As far back as 1057 people around Tullamore, Co Offaly, were watching the sky and making observations about what was going on up there.
Even then the monks at Durrow Abbey on the high ground overlooking Tullamore town were noting their observations of a bright star which could be seen during the daytime. And, of course, they've had their giant telescope in nearby Birr for years.
It is not in the least bit strange, then, that Tullamore will now be one of the few towns of its size in the State to boast its own observatory.
The first phase of the observatory was officially opened earlier this year by Tullamore Astronomical Society, one of the town's fastest-growing societies.
The society was founded in 1986 by local man Sean Robbins and the late Bill Kinsella who both had a great interest in the stars.
"We are a small society but this is a great town for societies and clubs and membership has grown rapidly over the years, especially with the setting up of a junior section," said Mr Robbins.
"We wanted our own place and we had plans for many years to build an observatory and eventually we have achieved that and it is a great advantage to us." The members sited the observatory outside the town, away from light pollution, on the edge of a bog at Clonminch off the Tullamore/Portlaoise road.
"This means we get a particularly good view of the southern sky because the land is flat out as far as the Slieve Bloom mountains, which are in the distance," he said.
The members have been working for over three months on building a six-inch reflector telescope to observe the heavens and there are plans for a 12inch one.
"We have a very good telescope now and when people learn how to use it, we intend to build a larger one. We plan to add on meeting rooms and provide facilities for the larger telescope at a later stage as well."
Of particular pride to the Astronomical Society is its continued attraction for young people and the society glories in their success.
"We believe the society has been instrumental in interesting young people in sciences and there are six of our junior members who have gone on to study science-related subjects at third level. Some of them have done particularly well over the years and we have no doubt that it was the interest generated in the sky and space by the society that was an important factor," he added.
The society has a policy of giving lectures in local schools and colleges telling young people about what they do and giving them as much information as possible.
"The young people react very well to the lectures and it is an important part of our work during the year."
To assist in this work and for the use of members, an extensive library and video recordings are available; those who wish to use the library are encouraged to contact the organisation.
In addition, the society publishes its own magazine, Realta, giving a full list of reviews, events and lectures.
Over recent years the society has also established close links with a similar society in Munich and has carried out joint ventures with the Germans.
It has links too with the astronomy fraternity in the Republic and with the Astronomical Association in the North. Visits are arranged each year to both the Dunsink Observatory and the Armagh Planetarium.
There is contact too with other enthusiasts all over the world, especially Irish people who know of the society's activities through its website.
Tullamore Astronomical Society website is at http://www.iol.ie/ seanmck/tas.htm