Discover Kerry's DARK side at Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve recently designated as Ireland’s FIRST Dark-Sky region (Gold Tier). Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. On a moonless night, you can even spot the International Space Station in orbit. 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. Photo by Kris Williams. The Messier Marathon is just one initiative in the Dark Sky Reserve. No *Kells - lay-by on NIO (across from Dingle Bay) We have acquired 2 telescopes and 4 binoculars for Astronomy in our area. It was designated Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Immersed in the total darkness, you can truly understand the vastness and artistry of the night sky. Mayo International Dark Sky Park. The only thing in Kerry that rivals the beauty of its landscapes are the glittering night skies it offers. 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 Wild Atlantic Way – a place of infinite possibilities. The night sky has captivated the people of Ireland for millennia. Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral … They have a clear lunar alignment and could have been used as an astral calendar or perhaps for some form of worship. Kerry is uniquely attractive to the star-gazing community as they say it is the only place you can have that night vision and still be close enough to civilisation to enjoy a break away with so much else to do. Stargazing to the sound of the ocean in pristine dark skies is as good as it gets!! John Griffin of Kerry County Council started thinking about how to make the most of this area’s global status as a Dark Sky Reserve. 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. Backed by mountains and corralled by the crashing sea, Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve stretches from Kells to Caherdaniel. As well as star-spotting, visitors are treated to talks from academics and experts about Messier and discoveries in the world of astronomy. The International Dark-Sky Association has named only 3 gold-tier reserves, and only 1 in the Northern Hemisphere. 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. 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. Brother Guy Consolmagno: visit. 6 Most Spectacular Things to See From a Dark Site. Out chasing the Milky Way again last night. 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. For more information on cookies see our Cookie Policy  |  T&Cs  |  Privacy Statement, A post shared by Wild Atlantic Way (@thewildatlanticway). Our Dark Skies Package includes: - 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast As the sun sets on your trip you’ll find yourself feeling like those very first astronomers looking skywards. 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. When the sun goes down, you look up and you get a whole new perspective on things. NamibRand Nature Reserve. 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 … Copyright © 2021 Dark Site Finder. Not only the ability to attract people from all over the world to look upwards but also the ability to bring all kinds of different people together. There are many selling point for Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. All areas (except No.7) have free 24 hour car parking. We are situated in one of the areas with the darkest reading in the Kerry International Dark- Sky reserve. International Dark Sky Reserve Ireland's only GOLD Tier Dark-Sky Reserve. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. The Iveragh peninsula, what many call the "Ring of Kerry" has been named by UNESCO as a Dark Sky Reserve. There was the famous explorer Tom Crean, known for his Antarctic exploits with Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. 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. 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. The standing stones, such as those at Cill Rialaig, overlooking the Skelligs are Megalithic standing stones dating back possibly to Neolithic times. Accommodation, Kerry Internationl Dark Sky Reserve Kerry Dark Sky Tourism These accommodation providers have indicated that their facilities can cater for visitors who wish to enjoy astronomy or astro-photograhy in the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. 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. Powered by WordPress and Stargazer. 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.. ! It inspires awe and wonder at the world around us and the heavens above. It is the first such reserve in Ireland, and one of only seven places in the world so designated. In the 1700s, Frenchman Charles Messier, while searching for comets, catalogued 110 objects in the night sky. Away from the distractions of the everyday, you learn to trust your instinct again – allowing yourself to reconnect with the wilds of nature. ... the Skellig Star Party offers like-minded folks the opportunity to gather at Kerry’s Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve. If you have ever visited the Kerry region of Ireland you will know of its astounding natural beauty. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR) is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry, Ireland. Yes . 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. We regret that as it is impossible to socially distance in darkness whilst using astronomy equipment we … More here. It’s only recently that we’ve lost sight of the stars. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. A rare area of exceptional quality, starry nights and nocturnal environment. It was designated Ireland's first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). One of many national parks located in the southwestern United … . ", 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. Its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean provides some natural protection against light pollution. 