Those arriving Early on Thursday for the Symposium can avail of a guided walking tour of the city.

15:00–16:30 Easy Going Guided Walk of Armagh City Led by Barbara Ferguson (Armagh Guided Tours; see http://www.armaghguidedtours.com/).

Those interested should meet at the Armagh Tourist Information Centre at 15:00. The tour will take about 1.5 hours and cost £5.00 per person. No need to book.

Armagh Observatory is a modern astronomical research institute with a rich heritage. Founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, the Observatory is one of the UK and Ireland's leading scientific research establishments. Around 25 astronomers are actively studying Stellar Astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy, and the Earth's climate.

Armagh Planetarium is a world-renowned astronomical educational establishment. Established in 1968 to complement the research work of Armagh Observatory, its purpose is to bring astronomy and related sciences to a wider audience.

As an alternative to the trip to Beaghmore on the Friday night partipants can enjoy a presentation and guided tour by Tom Mason, followed by a Planetarium Show.

Discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s the site at Beaghmore consists of 7 stone circles. All of the rings are associated with cairns and a stone row runs towards these cairns. It is possible that Neolithic occupation and cultivation preceded the erection of burial cairns and ceremonial circles and alignments: some irregular lines and heaps of boulders resembling field-fences or field-clearance may predate the ritual structures.

Weather Permitting a visit to this dark sky site will be arranged. This is one of the darkest areas in Northern Ireland.

The weekend after the Symposium the Whirlpool Star Party will be held in the Burren. Set to be a one day and one night astronomy extravaganza. It will consist of public astronomical lectures, a telescope workshop & nights sky presentation

in preparation for an evening observing session like no other under some of the darkest skis in Europe. We are working closely with many of the local attractions, tourist agencies & initiatives in the Burren to make this a very special, educational and recreational event. Further details from http://www.shannonsideastronomyclub.com.