Have you ever stayed at a lighthouse? Well I’m super jealous if you have, because I haven’t, but that will all change very soon!
Since discovering that you can stay at a lighthouse in Ireland, I’ve really wanted to do it. It’s a unique and unusual alternative to a hotel and I love something different to tick off the bucket list. I’ll be heading to Co. Mayo on Friday to check out what Clare Island Lighthouse has to offer and to say I’m excited would be an understatement. I can’t wait to hit the road.
Surprisingly, there are lots of lighthouses dotted around Ireland that you can actually stay at. Here are seven that I found on Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Irish Landmark Trust.
Clare Island stands guard at the entrance to Clew Bay, Co. Mayo off Ireland’s western Atlantic coast.
This architecturally majestic, listed building has been lovingly transformed into fully catered, luxury accommodation, complemented by magnificent sea views and an inspiring, natural environment.
Its octagonal stone tower has been transformed by Irish Landmark Trust and now houses truly unique and delightful self-catering accommodation in Co. Wicklow. With stunning views of the Irish Sea on three sides – and 109 steps up to the kitchen – a stay in this lighthouse will literally take your breath away!
Galley Head Lightkeeper’s House 1
Galley Head Lightkeepers’ Houses are perched on dramatic cliffs at about 130 feet above sea level overlooking St George’s Channel. Sleeps 4 people. The lighthouse station is close to the award-winning village of Clonakilty Co.Cork. This vibrant market town is must see for tourists. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities from dolphin and whale watching, surfing at Inchydoney Blue Flag Beach or a historical walking tour of Clonakilty. The houses are also within easy reach of Cork City and Airport. (40 km)
Crookhaven Lighthouse is located on the entrance of Ireland’s most south-westerly harbour and village.
The Lighthouse dates from 1843 and is surrounded by the original dwellings formerly occupied by the keepers of Fastnet Lighthouse, Mizen fog station and Crookhaven Lighthouse. It is the perfect location for the ultimate escape set on Rock Island, Goleen, Co. Cork. Come and experience West Cork at its best.
Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 1
Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 2
Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses are ideally situated on the North Shore of Belfast Lough. The panoramic views from this property are stunning and fill visitors with pure delight and admiration. Enjoy a stay in a house full of character and comfort, with antique furniture and seafaring curios true to its maritime past.
Kilometres from anywhere, a stay at St. John’s Point Lighthouse offers the perfect getaway. Enjoy a stay in one of the two characterful lightkeepers’ cottages managed by Irish Landmark Trust and experience the delights of wild and wonderful Donegal.
Perched proudly on an enclosure at the tip of Loop Head Kilbaha, Co Clare stands the lighthouse station. Surrounded by birds and wild flowers, cliffs and Atlantic surf, Loop Head offers holiday accommodation with all of the spectacular appeal of the rugged west coast. The Lighthouse station is built on a clifftop with 300 degree views of the sea down to Kerry Head and Dingle and across to the Cliffs of Moher.
If you can recommend any wild and wonderful places to stay in Ireland, comment below and let us know.
Happy travels X
Thw light houses look amazing hope to stay in one some day