Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve

The Kerry UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve is located on the very western end of the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry. Part of a worldwide dark sky conservation programme, which aims to restore the night time environment and protect areas against light pollution. This corner of Kerry is perfectly shielded from light pollution, being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and some of Ireland's highest mountains. Explore dark sky places of the reserve with this online map.

For a number of years, the Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival has been in place, a community-led festival is not-for-profit and run by a local charity, Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh. The festival programme takes participants throughout the Skellig Coast in South Kerry to a fascinating line-up of events - times, dates and locations are shown on the festival Story Map here. Speakers at the festival include marine biologists, zoologists, environmental scientists, lighting engineers, and an orbital dynamics specialist. The festival's esteemed speakers share their passion for their work and the Dark Sky while also advising festival goers on our role in protecting the environment.