10 Years of Great Lighthouses of Ireland

Developed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the General Lighthouse Authority for the island of Ireland, 15 lighthouses and three lighthouse-related experiences in breathtaking coastal locations sit under the Great Lighthouses of Ireland umbrella.

Now with a decade of unforgettable tourism experiences, local expertise and treasured memories under our belts, it’s time to reflect on how far we and our lighthouse partners have come.

“A bucket-list experience”

Since those initial days in 2015, many of our lighthouse partners have noticed a boost in people’s appetites for maritime tourism. “There’s definitely been a shift, with more interest in coastal tourism and heritage sites like lighthouses. We’ve noticed more visitors every year, especially people looking for something off the beaten track”, says Martin Volrab of Ballycotton Sea Adventures, operators of Ballycotton Island Lighthouse tours in Co. Cork.

Our friends over at Fastnet Rock agree. “Over the past 10 years, I think we’ve really seen lighthouse tourism starting to come into its own. What was once a bit of a niche interest has now become something people actively seek out, not just for the views or the history, but for the sense of place and connection that lighthouses offer,” says Karen Cottrell of Cape Clear Ferries, operators of boat tours around the imposing West Cork lighthouse. 

“The Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative has played a big role in this. It’s helped build awareness and appreciation, not only of the lighthouses themselves but of the communities and landscapes around them.”

“In the last 10 years, we’ve seen huge progress in our business especially with our Fastnet Rock tours, where passenger numbers have more than doubled,” Karen notes. “What began as a local offering has become a bucket-list experience, creating real economic benefits for both Cape Clear Island and the wider West Cork region.”

“The magnet attraction for the area”

While the beauty of the lighthouses is a draw in itself, the one-off experiences that visitors and overnight guests enjoy has much to do with passionate people showcasing unique local heritage. Fanad Lighthouse in Co. Donegal has undergone steady community-led development that continues to enhance the visitor experience since opening its doors in 2017.

“Over the past 10 years we’ve seen significant growth in maritime tourism. Visitor numbers have increased dramatically with Fanad welcoming visitors and contributing to over 20 local jobs through our community-run social enterprise,” says Fanad Lighthouse’s Diane Cannon.

From guided tours, restored keeper’s accommodation for overnight stays, and a visitor reception area with interpretive exhibitions, to the Amharc Marine Watch Station – a nature hide with panoramic sea views, visitors to Fanad Lighthouse get truly immersed in the coastal environment. 

Some of Fanad’s most recent additions include ‘Éist’, an audio storytelling pod that shares local folklore and stories from the area, and a new augmented reality experience which allows visitors to virtually climb the lighthouse tower and enjoy the views from the top; ideal for those unable to access the physical climb.

Over in Co. Clare, while the people of Loop Head have undoubtedly been proud of their lighthouse for over 170 years, “since it was opened to the public together with the collaboration with Great Lighthouses of Ireland, it has been the magnet attraction for the area,” says Simon Day of Loop Head Lighthouse & Visitor Experience. 

“We are now attracting not only locals and the Irish but people from all corners of the globe.”

To meet this increased demand, The Loop Head Lighthouse Visitor Experience is currently being re-imagined and has received funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. What was once the lighthouse keeper’s house has been restored, with tourist accommodation on one side (the Lighthouse Attendant’s Cottage) and a visitor centre on the other. The Crow’s Nest in the visitor centre has also recently been upgraded with a new exhibition about the rich biodiversity present on the stunning Loop Head Peninsula.

An appetite for authenticity

“Over the past decade, maritime tourism in Ireland has transformed significantly, shifting from a niche interest to a cornerstone of coastal cultural tourism,” says Valentia Island Lighthouse’s Lucian Horvat. “The launch of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative has been instrumental in this change.”

“At Valentia Island Lighthouse, we’ve seen a marked increase in visitor numbers, both from domestic and international tourists, particularly as part of the Wild Atlantic Way. There's been a growing appetite for authentic heritage experiences—ones that blend history, nature, and community.”

And it’s no accident that interest in our coastal heritage is on the increase, lighthouse experiences like Valentia Island have made a concerted effort to pique visitors’ interests and create memorable days out. 

The most significant development at Valentia Island Lighthouse in the past decade was the launch of the ‘Leading Lights at Cromwell Point’ visitor experience in 2021.

Supported by Fáilte Ireland, this project transformed the site into an engaging heritage destination featuring the 17th-century Cromwellian fort, a restored 1920s Lightkeeper’s House, panoramic lighthouse views, and a new Eco Room focused on marine life and sustainability.

“Maritime tourism now places greater emphasis on sustainability and local impact,” says Lucian. “Visitors are more aware of conservation, coastal ecology, and the importance of supporting community-run initiatives—values that Great Lighthouses of Ireland has helped champion and embed across its member sites.”

Why not experience a slice of lighthouse life for yourself? 

Summer and autumn are ideal times to discover a lighthouse to stay at or a lighthouse to visit. 

Find your perfect experience here.