Irish Examiner View: We must save our starry, starry nights

New research warns that the night sky is brightening by 9.6% on average globally each year, much worse than previously thought

Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, Derrynane, Co Kerry. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan Wild Atlantic Way

Here in Ireland, we are lucky to be able to experience the night sky in all its profound glory without the intrusion of polluting manmade light. It is one of the ways we can share experience with our ancestors down the millennia.

The island of Ireland is home to three of the darkest skies in Europe with the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and the Mayo Dark Sky Park joined by Davagh Forest Park in the North in enjoying a “Gold Tier” rating from the International Dark Sky Association.