Ynys Enlli announced as the first dark sky sanctuary in Europe

Ynys Enlli announced as the first dark sky sanctuary in Europe - Bardsey Island Trust

We are pleased to announce that Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) has received International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification by the International Dark Skies Association (IDA). This makes Enlli the first site in Europe to achieve this status.

International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are typically situated in a very remote location with few nearby threats to the quality of its dark night skies. With its new designation Enlli meets strict criteria and joins just 16 other sites worldwide.
Sian Stacey, Chair of the Bardsey Island Trust said: “We are delighted to announce the news of Ynys Enlli’s new status as International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDSS) today. It is a huge achievement, and I would like to thank all who have been involved. It’s the culmination of several years hard work involving our own team as well as our partners across the region and beyond. There’s no doubt that achieving this prestigious status for Ynys Enlli will raise the profile of the island as a unique place in Wales and amongst the best in the world to appreciate the night sky. We hope it will also go a long way in securing the long-term sustainability of the island.”

Ruskin Hartley, executive director of the International Dark-Sky Association added: "We are pleased to welcome Ynys Enlli to the growing community of dark sky places worldwide. With it, Wales is fast becoming one of the leading nations in protecting dark skies as a precious resource that benefits people and wildlife.”

The location of Enlli and its geographical features make it one of the darkest places in the UK – with the mountain on the island serving as an effective barrier, limiting light from the mainland. The closest major light pollution comes from Dublin, which is over 70 miles across the Irish Sea.