Ireland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has recently added another feather to its cap. Lonely Planet's guide to the top five places for stargazing in the world features not one, but two destinations in Ireland. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of organizations like Mayo Dark Skies and Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which tirelessly strive to protect and preserve the night sky.
Situated on the stunning Kerry Peninsula in southwest Ireland, Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve earned its designation in 2014. The area benefits from the natural protection provided by the Kerry mountains, shielding it from light pollution. Visitors to the reserve can marvel at the vast expanse of sea and stars as they gaze out over the Atlantic Ocean. If you're planning a trip to Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, it's essential to consider the region's weather patterns. Ireland experiences wet months with overcast skies that might hinder your stargazing prospects. However, when the conditions are favorable, you are in for a celestial treat.
The International Dark-Sky Association awarded Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve the prestigious Gold Tier designation. This accolade recognizes the reserve as Ireland's first Dark-Sky region and places it among the highest-ranking reserves in the world. On clear moonless nights, the sky in this region of Ireland is simply awe-inspiring. With the naked eye alone, you can witness countless astronomical wonders that surpass what you might see in famous stargazing spots like the Grand Canyon or the African desert plains.
As the only Gold Tiered Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere, Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve encompasses several towns and areas, including Kells, Caherciveen, Portmagee, Valentia Island, The Glen, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, Dromid, and Derrynane/Caherdaniel. The reserve comprises two sections: the Core Zone and the Buffer Zone. While the Core Zone is traditionally the darkest part of a Dark-Sky Reserve, Kerry's Buffer Zone also boasts equally dark areas, offering remarkable stargazing opportunities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of a natural dark sky is the ability to view the heavens as our ancestors once did. With nothing more than your own eyes, you can witness thousands of stars, each varying in size and color. The band of our own Milky Way Galaxy stretches across the sky, alongside other galaxies, clusters, planets, satellites, nebulas, and falling stars.
Kerry's beauty extends beyond its breathtaking landscapes. When the sun sets, a new scenery unfolds, adorned with thousands of stars—except on full moon nights, when the moon's gentle glow dominates. However, even on these nights, the larger and brighter stars persist, forming familiar constellations. It may take some time for your eyes to adjust to the sheer number of stars, but once they do, the patterns of constellations gradually emerge. Spanning the Iveragh Peninsula, Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve encompasses approximately 700 square kilometers of territory along the Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail. It is home to nearly 4,000 residents and benefits from its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, which naturally shields it from excessive light pollution.
The night sky has held a special place in the hearts of Ireland's people for thousands of years. The Neolithic inhabitants of the Iveragh Peninsula constructed stone monuments that incorporated celestial alignments to track the cycles of the Sun, Moon, and stars nearly 6,000 years ago. Ogham-language inscriptions discovered in the region hint at the presence of ancient celestial observations.