Boyne Valley Astronomical Society invites newcomers to explore the skies above the Royal County

While most of us might simply admire a clear night sky, the members of the Boyne Valley Astronomical Society are busy figuring out exactly what lies beyond it. From planets and galaxies to distant stars, the group has spent the past two years bringing people across Meath and Louth together through a shared fascination with the cosmos.

Since launching in 2024, the society has been bringing together people from across the northeast region who share a fascination with what lies beyond our planet.

Now, the group is inviting even more budding astronomers to join them, with a beginner’s basics astronomy course planned for new members.

It might come as a surprise to some that there is such an active astronomy community stretching across the Boyne Valley, with members from Navan, Drogheda, Dundalk and beyond. Ever since a small group of like-minded people came together to form the Boyne Valley Astronomical Society, or BVAS for short, in January 2024, the club has provided plenty of opportunities for members to enjoy some truly cosmic experiences.

Chairperson Seán Ó Cearrúlláin, from Drogheda, initially floated the idea of forming a local society after sharing a post on Astronomy Ireland’s social media page. Club Secretary Susan McKeon spotted the post and got in touch.

Seán suggested creating a club for people in Meath and Louth, where there was a noticeable lack of local groups and services for those with an interest in astronomy.

Susan, who is originally from Dublin but has lived in Drogheda for 26 years, said: “A group chat was made around the end of 2023 and Sean was seeing what interest there would be in the club, and it just started from there. It became apparent that there was no local astronomy society in Meath or Louth, so there was a market for it.”

January 2024 marked the official launch of the club, although its first meeting was postponed until February due to bad weather, in true Irish fashion.

Club Secretary Susan said: “We held a party which we called a ‘star party’ which was a BBQ at Oldbridge Estate in Drogheda. It was at night time and it was fantastic. About 15 to 20 people showed up and we all brought equipment and it was the first time for a lot of us to meet. The OPW had given us permission to use the grounds after closing time, which was incredibly kind.

“That first meeting was definitely a highlight for me. It was such an interesting and relaxing evening for all of us. Astronomy can be quite a lonely hobby. Many people go out and observe the skies by themselves, so it can be nice to meet like-minded people and to share your interests.”

Today, the society has around 30 members, ranging in age from 18 to 70.While the thought of astronomy might conjure up images of complicated equipment, scientific formulas or hours spent studying the stars, Susan says there is no need to be an expert, or to even own a telescope, to get involved.

“That’s the thing about this club. Any age over 18 is allowed to join and you don’t need any equipment or knowledge to join. There’s plenty to learn about. All you need is an interest in the cosmos.”

The society has invested in its own equipment, which members can use, while equipment is also available to rent from the society.

“We like to share what we have and help out in any way, and members can bring their own equipment too.”

The group travels throughout the region, sometimes meeting up as one society and sometimes splitting into smaller groups to explore different viewing locations.

Mornington Beach is a popular spot, as are other areas where there is less light pollution, giving members a better chance of seeing the night sky in all its glory.

The society has also taken its telescopes out into the community, giving passers-by the chance to get a closer look at the universe.

“We did a sidewalk astronomy meet up which was on a path where Venus was incredibly visible in the night sky, even to the naked eye. Doing the meetup on the path with all the equipment was great fun because so many people walked past and showed an interest in what we were doing and we even recruited some new members that wouldn’t have known the society existed. We had strangers walk by and queue up to look through the telescope.”

For some members, a quick evening of stargazing is more than enough, while others are willing to go the extra mile with overnight trips to find the best possible views of the skies.

Whatever your level of interest, there is room for everyone within the society.

“The group as a whole meets up as often as possible and we organise our meet ups through our Whatsapp group chat, but members meet up outside of the group, too. It’s really inclusive and a great way to meet people with any level of interest.”

The society is also committed to education, hosting courses and talks for members at all levels, from complete beginners to those with more advanced knowledge.

For Susan, who is a full-time carer for her son, everything she does for BVAS is voluntary work. She also volunteers with Astronomy Ireland.

“I’ve been obsessed with astronomy since I was five years old, so it’s just a pleasure to do anything involving it. Sean also runs a film company called SkyHigh Productions, so we all have our other things going on, too.”

While the Irish weather may not always provide ideal conditions for stargazing, that doesn't stop the group from getting together.

“Astronomy is a slow hobby. You need patience and time. The weather doesn’t bother us because we always have a lot to learn and share. We hold talks as much as we can, it’s not all gazing at stars. All you need is an interest and a willingness to learn to join.”

Membership is open to people living in Meath and Louth, with no previous astronomy experience required.

For new members, the society will be running a beginner’s basics astronomy course. As an added bonus, new members will also have their name entered into a draw to win two tickets to see Professor Brian Cox at the 3Arena in Dublin on 16th November 2026.

The society also has plenty more planned, including building a DIY cardboard planetarium, launching a high-altitude balloon to carry out science experiments and reaching the edge of space above Meath and Louth. A number of astronomy talks are also being organised for the final quarter of 2026.

For more information on how to start your star gazing journey, please click here.