Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, celebrated the recognition of Mayo Dark Sky Park as the International Dark Sky Place of the Year at an event held at Wild Nephin National Park. Awarded by DarkSky International in December 2024, this honor acknowledges the park’s leadership in protecting dark skies, which benefit both nature and local communities. O’Sullivan emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the park’s management, local communities, and authorities in achieving this accolade. The park features numerous initiatives aimed at reducing light pollution and raising awareness about the significance of nightscapes for biodiversity and well-being. The ongoing partnership aims to enhance visitor experiences while prioritizing the preservation of the park’s natural night sky heritage.