Lighthouse tourism in Ireland has significantly increased, with a 60% rise in overnight stays in such facilities throughout the country since 2019, according to the Great Lighthouses of Ireland tourism initiative. Last year, over 622,000 people visited lighthouses and lighthouse tourism experiences throughout the country.
The Great Lighthouses of Ireland partnership, established in 2015 and led by Irish Lights, is composed of public, private, and community sector partners, and aims to preserve maritime heritage throughout the country. The partnership will host a three-day conference in Belfast from October 8 to plan future growth for lighthouse tourism throughout the country.
Bobby Kerr, chairperson of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland partnership, said, “Lighthouses have such a special and universal appeal and are located in some of our island’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Growing lighthouse tourism has multiple benefits. It’s a positive and sustainable way to preserve our maritime heritage. It can provide income and jobs for coastal communities and increase visitor numbers to the island of Ireland.”
Blackhead Lighthouse in County Antrim Photo: Malcolm McGettigan
The Great Lighthouses of Ireland partnership has estimated that it provided an economic benefit of €16.8m in under four years and supported over 400 jobs before the COVID-19 pandemic. Irish Lights CEO Yvonne Shields O’Connor stated that the partnership’s recovery is underway and that it is well-positioned for the future.
“We share a vision and collaborate as partners to create truly inspiring and transformative visitor experiences. It’s time now to be more ambitious about what we can achieve together,” said O’Connor.
The Titanic Light, Belfast, is part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland tourism initiative
The conference, which is scheduled for October 8-10, will explore a number of lighthouse-related projects throughout Northern Ireland, with the goal of developing sustainable visitor experiences based on maritime heritage and culture throughout the region.
