Astro-tourism is a new concept to the Irish Tourist industry. Currently there is no-one doing this type of work in Ireland. The ins and outs of the Irish travel industry are in the doldrums - time for a fresh approach to the tired old menu.

I registered this company as a sole trader believing that the skills learned in putting together the successful application to the IDA (www.darksky.org) which resulted in Ireland receiving its first award for a Dark-Sky Region (Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve - www.kerrydarksky.com) were unique, and that these skills could be put to use in regions where light-pollution is a problem, or in other regions where light pollution was NOT a problem; therefore the area could be a potential to recieve recognition and begin the process in developing Astro-tourism.

Areas inside the KerryIDSR are: Kells, Cahersiveen, Valentia Island, Portmagee, The Glen, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, Dromid and Caherdaniel.Having put together the successful application to the IDA (www.darksky.org), and then receiving the eminent award of Gold Tier meant that this region of South West Kerry was the only Gold Tier Dark-Sky Reserve in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere. Light pollution is a world-wide problem that continues to grow threatening not only our own human health but the health of the whole planet. Our environment is pre-programmed by nature on the natural rhythm of the day/night cycle. Animals and plants on land, river and sea depend on this cycle to survive, and we have forgotten that we also are programmed by these same forces. Protecting areas like the KerryIDSR has become very important and needs local as well as national funding to ensure that the balance within the KerryIDSR is preserved.Developing astro-tourism within the Reserve is also a priority. This South West area of Ireland is highly dependent on the extremely short tourist season which lasts just 12 weeks. The other 40 weeks of the year sees no extra income coming into communities yet this is the time when the skies are darker and the nights longer. The summer tourist never get to see just how pristine the South West Kerry can become. This is the time of year when, on clear moonless nights, one can see more stars than one ever imagined. 'Stunning by day - Sensational by night' is the slogan for the KerryIDSR, but don't take my word for it come and witness this for yourself. Persuading out-of-season tourists to do just that is my job which is here-to-fore a voluntary effort backed with no governing support.