Explore a Lighthouse this Heritage Week

National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage every August. In 2024, over 2,300 fantastic events took place nationwide.

With ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ the 2025 theme, everyone is invited to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us. Let's take a moment to reflect on the legacies of our past and examine the foundations upon which our communities, cultures, and identities are built. Heritage Week is an opportunity to dig deeper — literally and metaphorically — into the layers that shape our understanding of place, tradition, and change.

From ancient settlements and early industries, to the evolution of traditions, beliefs, and ideas, don't miss this opportunity to uncover stories of place and people, and foster a deeper connection with the past and how it continues to inform our present.

Explore Irish Landmark Trust Lighthouses

And what better way to explore these cultural, built and natural facets of our heritage than with a look inside the Irish Landmark Trust’s four lovingly-maintained Republic of Ireland lighthouse properties – St John’s Point, Co. Donegal; Wicklow Head, Co. Wicklow; Galley Head, Co. Cork; and Loop Head, Co. Clare.

Make sure to visit one of these exceptional lighthouses on Sunday 24 August to discover just what makes them so important to Ireland’s built heritage, tradition and culture. All properties will be open 10am-4pm for a self-guided tour. 

Entry is free but booking is required, book your place via heritageweek.ie or irishlandmark.com

Explore Fanad Lighthouse, Co. Donegal

And on Saturday 23rd August, visitors to Fanad Lighthouse in Co. Donegal can enjoy a free guided tour of the historic lighthouse. Starting at 2pm, climb the historic tower, explore the keeper’s quarters, and hear remarkable stories of shipwrecks, resilience, and life at the edge of the sea via passionate local guides.

Open Day at Loop Head: Sunday, 24th August | 12:30pm – 4pm

Free Entry to the Compound & Attendant’s Cottage Tours.

Rxplore the rich history and geology of Loop Head this Heritage Week. Plus, enjoy live trad music and meet some very special fluffy Alpaca guests!

Talks & Presentations

1:00pm – Muddying the Waters: The Story of Loop Head Geology – Eamon Doyle

1:45pm – The History of Dundalhen – The Large House above Kilbaha – John Williams

2:15pm – The Napoleonic Signal Towers of West Clare – Robert Brown

Live Music
2:30pm – 4:00pm – Trad Music with Bernie Keane & Friends

All Afternoon
Meet the Alpacas from Flying Alpacas (fees apply)

Paid Guided Tours of the Lighthouse available.
Free entry to talks, music & Attendant’s Cottage tours. Lighthouse tower tours require a paid upgrade.

In the area for the day? Don't miss our friends at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, who will be running a Species ID Session on the same day, Sunday, 24th August 2025, on the headland from 12:00-2:00pm! Join the IWDG for a hands-on training experience with practical tips on identifying marine species using the IWDG Guide to Ireland’s Ocean Giants.

Don’t miss this chance to combine heritage, wildlife, and stunning views – all in one afternoon at Loop Head!

Inishtearaght Lighthouse Tour: Heritage Week Special Sat 16th & Sat 27th August

And if you want another perspective on a lighthouse, for Heritage Week you can journey to the very edge of Europe with AquaTerra in Co. Kerry. Inishtearaght is Ireland’s most remote lighthouse, perched on the dramatic cliffs of the outer Blasket Islands.

Discover tales of isolation, resilience, and Atlantic life as you cruise around this wild and rarely-seen island. Expect towering cliffs, seabirds, seals, and sweeping ocean views guided by our local skipper and storyteller.

Ages 10+. Sea conditions must be suitable. Book tickets for this tour here.

And if you can’t make it to a lighthouse during National Heritage Week, as part of Northern Ireland's contribution to European Heritage Days, this September will see over 200 of Northern Ireland's historic buildings, monuments and landmarks open their doors to the public for free. 

Taking place on Sunday 14 September from 10am-4pm it’s the perfect opportunity to visit St John’s Point Lighthouse, Co. Down or Blackhead Lighthouse, Co. Antrim. 

Find out more europeanheritagedays.com