A discussion of the key characteristics of the academic study of religions, including an analogy drawn between astrology/astronomy and theology/study of religions. A retrospective of progress made in Ireland in the academic study of religions over the last few years, plus a review of current research projects reflected in the 12-paper research 'slam' earlier in the conference and an assessment of the encouraging prospects and possibilities for the future development of the discipline. A review of the 2015 conference is at https://isasr.wordpress.com/ (on the home page).