Located 3 km off the coast of Wales, Innis Enri, also known as Bardsey Island, is officially one of the best places in the world to see the stars.
Sky
February 23, 2023
An island off the north coast of Wales becomes the first European site to win the award Starry sky sanctuary certification From the International Dark Sky Association.
Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsey Island, has been recognized as one of the best stargazing spots in the world after four years of nighttime light pollution monitoring by local guards.
Bardsey Island Trust chairman Sian Stacey said in a statement that the designation was a “huge achievement”.
The UK already has several Dark Sky Reserves, but areas designated as sanctuaries must boast darker, less polluted skies to qualify.
Innis Enri Lighthouse
Steve Porter
Along with Ynys Enlli, there are only 16 dark sky sanctuaries in the world, from the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific to Medicine Rocks State Park in Montana.
Ynys Enlli lies 3 km off the tip of the Llŷn peninsula in North Wales and records show that it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Today, only a handful of people live on the island year-round, but tourists visit during the summer months for day trips and vacations.
Its unique topography is part of the reason why the sky is dark. With mountains limiting the amount of light seeping out of mainland Wales, Dublin, Ireland, 120 kilometers away, is the closest significant source of light pollution.
Officials hope the new designation will better protect Innis Enri from future light pollution and attract more tourists.
“Innis Enri’s acquisition of this prestigious status will undoubtedly enhance the island’s profile as a unique place in Wales and as one of the best places in the world to view the night sky,” Stacey said. “We hope that it will also go a long way in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the island.”
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