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                                                                      NEW The 2008 Whirlpool NEW


                                                                       The 2007 Whirlpool was kindly sponsored by:
                           

The Whirlpool Star Party is Irelands premier annual astronomical event orgainised by the Shannonside astronomy club.
It takes place over 3 days in the Autumn at Dooly's hotel, Birr, Co. Offaly and includes;
Observing sessions in the castle grounds beside the Great 72'' Birr Telescope, 
two days of fascinating lectures & presentations by world renowned figures in the astronomy community,
Various stalls & stands in the hall showcasing Astrophotography, Telescopes & Accessories, Books etc.
The Whirlpool dinner with table quiz and prize draws and of course the fantastic 
science center in the beautiful grounds of the world famous Birr Gardens.

The presentations are always world class and we’ve had some great speakers in the past including :
David Levy, - The famous 'comet hunter' most famous for his co-discovery in 1993 of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with Jupiter in '94. Listen to David Levy talking about the WSP at letstalkstars.com.
John Dobson,  - The inventor of the 'Dobsonian' telescope & brainchild of the 'Sidewalk Astronomers' in the USA.
Jack Newton, - Astrophotogrpher, Author and Discoverer of several supernova.
Dr. Chris Lintott, - Best known as the co-presenter, with Sir Patrick Moore of The Sky at Night & Co-Author of the book 'Bang' 
Ian Ridpath, - One of the most dedicated and prolific authors on astronomy.
Wil Tirion, - Possibly the best known Uranographer (stellar cartographer) & Graphic Designer.
Nik Zsymanek, - British amateur astronomer and prolific astrophotographer.
Sue French, -  Sky & Telescope's contributing editor, accomplished stargazer & author.
Cor Berrevoets - Creator of the amazing free computer program 'Registax' used by millions of astrophotographers worldwide.

The list is almost endless. We’ve also had a great run of luck with the weather in the past for the observing sessions.

Starparty Schedule for those who have not been at one of our Star Parties before, the format is as follows.

  • Friday evening -  Tickets go on sale in the conference room at Dooley's hotel.

                    

    There is a cheese & wine 'meet & greet' in the conference room.

        

 Weather permitting on the Friday night an  observing session will be run in the grounds of the castle - bring your scope along!

        

 

 

  • Saturday Morning - You may pay on the door & at around 10.30AM the Earl of Rosse, our patron, usually opens the proceedings.

           



    The speaker's presentations are then spread over the next two days.

                
                  Nik Zsymanek in 2005                             Dr. Chris Lintott in 2007                        Cor Berrevoets in 2004


  • Lunch time Saturday gives you time to take a tour of the Birr Telescope & science center 
    (the admission price to these is included in the registration fee) for a few hours.
    Tea & biscuits are at around 3 and the afternoon sessions run until about 6pm.

       

         

  • The Whirlpool Dinner is usually on at 8pm on Saturday night.
    It's optional and has to be paid for separately (38 Euro p.p.) before lunch time on Saturday but
    Everyone is most welcome to attend and it's always great craic.


  • After Dinner Observing. On Saturday night after the dinner we will hold another observing session in the grounds - weather permitting!
    (An astroquiz is held after dinner if observing is not possible.)
    We are, as always, very grateful to Lord Rosse and his family for their support and use of the castle grounds for observing
    and for turning off all the lights in the castle.


 

 

 

  • Sunday Morning - Talks begin again around 11 and conclude usually around 5.
    We then hold the prize draws after the last speaker and that concludes the party.

           

 


WSP 2008 Ticket Prices  WSP event & entrance to  castle grounds. 

Full weekend rate                                    Euro 58
Single day only                                        Euro 48 (Applies to either the Saturday or Sunday.)
3rd level student (with student ID card)     Euro 37
2nd level student                                     Euro 27
U16                                                        Free (Bring all your children)
WSP dinner for the Saturday night is         Euro 40  per person.

Directions

Google Earth placemark ,  Map of Ireland with Birr ,  Map of Birr town
Dooley's hotel is in easy walking distance from most town accommodation and from the castle itself.

Accommodation in Birr

County Arms Hotel

Bed and Breakfast in Birr, Co Offaly

Birr Accommodation in Birr Offaly Ireland