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Members of the International Space University with John Griffin of Kerry County Council (right).
THERE were 25 members of the International Space University, from 18 different countries, visiting the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve in south Kerry over the weekend.
The group toured the historic sites and were briefed at first hand on the Dark Sky Reserve and plans to enhance it for locals and visitors alike.
The group visited Bray Head with Dr. John Sheehan from UCC, received a guided tour of the Skelligs Experience with Centre Manager, John O’Sullivan, and visited Ballinskelligs where they were welcomed at the Community Centre by Micheal Ó Leidhin and given a briefing on the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve and future plans to develop astrotourism by Steve Lynott.
The International Space University, based in Strasbourg, develops the future leaders of the world space community by providing ieducational programs to students and space professionals in an international, intercultural environment.
The Space University group are visiting Ireland for the first time this year. The Cork Institute of Technology, and CIT’s Blackrock Castle Observatory are playing host to the ISU’s 17th International Space Studies Program (SSP) from June 25-August 25.
The visit to Kerry was supported by Kerry County Council’s Tourism Unit.
Very interesting!