Chasing the Northern Lights in Kerry: A Year of Extraordinary Skies

While Ireland is no stranger to the occasional auroral glow, the intensity and clarity of this year’s displays were exceptional. 

The Aurora borealis: From Castles to Coastlines

Clear horizons, unspoiled landscapes, and exceptionally low light pollution make Kerry a powerful magnet for aurora hunters. During this year’s solar storms, people across the county witnessed dramatic arcs, shimmering green waves, and flashes of pink and violet — some of the most vibrant Aurora Borealis displays seen in Ireland in decades.

Mike Gorman (Pixie's Kingdom) captured beautiful shots across North Kerry from Tarbert to Ballybunion including this stunning shot of Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford. View more of his photos HERE.

To the opposite end of the County where Goran Loncar captured the Aurora in the shadows of Valentia Lighthouse, the colorful light arch stretching across the harbour. View more of his photos HERE.

Why Dark Skies Matter: A Natural Resource Worth Protecting

Kerry is home to one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky—the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. Covering 700 km² along the Iveragh Peninsula, it’s one of only three Gold-Tier Dark Sky Reserves on the planet. This prestigious accreditation from the International Dark-Sky Association recognises areas with exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to reducing light pollution.

What does that mean for visitors?

• Milky Way visibility with the naked eye
• Better conditions for seeing rare astronomical events
• A thriving astro-photography community
• Preservation of wildlife, which depends on natural darkness
• Sustainable tourism, built around one of our most precious natural assets

The recent Northern Lights show just how valuable these protected skies are. Without them, much of the subtle beauty—and even the vibrant bursts—would be lost in a haze of artificial light.

The vivid colours of the aurora borealis on the horizon overlooking Brandon Bay captured by Brandon Bay Sauna. View more photos HERE.

Capturing the Aurora: What You See vs. What the Camera Sees

Many first-time aurora hunters are surprised by the difference between naked-eye viewing and camera images:

To the Naked Eye

The Aurora Borealis may appear as soft white or pale green glows, especially when the activity is moderate. Strong displays — like those seen across Kerry this year — can show hints of colour, but they are usually more subtle than expected.

Through a Camera Lens

Long-exposure astro photography reveals the true colours of the Northern Lights:

• Bold greens
• Oranges and pinks
• Deep purples
• Defined light pillars and arcs

This contrast is part of what makes astro-photography so captivating—and why dark skies are essential. The less artificial light in the environment, the more clearly both eye and camera can capture natural celestial events.

Mark O'Sullivan felt he missed the main show earlier in the night but his shots at Shore Acre captured the fantastic contrast of the Northern Lights with the constellations across the night sky. View more of his photos HERE.

Brian Lynch of Kells Bay Cheese captured the spectacular Aurora over Kells Bay located at the start of the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve. View more photos HERE.

Kerry: Ireland’s Cosmic Playground

Between its untouched landscapes, internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve, and increasing sightings of phenomena like the Northern Lights, Kerry is becoming one of Europe’s top destinations for night-sky tourism. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, a photographer in search of the perfect shot, or someone who simply wants to feel the wonder of the universe overhead, Kerry offers something special.

In a world where natural darkness is increasingly rare, Kerry’s skies are a gift—one we continue to protect, cherish, and invite visitors to experience for themselves.

All photographs associated with this blog post are copyright of the original photographers. No reproduction.

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