But the true sensory relief came after nightfall when the inky blackness of the Mayo night fell. And so, MacMillan has been collaborating with residents of Newport, the town nearest the Dark Sky Park, to curb light pollution. Rather than projecting white light upwards, the plan used softer, warmer colours to minimise pollution and protect the dark. Not only does the church look more beautiful than ever, but carbon emissions have been cut by two tonnes and light pollution slashed by half. Yet unlike water or air pollution, light pollution is surprisingly straightforward to fix.

Source: The Irish Times December 27, 2025 16:31 UTC