My Ireland
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Lighthouses around the island of Ireland
Visit, tour and even stay at a range of historic seaside havens
Of all the historic landmarks in Ireland – from castles and churches to prehistoric forts – none are as dramatically located as the island’s lighthouses. They sit atop craggy cliffs, at the end of piers, and on small islands up and down the land. They are symbols of strength and solitude, built to withstand the mightiest elemental forces that Mother Nature can muster: Atlantic storms, winter gales, swirling fog – you name it, these sentinel-like beauties have seen the lot! And now you can see them, too, on tours, boat trips and overnight stays. Let’s set sail for some maritime mischief...
I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw
Hook Lighthouse, County Wexford
A visit to Hook Lighthouse
Don’t miss a chance to explore the world’s oldest operational lighthouse in County Wexford!
Lighthouse experiences
When it comes to great lighthouse experiences around Ireland, the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford and the one-of-a-kind upside-down Rathlin West Light on Rathlin Island are at the top. For an adventure to remember on the waves, try the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse Tour, at the most southerly point in Ireland – 13km from the coast of County Cork. Love epic scenery? Then Loop Head Lighthouse on a spectacular peninsula in west County Clare is the one for you. Like a good yearn? Check out Valentia Island Lighthouse in County Kerry and hear tales of 17th-century invaders, local lightkeepers and much more on a tour.
Rathlin West Light, Rathlin Island, County Antrim
Ireland’s lighthouses quiz
Think you’re bright enough for this one? Test your knowledge of the island’s coastal beacons.
Lighthouse stays
Fancy snuggling up in a cosy lighthouse on a memorable overnight stay? Treat yourself to epic views of the County Antrim coast at the Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses. Just down the coast in County Down, sleep sweetly at St John’s Point, a pretty black-and-yellow striped lighthouse with the Irish Sea on one side and the Mourne Mountains on the other. Wicklow Head Lighthouse is a quiet retreat just down the road from Dublin and is reputed to come with its own ghost. While Clare Island Lighthouse on a rugged island in Clew Bay, County Mayo, and Fanad Lighthouse at the mouth of Lough Swilly in County Donegal each provide unforgettable accommodation options on the Wild Atlantic Way. Decisions, decisions...
Eagle Island Lighthouse, County Mayo
Great Lighthouses of Ireland
For even more information on lighthouse experiences and stays around the island, visit Great Lighthouses of Ireland. As the name suggests, it showcases many of the best seaside beacons around Ireland’s breathtaking coastline. Plus it’s full of top tips, with articles on everything from seabird hotspots to famous shipwreck locations.
Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork
