Mayo International Dark Sky Park, nestled between the Nephin Beg Mountain Range and the Atlantic coastline, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Dark Sky Place of the Year Award 2024’ by DarkSky International, acknowledging its commitment to preserving natural dark skies amid growing concerns over light pollution. Officially designated as a Gold-tier International Dark Sky Park in 2016, the site benefits from numerous community-led initiatives like the successful lighting project at St. Patrick’s Church in Newport, which has reduced light pollution by 50%. The award highlights the collaborative efforts of the National Parks and wildlife Service (NPWS) and local organizations towards outreach and education about dark skies and their significance for biodiversity, health, and energy conservation. The ongoing Mayo Dark Sky Festival, alongside future educational programs and the upcoming International Conference on “Artificial Light at Night” in 2025, aims to deepen public appreciation for the region’s pristine night skies and enhance community engagement in conservation efforts.