DIAS | SCP | The Astronomy & Astrophysics Section

Dunsink Observatory

Dunsink Observatory is the oldest scientific institution in Ireland. Built in 1783-1785 for the first Andrews' Professor of Astronomy in Trinity College Dublin, the observatory is situated on a hill 8km northwest of Dublin's city centre, where it first housed the Astronomy section of the School of Cosmic Physics in the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
Sir William Rowan Hamilton, the discoverer of quaternion mathematics and eminent 19th Century mathematician and physicist, is a former director of the Observatory, during his term as Andrews' Professor of Astronomy.

Open Nights

Open Nights are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month during the winter months (October-March). Weather permitting, visitors can view celestial objects through the historic Grubb Telescope and two smaller telescopes. Visitors can also attend audio-visual presentations and lectures on a wide variety of topics in astronomy. There is also a question and answer session on all your astronomy related queries. Open nights are free of charge.

If you wish to attend the Open Nights, please contact Hilary O'Donnell,
Tel: +353-1-6621333, E-mail: hod@cp.dias.ie.

The next open night will be held on Wednesday October 6th

Education and Outreach

Schools and Colleges

School/College trips to Dunsink Observatory can be arranged if booked beforehand. These trips can be organised for day or evening time.
Science Week - Astronomy Watch (8th-15th November 2009)

Astronomy Watch is an outreach programme run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies to coincide with Science Week Ireland.

During Science Week, a number of Secondary Schools are invited to visit Dunsink Observatory and take part in Astronomy Watch. Lectures on a wide variety of topics in astronomy are held, and weather permitting, students are given the opportunity to look through the Grubb Telescope located in the South Dome at Dunsink Observatory.

The aim of this programme is to promote science as a career path for school students and as a source of interest and excitement for everyone.

For more information on these events or to request an invitation for your school, please contact
Hilary O'Donnell E-mail: hod@cp.dias.ie or Anne Grace E-mail: ag@cp.dias.ie
Tel: +353-1-6621333.
Calender of events at Dunsink Observatory for 2008
Calender of events at Dunsink Observatory for 2007

Driving Directions

Castleknock, Dublin 15: Dunsink Observatory is located about 8 kms northwest of Dublin city centre, in the suburb of Castleknock.
Easily accessible by car, head for Castleknock along the N3 out of Dublin. Dunsink Observatory is signposted from the Auburn roundabout (this is the only entrance to Dunsink Lane) which is in close proximity to the Blanchardstown intersection, on the M50. Map

Buses (numbers 38 and 39) to Dunsink leave from Hawkins Street, off Burgh Quay on the south bank of the river Liffey. Get off at the bus stop after the Auburn Avenue/New Dunsink Lane roundabout (Little Chef visible on the right) on the Navan Road, cross over to New Dunsink Lane and follow it for the next two miles.

Current Weather at Dunsink

You can check out the current weather in Dunsink Observatory by clicking here. This includes information on temperature, pressure, rainfall, etc., with historical data.

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