To really appreciate the wonder of what our ancestors saw in the heavens one needs to be away from any source of light pollution on a clear moonless night. Many cultures have drawn constellations between stars in the sky, using them in association with legends and mythology about their deities. 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 has been chosen for gold tier status among dark skies locations. Valentia Island is stunning for stargazers with many astronomical sights to be seen through the naked eye. The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR; Irish: Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha) 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 (IDA). The celestial showcase for all our dreams is the night sky and studies of it have historical placement in both ancient and modern cultures. In the past, for instance, farmers have used the state of the night sky as a calendar to determine when to plant crops. ... Kerry Dark Sky - Gold Tier Reserve. We are here to up the anti and give you the chance to experience these awesome sights in … See more ideas about Dark skies, Sky, Dark. Killarney isn't technically in the Dark Sky area. The constellations help by breaking up the sky into more manageable bits and grouping stars together in patterns which called constellations. 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. 700 sq km in size and offers dark un-lightpolluted skies, inhabited villages, helpful locals, remote wilderness, long sandy beaches, and numerous lakes, islands and rivers. (the stars were spectacular last night, by the way, even WITH the full moon!). Experience the night sky like our ancestors did, only a whole lot better. We help visitors enjoy their visit to the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve on the Wild Atlantic Way. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve Tour Information. A complimentary evening sky map is included. We do not charge anything if a tour is cancelled due to weather. Cost Per person 15 Euro (Minimum charge Euro50). The award of International Dark-Sky Reserve on Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way came from the International Dark-Sky Association www.kerrydarkskytourism.com.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 with the naked eye as can be seen say in the Grand Canyon or the … This is the first Gold Tier reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. Stay at Atlantic Villa and experience the darkest skies in the Northern Hemisphere. Usually the Core Zone is the darkest part of a Dark-Sky Reserve, except in Kerry’s Reserve a lot of places in the Buffer Zone have equally dark areas. Answer 1 of 9: I'm planning a trip to Ireland for either late January or November next year, and I'm worried about whether the sky will play nicely. Kerry Dark Sky Reserve announced! The only thing in Kerry that rivals the beauty of its landscapes are the glittering night skies it offers. Answer 1 of 9: I'm planning a trip to Ireland for either late January or November next year, and I'm worried about whether the sky will play nicely. This is … In 2014, The international Dark Sky Association recognised the 700sqKM area around Sneem as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve. The real purpose for the constellations is to help us tell which stars are which, nothing more. Photo by Peter Cox. Really. Constellations are totally imaginary things that poets, farmers and astronomers have made up over the past thousands of years. The Moon’s cycle is 28 days, so each month has only 7 dark nights with no moonlight to interfere with your view of the heavens above. January 28, 2014 Albert White. When : Sky tours are arranged on a request basis as the time of year and weather effectively control when we can operate. We will also advise the best time for the tour depending on sunset and twilight times. These sights that are seen through the naked eye are absolutely out of this world. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on January 27, 2014, by the IDA. This Kerry Dark Sky Reserve became the first Gold Tier Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. 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 you contact us with your proposed date we will tell you about … Guests may avail of Atlantic Villa Star Gazer Packages, details below, which introduce stargazing Apps, maps of the night sky, “The Sky this month” print out, suggest suitable places to observe the stars, hot drinks and warm blankets and perhaps a guided tour of the night sky and an opportunity to learn about the celestial wonders of Kerry Dark Skies Reserve. Stargazing guides will introduce you to the joy of discovering astronomy. The Kerry reserve is known for the especial clarity and brilliance in its night skies. One of the major assets of having a natural dark sky is that you can view the sky as our ancestors did. There are many selling point for Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. 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. Just what you need to rediscover a night sky full of gleaming jewels. Traditional Music Sessions April 13, 2016 - 9:52 pm; Boats Trips and Wildlife Tours March 27, 2016 - 5:09 pm; Kerry Dark Sky Reserve March 26, 2016 - 12:48 am; Derrynane App Seashore Nature Trail March 26, 2016 - 12:41 am; The Ring of Kerry Cycle March 24, 2016 - 12:11 am; Valentia Island March 23, 2016 - 6:28 pm; Ring of Kerry Driving Route March 23, 2016 - 6:27 pm It is the ONLY Gold Tier reserve in the northern hemisphere! When you look up on a clear night, you may see bright constellations, the Milky Way, shooting stars, and other night sky features. Its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean provides some natural protection against light pollution. Our Dark Skies Package includes: - 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast - Tour of Valentia Island - 1 x Lunch They came out … Kenmare Town - one of the most charming in Ireland. The only internationally recognised Gold Tier Reserve in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere – Atlantic Villa is in the area which has been designated as such by the International Dark – Sky Association (www.darksky.org). What makes this reserve unique is that it contains common life. In the evening head out to gaze at the stars armed with warm blankets, and drinks, information on the night sky and Apps to download. I live in the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, so can share a bit of first-hand knowledge! Atlantic Villa 4* B&B and Self-Catering Cottages - An Irish Experience. What to expect: An enjoyable informative hour of Sky guiding using laser aids and some hands on experience of special sights through our telescopes or high powered binoculars. Experience the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve in all its glory. Advice and stargazing equipment provided to enjoy the Kerry International Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve. Thirdly, and this is quite a big one, it is the only Gold Tier Dark-Sky reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. Sky Tour Details . Kerry Dark Sky Reserve. Pro Tip: According to the lads at Dark Sky Reserve Kerry, if you’re planning a visit, make sure to consider the position of the Moon. The Kerry Dark Sky Reserve is the only gold tier reserve in the northern hemisphere and offers star gazing opportunities like no other. We recommend layers of clothing and no phones or white lights as the ruin your night vision!! 