Heavens above: Dark Sky tourism could fit with WAW
STARGAZING tourism and the Wild Atlantic Way could be a good fit.
That’s according to Tralee IT researcher Feargus Dunne who shared his findings with the THRIC conference last Thursday.
Kerry International Dark- Sky Reserve become only the third location in the entire world to be designated ‘ Gold Tier’ status in 2014.
Stargazers travel to the approx. 700 sq. km. reserve in the Iveragh Peninsula to enjoy a night sky free from artificial light pollution.
Only Namibia and New Zealand can boast similar ‘ Gold Tier’ night sky status.
Night Sky tourism is a ‘ micro- niche’ tourism activity but one which offers potential said Feargus.
“Sligo is a small county and quite populated so you need a large area where there’s nothing, like a moor or a mountain,” he said.
“Forests won’t work because the tall trees limit the sky view. Maybe somewhere like Benbulben or Knocknarea,” said Feargus.
“There is a growing group in Ireland who are into this and will offer support. The people in Kerry are actually a bit disillusioned because they thought they were going to have busloads of tourists and they also thought they were going to get more support from Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council,” he said.
But in their defence, cash- strapped Local Authorities are wary of putting money into something which may not be obviously successful at first.
“You’re looking at small numbers. Maybe 100 a year in Kerry,” added Feargus.
He told delegates in his presentation earlier that Dark Sky tourists are “high- spenders” and want to bring their families with them.
“They’re highly educated, willing to travel, albeit in small numbers, particularly from the US. There’s huge Dark Sky awareness in the US. They understand the risk is there that they won’t see anything and they’re willing to take that chance, he said.
Understanding the needs of the ‘ Astrotourist’ will be vital in developing this niche in future.
“It fits in well with the Wild Atlantic Way niche tourism. There’s huge potential to spin out the Wild Atlantic Way into niche products. You can tie in with the food and adventure tourism of the Wild Atlantic Way,” he said.
Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness in North West Mayo opened as Mayo International Dark Sky Park only last year.
“I know thing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream” - Van Gogh