Davagh Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Nestled in the designated Dark Sky area of the Sperrin Mountains, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory at Davagh Forest offers a unique indoor and outdoor visitor experience.

Inside the building – itself designed in sympathy to the forest surroundings – an engaging and fun visitor experience with hands-on physical interactivity and state-of-the-art digital interventions can be found. 

Holographic displays, virtual reality and innovative interpretation design helps to bring the abstract and expansive wonders of the universe into the heart of Davagh Forest.  

The exhibition makes connections between ancient archaeology and astronomy, including how ancient farmers used the movements of the sun and moon to understand the change in seasons.

Links to the nearby Beaghmore Stones pose questions of how that site was once used, encouraging visitors to explore the stones themselves. 

Interpretation helps visitors understand and explore our own solar system in more detail.

Tandem’s role extended to the exterior and surrounding landscape.

An immersive sound and light experience, projected onto the side of the building can be enjoyed after dark. We worked with specialists in external projection mapping to created animated experiences which reveal the
history and heritage of Davagh Forest’s relationship with the stars.

Visitors are provided with wireless headphones and guided to a special viewing area to witness this sound and light experience. 

The site and observatory is one of only two Dark Sky parks on the island of Ireland to receive International Dark Sky accreditation.

Holographic displays, virtual reality and innovative interpretation design helps to bring the abstract and expansive wonders of the universe into the heart of Davagh Forest.