Keynote Speakers and Events
Department of Physics, Oxford University
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Keynote talk: 'Astronomy and Poetry', Friday 13th June
Dublin, Institute for Advanced Studies

Keynote talk: 'From Newgrange to the Extremely Large Telescope: Monuments of Ingenuity in the Quest to Understand Our Universe', Thursday 12th June
School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester

Keynote talk: "Sighting the Sun — and Moon? — at Stonehenge"?, Monday 9th June
Sunday, 8 June, 6:00-9:00 pm
Welcome Reception at the Rotunda of Belfast City Hall
Delegates will have the chance to explore Belfast's rich history through a private, guided tour of this iconic building. The tour includes exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public, such as The Council Chamber and the Robing Room, where the civic chains and official jewels are showcased.
Thursday, 12 June, from 7:00 pm
Conference Dinner at Belfast Castle
This iconic mansion, situated in Cave Hill Country Park, stands 400 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views over the City of Belfast and Belfast Lough. With its stunning location, Belfast Castle provides the perfect backdrop for a stellar banquet and an unforgettable, astronomical conference dinner. The dinner will feature captivating cabaret entertainment by Lynda Lovon.
Friday, 13 June
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
The conference will take place in the Copernicus Hall at Armagh Planetarium and will feature a tour of the Observatory. Bus transportation to and from Queen's University Belfast to Armagh Observatory has been arranged for attendees.
Saturday, 14 June
Optional trip to some of Ireland's most breathtaking archaeoastronomical sites
🚨 Attention 🚨
We would like to inform you that the trip to Newgrange has now reached its maximum capacity. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any more registrations at this time. However, if you are interested, there is still availability for the trip to Dunsink Observatory on the same day. We encourage you to register soon!
Organised bus transport provided.
The Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth in County Meath date back to around 3,200 BC, predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient structures, part of the Boyne Valley Mounds, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Newgrange is famous for its winter solstice sunrise alignment, which illuminates its passage and chamber.
Knowth has two passages and is surrounded by seventeen satellite cairns.
Dowth, the Fairy Mound of Darkness, is similar in size and age to the other tombs. A damaging excavation in 1847 revealed two tombs, Dowth North and Dowth South. Dowth South aligns with the setting sun of the winter solstice, illuminating its passage and chamber.
These sites, rich in history and megalithic art, are subjects of debate regarding their original purpose, whether as burial tombs, sacred temples, or astronomical observatories.
Saturday, 14 June
Optional Trip to Dunsink Observatory and Distillery
On this day, there is an opportunity to visit Dunsink Observatory and a nearby distillery. Transportation is organised for participants.
Dunsink Observatory: Participants will have the chance to explore Ireland's oldest purpose-built scientific building. The observatory is renowned for its contributions to astronomy and offers insights into celestial navigation and historical telescopes. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and learn about the significant scientific achievements made here.
Distillery Tour: This visit includes a guided tour of the distillery, where you can observe the distillation process and understand the craftsmanship behind premium spirits.