It was the first Gold Tier Reserve in the northern hemisphere, and is one of only four Gold Tier Dark-Sky Reserves in the world. Backed by mountains and corralled by the crashing sea, Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve stretches from Kells to Caherdaniel. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. While further north, The Royal Valentia Hotel offer Dark Sky packages which including accommodation and a guided astronomy tour led by local Steve Lynott who runs Kerry Dark Sky Tourism. . While the finished mobile observatory might be light-years away, John’s enthusiasm typifies the local people of this area, so fiercely proud and passionate about their home place. He is now in the early stages of proposing the development of a mobile observatory that can move around the reserve, offering locals and visitors alike an opportunity to see the best heavenly views. . Dunmore Head, Dingle Bay, Co Kerry © Kerry Dark-Sky Reserve, #dunmore #dunmorehead #dingle #dinglepeninsula #kerry #ireland #stairnaheireann #instakerry #instaireland #kerrydarkskyreserve #instapic #instagram #instafollow #instaphoto #photography #photooftheday, A post shared by Stair na hÉireann (@stairnaheireann) on Jun 4, 2016 at 7:00pm PDT. There’s a special feeling when you stand under the canopy of a moonless, star-filled sky. ! The International Space Station over Kerry's Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland at night seen from the International Space Station. Required fields are marked *. It’s called a Messier Marathon and next year’s event will be held on the 9th, 10th of March. Away from the distractions of the everyday, you learn to trust your instinct again – allowing yourself to reconnect with the wilds of nature. Powered by WordPress and Stargazer. An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. Did you know (I definitely didn’t up until around 2 months ago) that there’s a place in Kerry that has been designated as Ireland’s very first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association? Our Sky Tour Details are Here COVID !9 UPDATE. It was the first Gold Tier Reserve in the northern hemisphere, and is one of only four Gold Tier Dark-Sky Reserves in the world, Your email address will not be published. Thirdly, and this is quite a big one, it is the only Gold Tier Dark-Sky reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. Here, on the edge of the known world, our ancestors spent their time gazing upwards as is in evidence by the many standing stone and stone circles that can be found all over the region. It was designated Ireland's first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). It is the first such reserve in Ireland, and one of only seven places in the world so designated. Your email address will not be published. Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve is home to as few as 4,000 residents, and incorporates approximately 700 square kilometres of territory along the Wild Atlantic Way. To book, click here. The Messier Marathon is just one initiative in the Dark Sky Reserve. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR; Irish: Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha ) is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry, Ireland. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve has been designated Ireland’s FIRST International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association www.darksky.org The only GOLD TIER Reserve in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere and only 1 of 3 on the planet. It’s fitting then that the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which lies between Kerry Mountains and the sea on the Iveragh Peninsula, as been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as an International Dark Sky Reserve. THE Pope’s astronomer, Brother Guy Consolmagno, is to visit the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. One of many national parks located in the southwestern United … It inspires awe and wonder at the world around us and the heavens above. We are situated in one of the areas with the darkest reading in the Kerry International Dark- Sky reserve. Ireland is home to two internationally recognised dark sky places; Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and Mayo International Dark Sky Park. ", The Milky Way over St. Finian's Bay , Ballinskelligs credit: Dave Connolly, A view of the Skelligs from the mainland in Kerry's Dark Sky Reserve. Everything looks so distinctive and mystical when only partially lit by the moon and the stars. Once your eyes become accustomed to the darkness, you can see the wisping Milky Way , the Andromeda Galaxy, star clusters and nebulas, just some of the astronomical features visible unaided in this part of Ireland. About the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve sits on the Iveragh Peninsula, home to nearly 4,000 residents, and incorporates approximately 700 square km of territory along the Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail. Photo by Kris Williams. All areas (except No.7) have free 24 hour car parking. Scroll down to see how much more of the night sky you can see in Kerry's Dark Sky Reserve credit: Dave Connolly, Scroll down to see the how much more of the night sky you can see in Kerry's Dark Sky Reserve, A catalogue of the objects searched for during a Messier Marathon. While all you need to do is look up to see the wonders, there are particular scenic points in the area to make the most of the stunning views. This means that on clear moonless nights the sky in this South West region of Ireland is simply stunning; with many more astronomical sights to be seen … The director of the Vatican Observatory, is due to arrive on Tuesday, October 17 to deliver a talk to secondary school students at Coláiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen and a public lecture later that evening at 8.00pm, also at Coláiste na Sceilge. The Wild Atlantic Way truly offers a different pace of life, the landscape, the ever-changing weather, the people, with their open-heartedness and sense of humour… it allows us to slow down, to breathe and enjoy life at the pace it should be lived. The reserve runs from Kells Bay through to Caherdaniel, taking in the towns of Kells, Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Portmagee, The Glen, Ballinskelligs, Dromid and Waterville along the way. This is one of the largest private reserves in Southern Africa and one … T he Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve has been designated Ireland’s FIRST International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (www.darksky.org), one of only 3 GOLD TIER Reserves on the planet, and the only GOLD TIER Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere.. Oh, and it’s also one of only 3 Gold Tier Reserves on the planet, and the only Gold Tier Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. Entrance Fee? International Dark Sky Reserve Ireland's only GOLD Tier Dark-Sky Reserve. Start planning your trip to see the dark skies on the Wild Atlantic Way here. The standing stones, such as those at Cill Rialaig, overlooking the Skelligs are Megalithic standing stones dating back possibly to Neolithic times. Yes Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, County Kerry, Ireland. A dark-sky preserve (DSP), also known as a dark sky reserve, is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory, that restricts artificial light pollution.The purpose of a dark sky preserve is generally to promote astronomy.. Because different national organizations have worked independently to create their programs, different terms have been used to describe the areas. The Wild Atlantic Way – a place of infinite possibilities. . Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland. 6 Most Spectacular Things to See From a Dark Site. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve has been designated Ireland’s FIRST International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (www.darksky.org), one of only 3 GOLD TIER Reserves on the planet. No Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve sits on the Iveragh Peninsula, home to nearly 4,000 residents, and incorporates approximately 700 square km of territory along the Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail. Its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean provides some natural protection against light pollution. The Iveragh peninsula, what many call the "Ring of Kerry" has been named by UNESCO as a Dark Sky Reserve. Its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean provides some natural protection against light pollution. Other dark-sky parks in the world include Beaver Hills and Fundy National Park in Canada, Westhavelland Nature Park in Germany, Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve in Ireland, Albanyà in Spain, Warrumbungle National Park in Australia, Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park in Japan, and NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia among many others. #milkyway #stars #outdoors #parknasilla #midnightadventures #camera #astrology #astrophotography #nature #sky #darksky #earth #photography #photoireland #kerry #kenmare #kenmarebay #kerrydarksky #kerrydarkskyreserve #kerry, A post shared by David Behan (@davidbehan) on Jun 2, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT. It’s only recently that we’ve lost sight of the stars. Today, astronomers attempt to locate all of these objects in just one night. It is the ONLY Gold Tier reserve in the northern hemisphere! Kerry is now an important destination on the list for those chasing stars and planets. There are plenty of expert locals here to act as cosmic guides for any visitors eager to chase the stars. The only GOLD TIER Dark-Sky reserve in the Northern Hemisphere is fighting to bring back the stars to our cities and towns. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. Backed by mountains and corralled by the crashing sea, Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve stretches from Kells Bay to Caherdaniel, a rare area of exceptional quality, starry nights and nocturnal environment, a protected place of natural darkness which aims to exclude light pollution. They jut out of the boggy land and stand tall against the sky they offer clear evidence that man’s relationship with the heavens was very strong here for thousands of years. The Moorings in Portmagee offer Dark Sky packages with B&B and a night sky tour. To spot the constellations from upon high, head to Coomanaspic viewing point, one of the highest passes in Ireland –bringing you closer to the stars – with the moonlight illuminating the mystical Skellig Islands as they sit silhouetted on the horizon. Sun sets on the Coomanaspic Pass, Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Kerry dark sky reserve..... • • 世界イチの星空。この星空をみるためにやってきました。。。 @fujimasahiro, A post shared by Yurika Minami 南 友里香 (@xyurikaheavenx) on Jul 2, 2016 at 10:20am PDT. As well as star-spotting, visitors are treated to talks from academics and experts about Messier and discoveries in the world of astronomy. . Firstly it was the first in Ireland, secondly, it is one of only three Gold Tier Dark-Sky reserves in the World. Discover Kerry's DARK side at Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve recently designated as Ireland’s FIRST Dark-Sky region (Gold Tier). They came out with machines and measured the light pollution. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean so it means there is very little in the way of light pollution. Mayo International Dark Sky Park. When the sun goes down, you look up and you get a whole new perspective on things. Find out more here. NamibRand Nature Reserve. Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve is the perfect place to look skyward this Autumn as the dark evenings approach, and rediscover a night sky full of gleaming jewels. After a day of adventure and discovery along the Wild Atlantic Way, the transformation of the route after sun sets is, as the phrase goes: ‘night and day’. All of this, and then you look up… The infinite, iridescent night sky, aswirl with galaxies, planets and stars piercing the sky from the deepest recess of space. The International Dark-Sky Association has named only 3 gold-tier reserves, and only 1 in the Northern Hemisphere. *Kells - lay-by on NIO (across from Dingle Bay) The night sky has captivated the people of Ireland for millennia. The Messier Marathon is attended by some leading lights of the astronomy with visitors from all over the world along with a mix of seasoned experts and absolute novices. We regret that as it is impossible to socially distance in darkness whilst using astronomy equipment we … Stargazing to the sound of the ocean in pristine dark skies is as good as it gets!! It was designated Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Visitors who’ve never even looked through a telescope rub shoulders with some of the wold’s most eminent authorities on the subject. They have a clear lunar alignment and could have been used as an astral calendar or perhaps for some form of worship. There are many selling point for Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. The only thing in Kerry that rivals the beauty of its landscapes are the glittering night skies it offers. On a moonless night, you can even spot the International Space Station in orbit. ... the Skellig Star Party offers like-minded folks the opportunity to gather at Kerry’s Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve. Once upon a time, we were all aware of a celestial symphony above our heads at night but as the modern age progressed and our cities and towns began to emit more light, the night sky drifted further and further away from us. Sun was starting to rise so the Milky Way was fading quick. Southwest Kerry is one of only three gold tier International Dark Sky Reserves alongside The Grand Canyon and African Savanah. A post shared by Wild Atlantic Way (@thewildatlanticway) on Aug 10, 2015 at 12:08pm PDT. Both have been awarded a gold tier for the quality of their night skies, free from light pollution and are important assets of natural night sky heritage. More here. Designated January 2014 "The reserve is a brand new baby on the Irish tourism menu," Julie Ormonde, chairperson of Kerry Dark Sky … Because of the lack of light pollution In the Kerry International Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve, you will see the star constellations and planets as they were seen by your ancestors. The new Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve was also awarded “gold tier” status, the first time it has been awarded in the northern hemisphere. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral … Copyright © 2021 Dark Site Finder. Our Dark Skies Package includes: - 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast It has the potential to create a real ‘star party’ wherever it sets down. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR) is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry, Ireland. Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand) In the 1908s, local officials began to more aggressively control …