour
and in the shadow of Mount Gabriel. Known primarily for its
fishing and sailing, Schull is the location of the Fastnet
International Schools Regatta.
The Planetarium came to be built in Schull due to the largesse
of the late Herr Josef Menke, a German industrialist with a
keen interest in astronomy. The Menke family were frequent
visitors to Schull and felt, like so many others, the area's
distinctive charm. Such was Schull's appeal to Herr Menke that
he undertook to provide the community with a planetarium
projector, if the community would provide the building to
house it.
The task was accomplished through the joint efforts of the
Cork Vocational Education Committee (VEC) and Schull
Development Association, with financial support from Bord
Fáilte, the National Lottery, the West Cork Development
Association and Cork County Council. The Planetarium was
opened on the 9th of March 1989, by the then President of
Ireland, Dr. Patrick Hillary and has since provided a sterling
service to local and visiting astronomers, as well as people
who just want to learn a little about the night sky .
Be sure to take in one of the Star Shows during your holiday!
For more details, opening times entrance fees,
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