The Armagh Observatory was established in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson. It is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland and the longest continuously operating astronomical research institute in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Armagh Planetarium was founded in 1968 by Dr Eric Lindsay, the seventh Director of the Armagh Observatory. It is the oldest operating Planetarium in the UK and Ireland, celebrating 50 years in operation on 1 May 2018 as the public face of space and astronomy in Northern Ireland.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is sited in a heritage environment with a rich scientific history at the forefront of astronomy. Now unified as a single organisation, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) delivers internationally-recognised research in astronomy and related sciences and vibrant educational and outreach programmes for all ages.
Our Staff
Senior Management Team
Professor Michael Burton, Director and Chief Executive
Dr Marc Sarzi, Head of Research
Carol Corvan, Head of Corporate Services
Leonard Knox, Head of Finance and Income Generation
Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager
Corporate Team
Lynne Brown, Corporate Manager
Aileen McKee, Executive Officer
Shane Kelly, Estates and Meteorological Officer
Anne Bittle, Executive Officer
Lisa O’Neill, Corporate Policy & HR Officer
Ceara Ryan, Accountant
Victoria Knox, Finance and Administrative Officer
Ciaran Magee, ICT Manager
Rokas Sakinskas, ICT Officer
Matthew McMahon, Museum Collections Officer
Shea Agnew, Grounds Assistant
Education Team
Martina Glass, Operations Manager
Heather Alexander, Senior Education Officer (Creative & Tourism)
Ria Mee, Senior Education Officer
Nick Parke, Education Officer
Anna Taylor, Education Officer
Rok Nezic, Tours and Outreach Officer
Mark Grimley, Education Assistant
Lovisa Redpath, Education Assistant
Kerem Cubuk, Education Assistant
Dympna McNally, Receptionist