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. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve What Kerry has given the world... Kerry natives have made their own inimitable mark on the world. Description:  There are plenty of expert locals here to act as cosmic guides for any visitors eager to chase the stars. Its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean provides some natural protection against light pollution. Today, astronomers attempt to locate all of these objects in just one night. Designated January 2014 "The reserve is a brand new baby on the Irish tourism menu," Julie Ormonde, chairperson of Kerry Dark Sky … . They came out with machines and measured the light pollution. Ireland is home to two internationally recognised dark sky places; Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and Mayo International Dark Sky Park. . Sun was starting to rise so the Milky Way was fading quick. Anyone who has motored on the famous Ring-of Kerry route you will attest to its wonder and ease of travel. “It’s special here. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR) is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry, Ireland. Entrance Fee? . 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. Firstly it was the first in Ireland, secondly, it is one of only three Gold Tier Dark-Sky reserves in the World. The standing stones at EIghtercura, Waterville, The wonderful sky from the Kerry Dark-Sky Reserve in Ireland #kerrydarkskyreserve #kerrydarksky #darkskyreserve #kerry #ireland #visitireland #ducalla #portmagee #brayhead #ballinskellig #milkyway #stars #starry #pentax #pentaxks1 #pentaxfan #pentaxphotographyteam @idadarksky, A post shared by Michele Cati (@teknuccio) on Nov 7, 2014 at 4:24am PST. Kenmare Bay with a little bit of Milky Way overhead. THE Pope’s astronomer, Brother Guy Consolmagno, is to visit the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. 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. 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. 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. The new Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve was also awarded “gold tier” status, the first time it has been awarded in the northern hemisphere. The only GOLD TIER Dark-Sky reserve in the Northern Hemisphere is fighting to bring back the stars to our cities and towns. 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. 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. Color Zone: Light Gray 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. Start planning your trip to see the dark skies on the Wild Atlantic Way here. Southwest Kerry is one of only three gold tier International Dark Sky Reserves alongside The Grand Canyon and African Savanah. #milkyway #stars #outdoors #parknasilla #midnightadventures #camera #astrology #astrophotography #nature #sky #darksky #earth #photography #photoireland #kerry #kenmare #kenmarebay #kerrydarksky #kerrydarkskyreserve, A post shared by David Behan (@davidbehan) on Jun 2, 2017 at 6:21am PDT. Eightercua in Waterville is another fine example of standing stones with lunar alignment that was also a burial tomb. It is the ONLY Gold Tier reserve in the northern hemisphere! Kerry International Dark Discover Kerrÿ's DARK Side -Sky Reserve Isla Portmagee The Car R565 R561 Glen Ballinskelligs Ca Dromid Staigue Fort All icons represent an average of very high SQM-L readings from 20+. Killarney of course is the worst light source; the reserve doesn't stretch to the area near Killarney, because of that. It was designated Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). While our ancestors spent their nights looking up to reference time, seek out weather patterns, to search for meaning and inspiration, we began more and more to look down. This part of the Wild Atlantic Way is simply full of these stones and tombs that offer us a glimpse into the minds of the first inhabitants on these islands and how here on the Iveragh Peninsula, they found a wonder and spiritual connection with the heavenly night sky. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean so it means there is very little in the way of light pollution. The Moorings in Portmagee offer Dark Sky packages with B&B and a night sky tour. 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. The award of International Dark-Sky Reserve came from the International Dark-Sky Association (www.darksky.org). Is Camping Allowed? Your email address will not be published. This is one of the largest private reserves in Southern Africa and one … 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. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR; Irish: Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha ) is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry, Ireland. It has the potential to create a real ‘star party’ wherever it sets down. 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. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, County Kerry, Ireland. 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. 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. Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand) In the 1908s, local officials began to more aggressively control … 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. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. Required fields are marked *. 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