Ireland has got its first Dark Sky Reserve this week and if you want to head off for some stargazing, Irish Ferries has launched a deal to celebrate.
The reserve, covering some 700km2 of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry was awarded the title yesterday by the American-based International Dark-Sky Association (darksky.org).
In a first for the northern hemisphere, the Reserve has also been granted Gold-Tier status for the exceptional quality of its night skies. The two other Gold-Tier Reserves are in New Zealand and Namibia.
The International Dark-Sky Association regards the area to have minimal light pollution allowing extraordinary views of the Milky Way and zodiacal light.
The Reserve includes an area between the mountains and the Atlantic, close to Waterville, Caherdaniel, Derrynane and Ballinskelligs.
Waterville Holidays Homes is right in the thick of the reserve and Irish Ferries Holidays can arrange a five-night break on the park from £395 for two people with up to four children under 16 going free.
As well as cottage rental, the cost includes return ferry crossings for a car and family from either Pembroke or Holyhead.
