Every year, a Perseid shower crosses over the Northern Hemisphere, making for a stunning spectacle in our Irish skies. Here are the best places to stargaze this weekend, whether you want to keep it local or go all out.
This year, the peak of the Perseid shower falls on August 12th, but you can catch up to 90 meteors an hour until the 24th of August, from dusk to dawn.
Looking to keep it simple?
Even if you live in a city you too can catch a few meteors dashing across the sky! The best place to watch is somewhere without light pollution – street lamps and other electric lights obscure our view of the night sky, so parks and rural areas tend to be darkest, but you can still make it work with a garden, balcony or park.
To locate dark sites near you, check out the search tool from the nonprofit DarkSky International. And avoid spots with trees or buildings blocking the sky—especially the northeastern part of it, where the shower’s “radiant” is.
No need for binoculars or telescopes; just look with the naked eye. The Perseid shower is known for its big, bright meteors, which streak across the whole sky. When you get to your dark spot, give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust, and bring along a flashlight for safety. You might also want a comfortable chair or blanket to lounge on, as well as a sweater or warm drink if the night gets cool.
The Darkest Skies in Ireland
To get the full Perseid shower experience, we recommend moving out of towns and cities towards dark sky areas in Ireland. Here are our recommendations for the best places to see the Perseid shower this weekend.
1. Ballinskelligs Beach
Located in County Kerry, Ballinskelligs Beach is known for its dark skies, as it is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve in the Kerry region.
This beach offers some of the darkest skies in Europe. The lack of artificial light pollution makes it an ideal spot for observing the Milky Way, the Perseid shower, and various constellations.
2. White Cliffs of Ashleam
The White Cliffs of Ashleam, situated on Achill Island in County Mayo, provide a dramatic setting for Perseid watching. The cliffs offer a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, and the remote location ensures minimal light interference. The cliffs’ white limestone composition reflects the moonlight. On clear nights, the stars (and the falling Perseid shower) blend into the ocean!
3. Clare Island – Tormore
Clare Island, off the coast of County Mayo, offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the night sky. The island’s isolation from mainland light pollution provides an ideal environment for stargazing.
Visitors can enjoy the sight of constellations, planets, and even meteor showers with great clarity.
4. Glosh Bay Beach
Glosh Bay Beach, also on Achill Island, is another prime location for stargazing. This secluded beach is particularly popular for viewing the Milky Way and the occasional aurora borealis. The beach’s remoteness ensures that those chasing Perseid’s can enjoy a quiet, undisturbed night under the sky!
5. Silver Strand
Silver Strand, located in County Mayo, is famed for its stunning views!
The natural amphitheater formed by the surrounding landscape makes the night sky appear even more clearly against the dark backdrop of the mountains. Silver Strand is the perfect spot for watching the meteor shower this weekend!
6. Robert Lloyd Praeger Centre
The Robert Lloyd Praeger Centre, part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark in County Clare is dedicated to the study and appreciation of the natural world, including astronomy. The surrounding area has some of the darkest skies in Ireland, providing excellent conditions for stargazing. The center often hosts astronomy events and workshops, making it a great place to learn more about the night sky while enjoying the views.
7. St Finian’s Bay
St. Finian’s Bay, located in County Kerry, is another gem in the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. This bay offers gorgeous views of the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean, with minimal light pollution. The bay is also close to the famous Skellig Michael, making it the perfect place for a mix of history and meteor watching!
Worry not: the Perseid shower will continue until August 24th, with meteors consistently flying across our skies until then. You just have to be in the right place to catch them!
