Surrounded by ocean on all sides—from the rocky Atlantic to the Irish Sea in the east and the Celtic Sea to the south—Ireland’s coastlines are dotted with historic, dramatic lighthouses perched on cliffs and jagged rocks. Many of these beacons are part of The Great Lighthouses of Ireland, a collection of 19 sites that offer guided tours, interactive exhibits, and in several cases, accommodation in restored lightkeepers’ cottages.
Here are some of the most notable lighthouses you can visit across the island.
Loop Head, Co. Clare
Originally marked by a coal-burning brazier on a platform in 1670, Loop Head Lighthouse now features interactive displays in the former lightkeeper’s cottage and offers the chance to climb to the lantern for sweeping 360-degree views. Several restored cottages are available to rent for an immersive coastal stay.
Fanad Head © Tourism Ireland
Fanad Head, Co. Donegal
Perched on the Fanad Peninsula between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, this early 19th-century lighthouse has been celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful. Guided tours explain its maritime history and the lives of the keepers who worked there. Marine life—whales, dolphins and porpoises—can often be seen offshore. Overnight stays in the former lightkeepers’ cottages make for an unforgettable experience.
Hook Lighthouse, Co. Wexford
At the entrance to Waterford Harbour, Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. Its largely intact medieval structure spans some 800 years of history, explored through daily tours and special private sunrise or sunset tours that offer a quieter, atmospheric visit.
St. John’s Lighthouse © Tourism Ireland
St. John’s Point, Co. Down
Marked by striking yellow and black bands, St. John’s Point is the tallest onshore lighthouse on the island. Visitors can stay in adjacent lightkeepers’ cottages and explore the surrounding coastal landscape. The lighthouse also appears in popular culture: it’s mentioned in Van Morrison’s song “Coney Island,” and playwright Brendan Behan once helped his father paint the tower.
Blackhead Lighthouse, Co. Antrim
Guiding ships into Belfast Lough for many years, Blackhead Lighthouse played a role in the histories of famous vessels, including the Titanic and her sister ships. Though it was manned until 1975, the site now provides accommodation in three carefully restored lightkeepers’ houses beside the tower.
Rathlin West Lighthouse © Tourism Ireland
Rathlin West Light, Co. Antrim
Known locally as the “upside down” lighthouse, Rathlin West Light is built into the cliff face on Rathlin Island, about a 25-minute ferry ride from Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. The unusual design places the keepers’ accommodation above the beacon. Rathlin Island is also a haven for seabirds—look for puffins, fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes and guillemots while exploring the island.
Other notable Great Lighthouses of Ireland include Galley Head in Cork, Clare Island Lighthouse in Mayo, Killybegs Sea Safari in Donegal, Youghal Lighthouse in Cork, and Blacksod Lighthouse in Donegal. Each site offers a mix of maritime history, dramatic coastal scenery, and opportunities to learn about the vital role these beacons played in safe navigation around Ireland’s often-challenging shores.