Dark Sky Viewing Points
For Camping in the Dark Sky Park, please refer to the National Park’s policy here.
We have created three signature Dark Sky viewing points at easily accessible locations around the dark sky park. All of these sites have qualified as “Gold Tier” quality under the International Dark-sky Association criteria.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre
Indoor and outdoor seated areas, toilet facilities and extensive car parking. Here you can take the “Tóchar Daithi Bán” (a 2km looped walk) to the elevated plateau of Cleary’s hill for a panoramic view of the night.
The Visitor Centre and interpretive exhibition is open from March to November but the boardwalk and car park are open all-year round.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- There is a lighting curfew in place at this site. Lighting may be on during events and at other agreed times to facilitate public safety.
- Nearest town – Ballycroy village 1km.
- Grid Reference Point: F 80704 09792
- GPS Co-ordinates: 54.024505, -9.823505
Claggan Mountain Boardwalk
The site has excellent parking and viewing facilities with the option to walk a 2km trail along a stunning coastal bay boardwalk route.
Here you can observe the night sky from your car or walk to a more secluded spot overlooking Bellacragher Bay.
- Wheelchair accessible. No artificial lighting on site.
- Nearest town – Mulranny 5.5km
- Grid Reference Point: F 82330, 02382
- GPS Co-ordinates: 53.95745, -9.79335
Brogan Carroll Bothy
At the edge of Wild Nephin National Park, this is our darkest and most remote site accessible by car. There is a stone bothy open 24 hours for shelter, if required. This is an excellent viewing point for all users and is the starting point for various forest trails and looped walks.
Formerly known as “Robert Lloyd Praeger Centre”
- Car parking and easy road access for cars, cyclists and walkers.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- No artificial lighting on site.
- Nearest town – Newport (13km).
- Grid reference Point: F 96884, 05585
- GPS Co-ordinates : 53.98932, -9.57282