Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve

The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (KIDSR) has been designated Ireland's first International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association, one of only 3 Gold Tier Dark-Sky Reserves in the world and currently (September 2014) the only Gold Tier Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded The Gold Tier Award on 27 January 2014 by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The official website for the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is at kerrydarksky.com

The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is approximately 700 km² 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 International Dark-Sky Reserve application was put together by IDA member Julie Ormonde with the help of and Michael Sheehan, another IDA member. Project manager of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve is Julie Ormonde, assistant manager is Michael Sheehan.

The Kerry Dark-Sky Group was set up 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 out-reach and events. To read or download a PDF of the full application to the International Dark-Sky Association please go to the kerrydarksky.com website

The Kerry Dark-Sky Group office is situated in Dugeagan, Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, Ireland. Contact number: +353(0)669479071 email:kerrydarkskyoffice(at)eircom.net

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