Blackhead Lighthouse

Blackhead Lighthouse surveys the sea from the edge of a majestic cliff on beautiful Belfast Lough.

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Only half an hour from Belfast and on the Causeway Coastal Route, Blackhead Lighthouse is the perfect location to discover the best of Northern Ireland.

Irish Landmark Trust manage three restored lightkeepers’ houses right beside the lighthouse (sleeping five and seven), including one cottage evocatively named Blackhead Cutter (which sleeps four).

Enjoy a stay in a house full of character and comfort, with antique furniture and seafaring curios true to its maritime past. From this truly unique setting, watch glorious sunsets and wake up to gorgeous sunrises. Be calm and content by the sea and by the sure, steady flash of the lighthouse beam.

A quick history

  • Blackhead Lighthouse was built and its light first exhibited in 1902.
  • The lighthouse also had an explosive fog signal when it first began operation.
  • Blackhead Lighthouse would have guided many famous vessels during Belfast’s golden age of shipping, including the ill-fated Titanic.
  • Blackhead Lighthouse was converted to electric operation in 1965.
  • Lightkeepers lived at the station until 1975.

Did you know? 

  • The houses contain interesting fragments of lighthouse paraphernalia, including the whistle pipe system used to wake up the next watch.
  • There’s a lovely coastal path that takes you up past sea caves and coves towards the Gobbins or south to the Victorian seaside resort of Whitehead.
  • The Blackhead Lighthouse and Coastal Walk is approximately 2.4 kilometres (from Whitehead to the lighthouse and back).
  • Belfast Lough is an Area of Special Scientific Interest famed for its bird population.
  • This lighthouse marks the North East approaches to Belfast Lough. It’s also a significant passing light for North/South offshore traffic.
  • It is one of 65 lighthouses operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland and continues to provide a vital role in maritime safety today.

 

Booking Information

Location

Whitehead, Co. Antrim

Rates

From £412

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