2 nights B&B at Atlantic Villa with 1 evening meal and a glass of wine at Royal Valentia Hotel. Southwest Kerry is one of only three gold tier International Dark Sky Reserves alongside The Grand Canyon and African Savanah. The only internationally recognised Gold Tier Reserve in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere – Atlantic Villa is in the area which has been designated as such by the International Dark – Sky Association ( www.darksky.org ). On a moonless night in the Kerry IDSR visitors can see many thousands of stars and trying to tell which is which is hard. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve – from www.travelandleisure.com This is the only Gold Dark Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere in a small isthmus on the Western South most part of Ireland. Special requests or anything else we can do to help your visit contact us Here, Special requests or anything else we can do to help your visit contact us. The Reserve is protected by the Kerry Mountains and Hills on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other, is approx. Latest Blog Posts. Tours start at €15 per person. Kerry Dark Sky Tourism, Ballinskelligs. A complimentary Evening Sky Map and some great memories. Our Sky Tour Details are Here COVID !9 UPDATE. That is, the reserve has inhabitants who go about their daily life. and see for yourself! Firstly it was the first in Ireland, secondly, it is one of only three Gold Tier Dark-Sky reserves in the World. Different constellations are visible at different times of the year. Stargazing to the sound of the ocean in pristine dark skies is as good as it gets!! This covers a HUGE area of Southwest Kerry! Usually the Core Zone is the darkest part of a Dark-Sky Reserve, except in Kerry’s Reserve a lot of places in the Buffer Zone have equally dark areas. Kerry sits on the Iveragh Peninsula, home to nearly 4,000 residents, and incorporates approximately 700 square km of … KERRY DARK SKIES. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland (2014) Night sky over the Skellig Islands, Ireland, at the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. The Iveragh peninsula, what many call the "Ring of Kerry" has been named by UNESCO as a Dark Sky Reserve. A map of the reserve. Intimate tours in SW Kerry, Beara and Dingle off the beaten path - beautiful nature, historic sites, quaint villages, great food and entertainment. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve The award of International Dark Sky Reserve came from the International Dark Sky Association (www.darksky.org). Download a PDF tourism map from the website www.kerrydarksky.com. When you contact us with your proposed date we will tell you about the Moon's position and its potential impact on your experience. (Image Credit: Kerry Dark Sky) Ormode says that local support for the project has been strong, but needs to be sustained for the full benefits to be felt. We can see the glow in the sky all the way to the hills of Waterville. 1 night B&B in Atlantic Villa and evening meal with a glass of wine in Royal Valentia Hotel. "The reserve is a brand new baby on the Irish tourism menu," Julie Ormonde, chairperson of Kerry Dark Sky Group and project manager of the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, told CNN in 2014. The Reserve has two sections: the Core Zone and the Buffer Zone. Best star watching in Ireland! One of the major assets of having a natural dark sky is that you can view the sky … Choose your preferred room below to check availability, © 2017 Atlantic Villa - Built by: Karen O'Connell. Via the use of a powerful laser you will be shown the constellations with many more stars than usually depicted. The new Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve was also awarded “gold tier” status, the first time it has been awarded in the northern hemisphere. Ireland is home to two internationally recognised dark sky places; Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and Mayo International Dark Sky Park. Music at the Blind Piper, our local pub ... the best spot on the Ring of Kerry. Ideal places suggested for you or just sit back and star gaze on one of the garden chairs. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve: Kerry Dark Sky Tourism - See 5 traveler reviews, 3 candid photos, and great deals for Cahersiveen, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. On Monday 27th of January a packed Ring of Kerry hotel in Caherciveen in Kerry saw the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve receive it’s official Gold Standard status from the International Dark Sky Association. The light pollution there is terrible. Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve is the perfect place to look skyward as the dark evenings approach. Where:  St Finan's Bay Car Park or Ballinskelligs Beach Car Park or other easily accessible locations within the Dark Sky Reserve. This means that on clear nights the sky in this South West region of Ireland is simply stunning. 796 likes. Futhermore, it was one of only four such reserves in total in the world. The VIP visitors with Kerry County Council’s Tourism Officer John Griffin (far right) THE spacemen – and women – came travelling to Kerry this week with five members of the International Space University, from 18 different countries, visiting the International Dark Sky Reserve in Ballinskelligs. Aug 20, 2014 - Explore Geokaun Mountain & Cliffs's board "Kerry Dark Sky Reserve", followed by 123 people on Pinterest. Just 45 miles (70 km) from Berlin, Westhavelland, a dark sky reserve in Germany, features a sparse population, stunning wetland and a beautiful night sky on clear nights. We regret that as it is impossible to socially distance in darkness whilst using astronomy equipment we … Email:    Kerrydarkskytourism@yahoo.ie          Phone +353  0872582835, When : Sky tours are arranged on a request basis as the time of year and weather  effectively control when we can operate. Out … the Kerry International Gold Tier status among Dark skies is as good as it!. 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