The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve (Tearmann Chiarraí na Spéire Dorcha) is a dark-sky preserve in County Kerry. 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 the 27th of January 2014 and was the first Gold Tier Reserve in the northern hemisphere, and is one of only four Gold Tier Dark-Sky Reserves in the world. Kerry’s bid was headed by Julie Ormonde, of the South Kerry Astronomy Group, and supported by Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland.

It’s over a decade since the inception of the South Kerry Astronomy Club’s pioneering bid for Dark Sky recognition and to celebrate, the popular Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival is returning for a fifth consecutive year from March 19th to 22th with a packed event of

The Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival is an annual astronomy and cultural celebration held along the stunning Skellig Coast in County Kerry, Ireland, within the internationally recognised Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve.

View the full and exciting program for the 2026 event HERE

🌌 What the Festival Is

It’s a multi-day event dedicated to celebrating dark skies, astronomy, science, culture, art, and nature under some of the darkest skies in Ireland—a perfect setting for star-gazing and sky-based activities.

The festival has been held in late March for several years, with the 2026 edition taking place from the 20th–22nd of March, it’s also being included as part of Irish Astronomy Week from 20th–28th March with early bird tickets available now.

🌠 What Happens There

The programme typically includes a wide range of activities for all ages and interests, such as:

• Stargazing sessions guided by astronomy experts

• Astrophotography workshops and exhibitions

• Educational talks on astronomy, space science, sky folklore, and light pollution

• Walks and hikes exploring ancient sites under the stars

• Hands-on workshops (e.g., lantern making, sky-related arts)

• Cultural events including music, art, and storytelling

• School and family events, often incorporating multiple languages (Irish, Ukrainian, Arabic) and inclusivity elements

📍 Where It’s Held

Events take place across a number of scenic locations around the Skellig Coast nestled within the Gold Tier Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/scdarkskyfest

Early bird tickets now on sale HERE