Into the Dark: Space Week Talks at Maynooth University

What to Expect

Maynooth University opens its campus for Space Week 2026 with Into the Dark, a free evening of astrophysics on Thursday 8 October in the TSI Building, running from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

The format is four talks of about 20 minutes each, delivered by researchers working in modern astronomy, covering ground from the birth of stars to the deep architecture of the cosmic web. Between them they get at how black holes form, how cosmic structure assembles, and what is still unexplained about the observable universe. A question and answer session with the speakers follows. Alongside the talks there is a planetarium dome experience, an immersive trip through the night sky, open to ages 7 and up. The organisers are explicit that no prior astronomy knowledge is needed and that the evening suits seasoned stargazers and the merely curious equally, so it works as a family outing for older children as well as an adult night out. Admission is free but registration is required.

Good to Know

• Date: Thursday 8 October 2026, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• Venue: TSI Building, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
• Price: Free, registration required
• Four 20 minute research talks plus a speaker question and answer session
• Planetarium dome experience open to ages 7 and over
• No prior knowledge of astronomy is assumed
• Part of Space Week 2026
• Register through the event listing

Getting There

Maynooth University is at the western end of Maynooth, with the north campus reached from the Kilcock road and the south campus from Main Street. By car, leave the M4 at junction 7 for Maynooth and follow signs for the university; campus parking is available in the evening, though the TSI Building is on the north campus so check which car park is closest when you register. Maynooth railway station is on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo line and is a five to ten minute walk from campus, which makes the train the easiest option from Dublin. Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus routes also serve Maynooth from the city and from Leixlip and Celbridge.