11/08/2026
🌞🌑 DON’T JUST WATCH THE ECLIPSE… LISTEN TO IT. 🌑🌞
On Wednesday 12th August, the Moon will pass between Earth and the Sun, bringing a remarkable partial solar eclipse to Ireland.
Here in Ireland, the light will change dramatically. Around the country, the afternoon will begin to feel strangely different as the Sun slowly disappears behind the Moon. In the west, around 96% of the Sun will be covered.
But what if, for a moment, we put down our phones, step away from the screens and listen? 👂🌿
What happens to the sounds of nature when the daylight suddenly changes?
Birdsong. Insects. Wind through the trees. The sounds of mammals. The distant hum of the landscape.
Will birds respond to the sudden dimming? Will the evening chorus begin early? Will the landscape fall strangely quiet — or become unexpectedly alive?
🌳🔭 This is something we’re looking forward to exploring.
Inspired by the work of Eclipse Soundscapes, The Lonely Camp & here in Ireland by Dr. Niamh Shaw, who has been encouraging people to think about the sounds of the natural world during the eclipse, observations are being made at Dublin Zoo, while guides in Mayo Dark Sky Park/Wild Nephin National Park will also be listening and attempting to record the sounds of nature as the light changes.
So, wherever you are in Ireland on Wednesday evening, why not make your own Eclipse Soundscape?
🌑 Find somewhere outdoors.
📵 Put your phone away for a few minutes.
👂 Close your eyes.
🌿 Listen carefully to the world around you.
Notice what changes as the light fades… and what happens when it returns.
The eclipse reminds us that our connection to the night sky isn't just about what we can see. It is about how the changing sky influences the living world around us and how closely we are willing to listen.
And of course, if you're observing the Sun, protect your eyes — never look directly at the Sun without proper certified solar viewing protection. ☀️🕶️
What will you hear during the eclipse? 🌑🌿👂
We'd love to hear what you notice.
🔗 More on the eclipse and the soundscape project: https://eclipsesoundscapes.org/
Mayo Dark Skies Wild Nephin National Park - Páirc Náisiúnta Néifinne Fiáine OPW - Office of Public Works BirdWatch Ireland Leave No Trace Ireland Biodiversity Ireland Irish Environmental Network Irish Wildlife Trust Kerry Dark Sky Reserve
