Loop Head Lighthouse

About the museum

A light has marked Loop Head at the mouth of the Shannon since 1670, when a signal fire burned on the roof of the cottage where the light keeper lived. That cottage still stands in the grounds. The present tower is 23 metres high, was built in 1854 and stands about 90 metres above the Atlantic.

The light has a range of 23 nautical miles and shows a white flash four times every 20 seconds. It was converted to electricity in 1971 and automated in 1991. The visitor attraction is run by Clare Tourism Development.

Visitors can take a guided tour up the tower and step out onto the balcony, where on a clear day the view reaches south to the Blasket Islands and north to the Twelve Pins in Connemara. An exhibition in the Light Keeper’s Cottage covers the history of Irish lighthouses, and the restored attendant’s cottage can be booked for overnight stays.

Highlights

• Guided tour up the 1854 tower to the balcony
• Exhibition on Irish lighthouses in the Light Keeper’s Cottage
• Views to the Blasket Islands and the Twelve Pins on clear days
• Light first marked here in 1670

Permanent exhibition

• Irish lighthouses exhibition – An exhibition in the Light Keeper’s Cottage on the history of Irish lighthouses, combined with a guided tour up the tower.

Operated by

Clare County Council (Clare Tourism Development DAC)

Admission & discounts

Ticket prices are shown only in the online booking system; a combined ticket for three Clare attractions is offered.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The lighthouse is at the end of the R487 on the Loop Head peninsula, at Kilbaha South.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit