The Perseid Meteor shower peaks this year on the night of Monday 12th August – conditions are favourable with a crescent Moon setting early on in the night.  Our intention is to hold the annual Perseid Barbeque at Delamont Country Park on this night, weather permitting. Please keep an eye on this website and the IAA Forum for updates.



Note that the peak is not a sharp one and meteors can be seen a week or so either side of the 11th/12th – indeed Perseids can be seen from the end of July until the end of August so it’s worth a look visit website on any clear night over that period!

On Sunday 11th August we will return to WWF Castle Espie in County Down for another Solar Day – again from 2pm to 5pm. This venue has become a regular on the Summer calendar over the last few years and as well as Solar Observing we will be offering displays of meteorites and other astronomical paraphenalia and of course Star Shows in the Mobile Planetarium chimera motors. Also, if you are one of the many who has bought a telescope but found it a bit tricky to set up, bring it along and one of our experts will show you how to get it set up to give its best.

Come along to a world first for the RSPB and National Museums Northern Ireland!

For one night only you and your family can experience the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum like never before – all night long!

Join us from 4pm where, along with our friends at Cotswold Outdoors, we’ll help you set up your tent and prepare for a camping experience like no other.  Bring a supper and enjoy it around the campfire (and don’t forget to pack plenty of munchies to keep you going through the night!) before exploring all the museum grounds have to offer.

There will be lots of activities for everyone to enjoy from moth trapping and bat detecting, nature trails, and a movie in the cinema if you fancy spending a bit of time indoors to recharge your batteries.  Don’t stay inside too long though as we’ll be perfectly placed to watch nature’s very own firework display – the Perseids Meteor shower – take place overhead with help from the Irish Astronomical Assocaition.

There will be lots of arts and crafts as well and plenty of chances to make homes for nature that you can take away with you!  And of course, no camping experience would be completed without a singsong and some storytelling around the campfire! You’ll eventually turn in for the night to be woken by the savoury smells of a delicious cooked breakfast waiting for you the following morning. You can also avail of a reduced entry into the Museum the next day.

Tickets cost £16 per adult, £12 per child (under 16), which includes breakfast in the morning.

RSPB members receive a 10% discount off their ticket price! Just quote your membership number when you call to book – this can be found on your membership card.  If you can’t find it, just let us know.

Cotswold are also offering a 10% discount to all ticket holders for this event in their Castle Land and Boucher Road stores so you can get everything you'll need to sleep out in nature!

Book your place today by calling the team at RSPB Northern Ireland on 028 9049 1547 or call into our office and pick up your ticket in person.  You can find us at Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT8 7QT (just off Belvoir Drive, head for the trees!  Our office is on the left by the car park).  Places are limited so don’t delay on booking your place for a wild night out like no other!