Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve

Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha
Logo of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
Logo of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
Map of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
Map of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve
LocationCounty Kerry, Ireland
Nearest cityKillarney
Area700 km2 (270 sq mi)
Designated2014
Governing bodyInternational Dark-Sky Association
Websitewww.kerrydarkskytourism.com

The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR; Irish: Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha[1]) 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). Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on 27 January 2014, by the IDA.[2] 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 700 square kilometres (172,974 acres; 270 sq mi) in size and covers nine regions.

This is an all-sky photo of the skies inside the Core Zone of the Reserve.
  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.[3]

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.[4]

Collaborations

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

References

  1. ^ "Aitheantas speisialta á lorg do 'Spéir Dhorcha Fhánada'".
  2. ^ "Kerry (Ireland)". www.darksky.org. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  3. ^ radiokerrynews (6 August 2014). "New life breathed into Ballinskelligs Garda Station | Radio Kerry". Radio Kerry. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  4. ^ "HOME - Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve". www.kerrydarksky.com. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  5. ^ "Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie". Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.