Days Out NI
Dark-sky spot Kilwaughter

Killylane Reservoir Stargazing Site

A free open-moorland reservoir near Larne that local astronomers use for its dark sky

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Any clear nightBest on dark moonless nights
FreeFree to visit
KilwaughterDark-sky spot
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FreeFree to visit
Dark-sky spotBring your eyes
Night skyClear dark nights
Remote & unlitCome prepared
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Killylane Reservoir Stargazing Site — A free open-moorland reservoir near Larne that local astronomers use for its dark sky.

  • What you'll see: Dark skies with the Milky Way, planets and seasonal meteor showers on clear moonless nights — never guaranteed.
  • Getting there: Shanes Hill Road, Kilwaughter, off the A36 between Larne and Ballymena.
  • When to go: Clear, moonless nights; darker for longer in winter. Check the forecast and moon phase.
  • Facilities: Parking and open banks; no lighting, no toilets, no shop, nobody on site at night.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Good to know: Open water and uneven ground, unlit — keep back from the edge, bring a torch (red light saves night vision), warm layers and sturdy shoes, and tell someone your plans.
Plan your visit

What the night gives you

Killylane sits on open moorland with a screen of trees around it, so you get a wide sky and shelter from stray light at the same time. Satellite light-pollution data puts it in the dark-site bracket, and the local astronomy community rates it, which is why it makes the stargazing lists. On a clear, moonless night the stars come out thickly and you can often trace the Milky Way, spot planets and, in season, watch for meteors. None of it is guaranteed, so check the forecast and moon phase first.

Recognised Go Stargazing site Used by local astronomy society members Open moorland, dark-site light levels Milky Way on clear moonless nights Meteor showers in season Free to visit
Good to know before you go:

Killylane has no fixed programme, but local astronomy groups use it for observing nights, and the dates most worth planning around are the meteor showers, such as the Perseids in August and Geminids in December, on a clear moonless evening.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🔦A torch — ideally red-lightRed light lets you see the path without wrecking your night vision.
  • 🧥More layers than you thinkYou’re standing still in the dark on a hill — it gets cold fast.
  • 📱A star-map app & the forecastCheck the moon phase and cloud cover before you set off — a full moon washes the sky out.
  • 🧣A flask & a blanketHalf the fun is sitting back with a hot drink while your eyes adjust.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Free dark-sky viewpoint (reservoir on open moorland)
What you'll see
Dark skies with the Milky Way, planets and seasonal meteor showers on clear moonless nights — never guaranteed
Getting there
Shanes Hill Road, Kilwaughter, off the A36 between Larne and Ballymena
Facilities
Parking and open banks; no lighting, no toilets, no shop, nobody on site at night
When to go
Clear, moonless nights; darker for longer in winter. Check the forecast and moon phase
Cost
Free
Booking
None needed
Good to know
Open water and uneven ground, unlit — keep back from the edge, bring a torch (red light saves night vision), warm layers and sturdy shoes, and tell someone your plans
Parking
Parking by the main reservoir gates
Address
Killylane Reservoir, Shanes Hill Road, Kilwaughter, County Antrim, BT40
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
When is the best time to go?
Clear, moonless nights; darker for longer in winter. Check the forecast and moon phase
What will we actually see?
Dark skies with the Milky Way, planets and seasonal meteor showers on clear moonless nights — never guaranteed
Are there any facilities?
Parking and open banks; no lighting, no toilets, no shop, nobody on site at night
What should we bring?
Open water and uneven ground, unlit — keep back from the edge, bring a torch (red light saves night vision), warm layers and sturdy shoes, and tell someone your plans
Getting there

Killylane Reservoir Stargazing Site is at Killylane Reservoir, Shanes Hill Road, Kilwaughter, County Antrim, BT40. Shanes Hill Road, Kilwaughter, off the A36 between Larne and Ballymena. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

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The story

About Killylane Reservoir Stargazing Site

You turn off the Larne to Ballymena road and the reservoir sits out on open moorland, ringed by trees that cut the last of the roadside glow. This is dark enough that local astronomers bring their gear here, which tells you plenty. On a clear, moonless night you park, let your eyes adjust, and the sky above the water fills with stars.