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.
Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve | |
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Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha | |
![]() Logo of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve | |
![]() Map of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve | |
Location | County Kerry, Ireland |
Nearest city | Killarney |
Area | 700 km2 (270 sq mi) |
Designated | 2014 |
Governing body | International Dark-Sky Association |
Website | www |
Location
editThe Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is approximately 700 square kilometres (172,974 acres; 270 sq mi) in size and covers nine regions.
- Kells/Foilmore
- Cahersiveen
- Valentia Island
- Portmagee
- The Glen
- Ballinskelligs
- Waterville
- Dromid
- Derrynane/Caherdaniel
The Kerry Dark-Sky Group office is situated in Dungeagan, Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, Ireland.[3]
History
editThe 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
editOn 5 August 2014 The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve officially twinned with the Aoraki Mackenzie Gold Tier Reserve in New Zealand.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Aitheantas speisialta á lorg do 'Spéir Dhorcha Fhánada'".
- ^ "Kerry (Ireland)". www.darksky.org. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
- ^ radiokerrynews (6 August 2014). "New life breathed into Ballinskelligs Garda Station | Radio Kerry". Radio Kerry. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
- ^ "HOME - Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve". www.kerrydarksky.com. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
- ^ "Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie". Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
External links
edit- Official website
- Sky’s the limit for Kerry’s astro-tourism
- http://www.eturbonews.com/48918/alien-helping-lure-visitors-new-dark-sky-reserve-centre-ballinsk
- http://www.rte.ie/news/player/2014/0127/20513706-south-west-kerry-named-as-europes-first-gold-tier-dark-sky-reserve/