Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve


The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry, Ireland. It was designated Ireland's first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. 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.

Location

The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is approximately in size and covers nine regions.
  1. Kells/Foilmore
  2. Cahersiveen
  3. Valentia Island
  4. Portmagee
  5. The Glen
  6. Ballinskelligs
  7. Waterville
  8. Dromid
  9. Derrynane/Caherdaniel
The Kerry Dark-Sky Group office is situated in Dungeagan, Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, Ireland.

History

The Kerry Dark-Sky Group was created in 2013 after several out-reach meetings with local community groups in the Reserve at the request of attendees to the gatherings. The purpose of the Kerry Dark-Sky Group is to promote astro-tourism in the Reserve via community projects, local outreach, and events.

Staff

The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve application was put together by International Dark-Sky Association members Julie Ormonde and Michael Sheehan. The project manager of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is Julie Ormonde and the assistant manager is Michael Sheehan.

Collaborations

On August 5, 2014 The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve officially twinned with the Aoraki Mackenzie Gold Tier Reserve in New Zealand.