Elfordstown Earthstation, Observatory near Midleton, Cork, Ireland
Elfordstown Earthstation is a satellite communication facility located north of Midleton that operates multiple large antennas for receiving and transmitting signals to orbiting satellites. The installation houses several antennas of different sizes and frequencies, allowing it to maintain connections with various satellite networks across Europe and beyond.
The facility opened in 1984 through a partnership between Telecom Éireann and Eutelsat, initially handling voice, data, and television transmissions across Europe. The location grew to become an important hub connecting telecommunication networks across different continents.
The NSC Space Academy at Elfordstown provides specialized education programs for engineers and IT professionals in satellite communications and space technology.
Visits are possible but require advance registration and approval, as this is a secure facility with restricted access. The site is best reached by car via a private road, located in the hills north of Midleton.
The facility operates as Europe's westernmost teleport and features an exceptionally large antenna measuring 32 meters across, visible as an impressive structure across the landscape. This location and equipment make it a strategic point for satellite communication between Europe and North America.
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