People across North & West Mayo are being encouraged to look to the skies this evening, Wednesday 12 August, as a rare solar eclipse takes place across Ireland.
The eclipse will be visible across Ireland from approximately 6pm to 8pm this evening, with the greatest coverage occurring between around 7pm and 7.45pm.
While the eclipse will not be total in Ireland, it will be a particularly impressive event in the west of the country, with up to 96% of the sun expected to be covered by the moon across parts of Mayo.
A total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow path further west, including Iceland and parts of northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, while Ireland will experience a deep partial eclipse.
For people in North & West Mayo – from Ballina to Belmullet, Newport to Ballycroy and across Erris – this evening offers a unique opportunity to experience the event against the backdrop of some of Mayo’s spectacular coastal, rural and dark-sky landscapes.
Where to watch in North & West Mayo
A number of local viewing opportunities are taking place this evening.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre, Wild Nephin National Park
Ballycroy Visitor Centre is hosting a Sunset Solar Eclipse Viewing and Live-Stream Event from 5pm to 9pm.
Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the eclipse as it approaches near-totality from one of Mayo’s internationally recognised dark-sky locations, while also following a livestream of the total eclipse taking place elsewhere in the world.
The evening will include an informative presentation from Ronan Newman, founder of Irish Astronomy Week, putting the eclipse into context.
Eclipse glasses will be provided on site, and parental supervision is required for children attending.
The event is now fully booked, demonstrating the huge interest in this unusual celestial event.
Cross Abbey, Erris
In Erris, Erris at Nights will host an eclipse gathering at Cross Abbey from 6pm to 8pm.
A limited number of free solar safety glasses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The group also plans to remain at Cross after the eclipse, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower, which is also active this evening.
Organisers are encouraging people to take the opportunity not only to watch the eclipse but to observe how the natural environment responds, from the skies and sea to birds, wind and the changing light.
Newport
In Newport, the Newport Astronomy Club is inviting the public to a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Railway Bridge.
People are asked to meet from 5.45pm, with the eclipse expected to begin at approximately 6.12pm, reach maximum coverage at around 7.10pm, and finish at approximately 8.05pm.
The sun will be relatively low towards the west-northwest, so a clear, unobstructed view towards the horizon will offer the best chance of seeing the eclipse.
And you don’t need to attend an organised event…
Across Ballina, Killala, Newport, Ballycroy, Belmullet and the wider North and West Mayo area, people will be able to experience the eclipse from wherever they have a clear view towards the setting sun.
With the sun low on the western horizon, the combination of the eclipse and a Mayo evening sky could make for some spectacular scenes.
Safety first
Anyone planning to watch the eclipse is reminded that you should never look directly at the sun without appropriate solar viewing protection.
Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse. Do not look at the sun through a camera, binoculars or telescope unless the equipment has been specifically fitted with an appropriate solar filter.
Share your eclipse with us
Mayo North Tourism would love to see how people across the region experience this extraordinary evening.
Whether you’re attending an organised viewing event, watching with family and friends, enjoying the sunset from the coast, or simply looking up from your garden, share your photographs with us on social media.
We’re particularly interested in seeing:
🌑 Your eclipse photographs
🌅 The eclipse alongside a Mayo sunset
👨👩👧👦 Families and groups watching together
📍 Your viewing location
☁️ The dramatic Mayo skies – whether clear or cloudy!
✨ The atmosphere around towns, villages and communities across the region
We’ll be sharing some of our favourites with our followers and creating a snapshot of how North & West Mayo experienced this very special evening.
Wherever you’re watching from – Ballina to Belmullet – look up!
🎥 We’ve included a little throwback from 2024, when the BBC Northern Ireland came to Mayo to experience the eclipse with us!