armagh astronomy centre and planetarium

AMAZING, I hadn't been here since I was at primary school. WOW, the light show blew me away and the staff where so knowledgeable. This will be somewhere you will recommend to friends and family. The children will be amazed.

A lot of fun for the kids. The only planetarium in the whole of Northern Ireland. Combine this with a visit to the Observatory

This is a really interesting place to visit. Our tour guide Martina was full of facts and figures but she kept us entertained and informed.

We didn't know what to expect when we visited the Planetarium today but it was an amazing day out and one which I can thoroughly recommend.We booked 2 shows at 12-00 and 2-00pm and also attended 2 free attractions - the science magic show and rocket building where the children actually made rockets AND launched them!!The 2 shows were very interesting and suitable for primary school age and adults alike. Watch out 'Armagh Geddon'We had time between the shows to visit a local restaurant which was also first class- called 'Poppy Smiths' --- a 5 minute drive away.I have to mention Martina who was our 'mentor' and advisor on all things relating to the planetarium and Armagh!!!

Important to check first what shows are on each day as you can have two or three shows on the same day to make it worthwhile

Friendly, well-informed staff, great programme, lots to do and see. Enough to keep children and adults occupied for hours

Very interesting and informative, well worth a visit on the occasional rainy day in Armagh. Displays and shows are excellent.

Such a disappointment! !!!!! Why advertise in "Christmas in Armagh" booklet, on the notice on your front window AND on your recorded telephone message the times of your shows!! Tried phoning all morning to book the "Story of the Christmas Star" Arrived in time for the show today only to find the Planetarium CLOSED! !!! Two other families also arrived and had come from further afield than Armagh! !!! Bad management all round in this case and disappointed children!!!!

If you live a bit of a distance from the planetarium, I wouldn't go out of my way, but Armagh itself is worth the visit, beautiful city, as people have said before, I was surprised at how small the place is, but between Ipads, desktops, info on the walls and actual pieces of meteorites and the like, there is a ton of information to get through, it is free admission, but they do have film shows and demonstrations throughout the day which you have to pay for, so if you fancy a day out in Armagh, definitely take in the Planetarium.

Visited over the half term break with our 4 year old son who thoroughly enjoyed himself.We had not been here for some time and would recommend it.The "Sun, moon and stars" show lasted approx. 40 mins and was excellent. Martina who presented the show was very enthusiastic and interacted very well with the audience. The highlight for our son was the rocket building workshop downstairs were he was able to build his own rocket and then launch it outside. Nick who was running this session was excellent and brilliant with our son and the other children who were in the workshop. He also answered all our son's many questions !The exhibitions were all good with quite a few ipads with space related apps suitable for children.There is a small café selling filter coffee, scones, tray bakes etc. The food was good quality and reasonably priced. We only had a snack here and do not think you can get lunch here but worth checking prior to visiting.Good gift shop with a good range of products.Toilets all very clean and well maintained.All staff very friendly.Well worth a visit.

I attended a show here recently and really enjoyed it. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable. The tech appliances on show were dated, and it is such a shame. This should be the cutting edge of technology for kids and atsro nerds, but it is sadly lacking. I can only assume that it is operated by a public body as there is no drive to be cutting edge and some of the devices were not working. Shame. This has the potential to be truley unique and breathtaking attraction

Adults might find themselves a bit bored by the goings on here - if you can name the planets from Mercury to Pluto, then you'll know much of what is on display. If not, and you want to muck about pretending to be Neptune or Venus, and return to school with a better understanding of how the planets and the wider universe works, then this will be a good way to spend half a day.Unfortunately, the observatory is a working place and not open to the public. There is a planetarium - didn't visit so cannot comment - otherwise, it's a nice place to spend an hour or two, with lots of locals walking their dogs, etc.

The theatre was fun but so think it is overpriced and kids (10 and 11) got bored really quickly. Not enough interaction with people.

If you have even the smallest interest in astronomy, go and visit. I was in my element. The inner nerd in me escaped and I was like Sheldon Cooper I was so happy!!! Very interesting place, lots of interactive stuff to look at and lots of things of children of all ages to make and take part in

We have two children aged 6 and 8 and they really enjoyed the day, the crafts and rocket making were the biggest hit, I'm not sure how much there would be to entertain older children or an adults but it was perfect for us