Observing Locations in Ireland

Now that I go to post this it becomes obvious (to me at least)
that under the OBSERVING header there is no section for
Observing Locations.
anyway - I think that may be a good idea is
a list of observing sites around the country
(maybe in the form of a Google Earth Layer or KMZ list.
I know it can be done but not sure how to do it - any of the tecchies
care to offer?)

Anyway
Here's a regular list of a few sites.
The first two SAC have used
the others are not checked yet
(so be carefull if you decide to check them out.)

I'd also advise to click into street view
(drag the man icon thats under the compass at the right onto
the road to open street view)

If anybody has any other similar sites around the country maybe ye
can post the KMZ link here?



Poulnabrone Dolmen
Area: NW Clare.
Site: Firm ground Car Park off a quiet road.
Viewing Aspects: Excellent flat views in all directions.
Lighting issues: One house security light to the South
not a major problem in good conditions.
Other issues: Can get windy as it's very open.

bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=d...ef2f6d6.82803106.kmz


Cragan's Wood
Area: NW Clare.
Site: Loose gravel Car Park off a quiet road.
Viewing Aspects: Excellent flat views bar North.
Lighting issues: None known.
Other issues: Elevated site can get windy, shelter is gained from
trees to the North.


bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=d...63b1141.96696704.kmz






The Hand
Area: West Clare - Road between Inagh & Miltown Malbay.
Site: Not checked
I have driven through a few times
and the sky is inky black there.
Worth checking out!


bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=d...7c6e561.80727449.kmz



Cloonsnaghta Lough
Area: SW Clare. Near Lissycasey.
Site: Not Checked.

bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=d...660d0c8.36693564.kmz



Kilkishen lake
Area: East Clare.
Site: Not Checked

bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=d...3f3bec9.78536287.kmz



Tulla Lake.
Area: N Clare.
Site: Not checked
Looks like a small pier just off the road south facing.
This road often floods in heavy rain but the skies are very dark here.

bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=d...0d80a71.64190723.kmz

For those that can't open those links the direct KMZ files
are here:
frankryanjr.weebly.com/blog.html

Is there any good place with higher altitude accessible with car? So far I know only hills with around 300 meters.

The upper lake of the Turlough Hill Power station (near Glendalough in Wicklow) is at 600m.
There is a private ESB road to access it but I would imagine that you would need the premission of the ESB to acccess the site.


There is a link here:
www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=609403

Michael.

Minaun, Achill Island is a possibility. 420m altitude, public road access to the summit, clear western and southwestern horizon to the sea with good enough horizons to the south and east, in a black region for light pollution. There is a carpark at the top of the hill.

Possible issues - there are a few communications towers up here with the expected guy cables and navigation lights, and also the local weather can be quite windy.

Google maps location .

I've set up a website with a Wiki Map that you can add these locations into,
please check it out and add your local / club spot!

astronomyobservingsites.weebly.com/