Memorable Moments at the Lighthouses

Family history on Valentia Island

“One of the most meaningful moments in recent years was meeting the two sisters who last lived at the lighthouse with their family,” recalls Lucian Horvat of historic Valentia Island Lighthouse.  

“Their father was the last Lightkeeper to reside at Valentia Lighthouse before it was automated in 1947. When we met them, they generously shared their childhood memories of life at Cromwell Point — from the layout of the home to the way the sea sounded through the windows. Their stories became the foundation for the reimagined ‘Leading Lights at Cromwell Point’ visitor experience launched in 2021.

They provided old family photographs, many of which now feature in the lighthouse’s dwelling house museum. One detail they remembered vividly was the bright yellow colour of the bedroom they shared as children — so we painted the room to match that exact shade.

When they returned to visit the following year, they were moved to see how their memories had been honoured. They continue to visit every year from Dublin, and their connection to the lighthouse remains a powerful reminder of the very real lives behind these heritage sites — and how the past can be brought to life through personal storytelling.”

Magic moments at Fastnet Rock

Our friends at Cape Clear Ferries once had the privilege of helping fulfil a dying man’s final wish.

“All he wanted was to sail around the Fastnet one last time,” recalls Karen Cottrell. 

“One of his ten closest friends contacted us, hoping to take him on a yacht, looking for advice on berths and how to do it. But with typical Irish weather and the fact that he was confined to a wheelchair, we knew that wasn’t going to be viable. So we decided to wait for a weather window and take him out on our new fast ferry instead and make it a celebration.

Weeks went by but the sea finally calmed and we got him out there. As we rounded the Fastnet it was incredibly emotional. He was surrounded by his family and friends and the look on his face said everything. His family were so grateful. And as if nature knew too, a pod of dolphins appeared beside the boat – it felt like they had come to say goodbye. It was one of those rare, unforgettable moments that remind you of why we do this.”

Another memorable moment at Fastnet was fulfilling another bucket-list wish, that of an elderly gentleman who was determined to get drone footage of every lighthouse in Ireland. Not an easy task! 

“The Fastnet was the highest on his list,” says Karen. 

“We finally got the right conditions and brought him out. There was a nerve-wracking 30 minutes when we couldn’t find the drone – hearts were in mouths but thankfully it returned and he got the footage he’d been dreaming of. He was so grateful, the delight on his face… he kept saying ‘you have no idea how much this means to me’. 

He later shared the video with us. It is truly stunning and another reminder of how much these places mean to people.”

Honouring keepers’ past at Clare Island

“Jackie O’Grady was the keeper who finally put out the light of Clare Island Lighthouse in 1965,” says the manager of the beautiful Co. Mayo lighthouse, Roie McCann. 

“As he was from the island, he was only ever a relief keeper because I believe you can’t be principal keeper in your own area. He was given the sad task of putting out the last light. When I was giving names to all the rooms in the lighthouse before we opened, I thought it would be nice to call one of our rooms after a keeper so I got Jackie’s number and gave him a ring. He was delighted and we named one of our rooms ‘Jackie O’Grady’. 

I invited him to come and visit his room and have a little celebration. He arrived at the lighthouse the following summer and when I showed him the room he became very emotional and said ‘this was my very room!’.  

Sadly, Jackie died several years ago in his 90th year. He also wrote a fantastic book called ‘The Green Road to the Lighthouse’ and over a few years we had the privilege of him reading from his book in the lighthouse tower. A truly beautiful gentleman.”

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.