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My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #adventure
  • #Belfast
  • #Dublin
  • #food
  • #landscapes

    See what Ireland has in store for you

    Galley Head Lighthouse Galley Head Lighthouse

    Lighthouses around the island of Ireland

    Visit, tour and even stay at a range of historic seaside havens

    • #landscapes
    • #landmarks
    Fastnet Lighthouse Fastnet Lighthouse
    Blackhead Lighthouse Blackhead Lighthouse
    Broadhaven Lighthouse Broadhaven Lighthouse

    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 Head Lighthouse Hook Head Lighthouse

    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 Lighthouse Rathlin Lighthouse

    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.

    Take the quiz!

    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 Eagle Island Lighthouse

    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 Lighthouse Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse

    Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork

    5 great lighthouses

    1
    Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork
    A black-and-white beauty that sits proudly atop a narrow headland and dates all the way back to 1665!
    2
    Blacksod Lighthouse, County Mayo
    A striking castellated-style lighthouse forged from the red granite on which it sits.
    3
    Donaghadee Lighthouse, County Down
    Walk out to the end of the 18th-century harbour in the charming seaside town of Donaghadee to this postcard-perfect landmark.
    4
    The Great Light, Belfast
    A HUGE optic dating back to 1887 which is now located on the historic Titanic Walkway.
    5
    Poolbeg Lighthouse, Dublin
    This bright red landmark in Dublin Bay looks extra special at sunset.

    Ireland’s lighthouses

    Don’t miss these things to see and do

    Mizen Head Signature Point

    Cork

    Blackhead Lightkeepers' Houses - Unit 1

    54.767028037184 -5.68988800048828

    Wicklow Head Lighthouse - Irish Landmark Trust

    Wicklow Town

    Hook Lighthouse & Visitor Centre

    Wexford

    Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours

    Ballycotton

    Old Head Signal Tower Signature Discovery Point

    Kinsale

    Cape Clear Island & Fastnet Tours

    Cork

    Valentia Island Lighthouse

    Kerry

    Loop Head Lighthouse

    Kilrush