Midlands Astronomy Club was founded in 1986 as the Tullamore Astronomical Society. Over the years the club grew and expanded outside the Tullamore area and more and more members joined from the surrounding towns and counties. In order to better represent its membership and the expanding areas of its activities it was decided to change the name to Midlands Astronomy Club.
When starting out the club had only one small 6ins reflector telescope and now boasts many telescopes of various types, sizes and capabilities.

Pre pandemic the club activities included regular monthly meetings consisting of lectures, demonstrations and discussions on Astronomy and related topics. Various outreach events were held throughout the Midland region such as at Athlone Castle and at the Great Telescope in Birr. Visits to schools and clubs are also an important part of the clubs activities, building and launching rockets being a very popular and fun activity.
The MAC monthly meetings will resume in October 2022

MAC also organize and run the longest running Star Party in the country. This event began in 1992 as The Irish Astrofest held in conjunction with The Irish Astronomical Society (IAS). After several years the IAS withdrew and when deciding to go it alone the club renamed the event COSMOS and under that name it has continued every year until interrupted by the Pandemic.
Held over a weekend on March 25th it consists of talks by prominent speakers in the field of Astronomy and science, both amateur and professional from Ireland and abroad.
There are also displays, posters, equipment, books and the satisfaction of meeting and chatting with likeminded people from all over the country.
COSMOS will return on March 23rd 2024