Stargazing breaks in Ireland?

P.S :
When I said "as good as" I was referring to Light Pollution.

The Astronomical seeing from the Atacama desert is better,it goes without saying.

Peter.

Hi folks,

Any more ideas on dark sky areas in Ireland?

Although there are no 'dark sky reserves' like in other countries there are plenty of places to the west that would be suitable for observing on a vacation. If some of our west coast members could email me about areas that they think are would be suitable for some dark sky tourism that would be great.

Its for an upcoming article in the IDA newsletter focussing on dark sky destinations around the world.

Cheers,
~Al

One prospect I've noted is Valentia Island in particular and the coast of Kerry and West Cork in general. There are a lot of holiday cottages, some of which are individual holdings a few miles away from the nearest settlements. I'm not sure that it's the ideal solution but if you can find one that's out of the line of site of the nearest lighthouses it could be interesting. Photography is my other hobby, so storm clouds and big waves instead of clear skies wouldn't be a disaster. Even an electrical storm has prospects!

I echo Valentia. The darkest and clearest skies, in May, I have ever seen.

Seanie.

I lived in Parknasslla, Sneem, County Kerry for 6 years. You could see down to about 7 mag.

The Parknasilla Hotel was near by as well as B&Bs and holiday homes

Eamonn A

I lived in Parknasslla, Sneem, County Kerry for 6 years. You could see down to about 7 mag.

The Parknasilla Hotel was near by as well as B&Bs and holiday homes

Eamonn A

Out of interest Eamonn, what is the quality of the skies in Roscommon?