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Marcon Heritage / News  / Marcon shoots for the stars at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Marcon shoots for the stars at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Marcon has been appointed to complete the fit-out works at the highly anticipated OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory near Cookstown in Co Tyrone.  Marcon’s heritage team will work closely with Tandem Design and Mid Ulster District Council to complete the fit-out of the new centre which includes an interactive exhibition.

The observatory is located in Davagh Forest close to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, at the foot of the Sperrin mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty which is steeped in archaeological and cultural history.

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is ideally placed as it has one of the ‘darkest skies’ in Ireland and is the north’s only official ‘dark sky’ reserve.  There is so little light pollution it will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience crystal clear views of star constellations.

The fast-track 4 week fit-out programme incorporated several specialist items including holographic installations, virtual reality headsets and colourful, accessible interpretation panels.  The star attraction in the new observatory is the feature telescope which will allow visitors to explore our solar system.

The new facility will open in Spring 2020.

Southern elevation of the new Davagh Dark Sky Observatory (courtesy of Mid Ulster District Council).