Cork to host top astronomy conference; event expected to bring €2.8m boost to local economy 

Stargazers from across the world are set to descend on Cork next year for what will be the largest astronomical conference ever held in Ireland, providing an expected boost of €2.8m to the local economy.

The European Astronomical Society (EAS) meeting is scheduled to take place at University College Cork (UCC) from June 23 to June 27, 2025.

The Cork Convention Bureau estimates the conference could inject up to €2.8m into the local economy, with 1,200 to 1,400 hotel rooms booked across the city.

Home to the Crawford Observatory, one of Ireland’s oldest observatories, UCC also has one of Ireland’s leading schools of physics and astronomy.

The EAS has recognised UCC’s contribution to astronomy by choosing Cork as the location for their anticipated annual meeting, which typically attracts over 1,500 participants for the conference.

The society, which promotes and advances the science of astronomy in Europe, has over 5,000 members, making it the biggest professional astronomers’ organisation in Europe.

Several public astronomy events are also planned throughout the week next June.

The meetings provide a platform for astronomers to discuss the latest discoveries and research, assess progress in developing world-leading European astronomical facilities, and honour distinguished researchers with some of the most prestigious prizes available in European astronomy.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Head of the School of Physics at UCC Professor Paul Callanan said: “We are very excited to be hosting this event, Europe’s premier astronomical meeting, which will put UCC, Cork and Ireland very much at the heart of European astronomy for a week in June 2025.”

Evelyn O’Sullivan, manager of the Cork Convention Bureau, said: “Cork Convention Bureau and Fáilte Ireland are thrilled to have supported the bid to secure EAS for UCC and Cork. We look forward to being involved in the planning of an impressive programme that will ensure the conference has a positive impact and leaves a strong legacy amongst astronomical society delegates for years to come.”