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.
School/College trips to Dunsink Observatory can be arranged for any day if booked beforehand. These trips can be organised for day or evening time.
Driving Directions
Dunsink Observatory is located about 8 kms northwest of Dublin city centre, in the suburb of Castleknock, Dublin 15.
It is 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.
The Grubb Telescope is located in the South Dome, picture above, at Dunsink Observatory.
