Welcome to Armagh Planetarium.
Our main attraction is our 360-degree Digital Theatre, where we present immersive dome shows on a wide range of topics. With programmes designed for toddlers, families, and adults, thereâs something for every visitor. We also host a variety of seasonal events throughout the year.
We are open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm, with additional hours available for late-night events and Bank Holidays.
Below is a summary of whatâs currently showing and whatâs coming soon. Book tickets for a dome show and enjoy full access to our Planetarium exhibition area and sensory room as part of your visit!
Please note that showtimes are reduced during NI term time.
Whatâs On â Dome Shows
Tuesday to Friday (NI Term Time)
2:00pm â Our Night SkyÂ
Explore the wonders of the night sky this Spring! Journey through dazzling constellations including Leo, Virgo and BoÃķtes. Learn their fascinating stories in this live, presenter-led show. Suitable for adults and children aged 8 and over. Duration 35 minutes.
Dome Show Programme: 2th April to 28th June – (NI School Holidays and Saturday & Sunday)
 
Exhibition Area
Our exhibition area is packed with hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages. Explore interactive games like the Stellar Playground, where you can build your own solar system and even trigger the destruction of a virtual universe.
Discover the story of the Observatory through engaging information panels and interactive exhibits that bring astronomy and science to life.
A major highlight of the exhibition is the largest meteorite on the Island of Ireland, offering an encounter with a real fragment of outer space.
We also offer a sensory room, providing an alternative environment with varied lights, sounds, and textures designed to enhance the visitor experience.
If you would like to visit our Exhibition Area without watching a dome show you can purchase an exhibition only ticket on arrival at our ticket office.
Please note, all dome show and event tickets include access to the exhibition area.
Legendary Telescope Tour
Would you like to have a look at some of our historic telescopes?
Join your expert guide who will tell you about these telescopes and how they were used for pioneering science in their day. Take your picture with the Grubb 10-inch used to make a fundamental star catalogue that is still used by astronomers  today, and get up close and personal with the century-old Calver telescope. Listen to the unique stories along the way and discover why Armagh truly is a Celestial City.
Dates: 13th June, 25th July 8th, & 31st August
Accessible Sunday
Enjoy a calmer experience with our regular dome shows running at reduced capacity and lower volume. Your dome show ticket also includes entry to our exhibition area, sensory room and the workshop of the day.
Prefer to skip the dome show? Exhibition-only tickets can be purchased on arrival.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming space where everyone can explore and discover the wonders of the universe at their own pace.
Date: 28th June & 23rd August
Big Summer Blast Off! Family fun days
Blast off into summer with a fun-filled Family Weekend at the planetarium! Join us for an out-of-this-world celebration as we launch our Summer Programme, packed with exciting activities for all ages. Enjoy face painting, live sing-alongs and dancing with Elsa from Frozen, plus magical photo opportunities. Get hands-on with craft activities, build and blast your own rockets, and explore a variety of delicious food stalls. Itâs the perfect way to kick off the summer holidays!
Exhibition-only tickets, which include access to our family fun day activities, are available to purchase on the door.
If you book a dome show, your admission also includes these activities. To book your dome show, please use the link below.Â
Paint & Sip Adult Night
Step into the stars at Armagh Planetarium for a special adults-only evening. Begin your night with a dazzling dome show where youâll uncover the real myths and legends behind the constellations above us. Afterwards, enjoy exclusive access to our exhibition area, from hands-on space displays to a fun chance to try on an astronaut suit!
Then itâs time to pick up your paintbrush and a glass as youâre guided through a relaxing, space-themed paint and sip workshop. No experience is needed, just bring your imagination and enjoy a night of creativity, conversation, and cosmic inspiration.
Date: 19th June
Jurassic Ark Encounters
Join us at the Armagh Planetarium for a wild adventure as Jurassic Ark Encounters bring their reptile friends to come meet you! Get up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating and amazing animals, like snakes, lizards, tortoises and many more. This is an educational learning session about natureâs most fascinating family, the reptiles!
Jurassic Arkâs interactive animal education sessions are delivered audience style allowing participants to meet and interact with the animals in a fun and immersive environment!
Includes entrance to the Planetarium exhibition area, workshop and sensory room.
Date: 21st – 25th July
The Stellar Science Show
What does it take to make a star? At AOP labs, Professor Lux and their assistant Ray want to find out. With help from the AOP supercomputer Stellar, join them as they try the impossible. From simple demos that you can try at home to explosive experiments for only the bravest budding scientists, Lux and Ray will expand their minds and bring the fun in the first ever Live Science Show that’s written, directed, and performed by the AOP Team.
Dates: Various dates July & August
The Ultimate Bubbles Show
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble! This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as Ray uses various different gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays. Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble!
The show was inspired by Rayâs work with SEND schools, adult neurodivergent groups, and science centres across Europe. The performance is suitable for children and adults with additional needs.
Date: 13th July
Paint and Pop for Kids!
Join us at Armagh Planetarium for a fun-filled Paint & Pop session designed especially for children! Little artists can get creative with colourful paints, creating their very own space themed masterpiece!
- Children aged 6+ only
- Fizzy pop drink included
- All material included
- One accompanying adult included per family
- Additional adults ÂĢ7 each
Booking Information: This is a supervised childrenâs painting session. Young participants will be in a separate activity room with the team, while adults can enjoy some time to relax with tea or coffee nearby. Please ensure you remain on site for the duration of the session.4
Dates: 18th & 19th July, 8th & 9th August
Roar Roar Dinosaur!
Step into a prehistoric adventure with our interactive dinosaur experience, a week of roars, discovery, and hands-on fun for all ages! This immersive mini show combines entertainment and education, featuring live volcanic science experiments, a live egg hatching, and the chance to meet, pet, and feed adorable baby dinosaurs. Snap a family photo with Tyson, our teenage T-Rex, and let children create their own clay fossil to take home as the perfect prehistoric souvenir!
Dates: 28th July – 2nd August
Beautifica
This is an external event. AOP is providing the space only; all other aspects are organised and managed by the Beautifica team. Please follow the link to book via the Beautifica website.
For all your queries, please email [email protected]
