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). Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve was awarded the Gold Tier Award on 27 January 2014, by the IDA. 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.
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.
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.
Collaborations On 5 August 2014, the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve officially twinned with the Aoraki Mackenzie Gold Tier Reserve in New Zealand.
References
External links 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/




