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Blackrock Lighthouse

Blackrock Lighthouse

Lying 12 miles off the west coast of Blacksod Bay, the 15 metre high round stone tower was constructed in 1862 and is County Mayo’s most westerly lighthouse. It is also the tallest offshore light in Ireland.

Blackrock Light House

A Keepers Life on One of Ireland’s Most Remote Lighthouse Islands

The tower and dome are painted bright white and visible from some 22 miles away. Known locally as “An Túr”, the last lighthouse keeper left Blackrock in the 1980s and since 1999, solar panels now provide the light with energy to blink its unique show.
Viewing the archives, it is hard to imagine how the building was constructed on such a steep incline with limited resources and surrounded by dangerous and unforgiving waves. The rock was quarried right from the island and the tower and single-story keeper’s house built with the help of derricks and pulleys. The rock was such a dangerous place to live that lighthouse keepers children were tethered to the ground when playing outdoors!

From shocking shipwrecks to Luftwaffe gunfire, Blackrock Lighthouse has seen it all!

Although Blackrock Lighthouse is not accessible to the public, our tour guides will paint a picture of life for the early lighthouse keepers on this isolated rocky outcrop, as they faced months of bleak winter weather and destructive storms preventing their relief and hindering supplies. In one instance, a prolonged storm almost prevented a groom from reaching his bride and their nuptial ceremony in Binghamstown… almost! In August 1940, Blackrock Lighthouse found itself in the line of fire of a German Condor Bomber which destroyed the lantern panes and roof in a hail of bullets!

Find out more on one of our guided tours!

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What Our Visitors Say

"We had a very interesting time at Blacksod lighthouse learning about its history up to the present day. Our guide was very informative and helpful."
Susan , August 2022Tripadvisor
"Such an informative tour of the lighthouse and fascinating history lesson from Fergus who has the personal family history too. He made it all so interesting even for the younger family members. Highly recommend the tour. Thank you Fergus!"
Christina, August 2022Tripadvisor
"One of the best guided tours I have been on. The guide, Maureen Sweeney's Grandson himself, was an amazing Guide. Nothing like a lifetime of hearing tales to be able to help you tell an amazing story yourself. I have been to some fantastic museums and guided tours and this one is high up on my list definitely worth the money. The surroundings are so beautiful and the history is rich."
Patrick, August 2022Tripadvisor
"Although I had been to the lighthouse many times this was the first time tours were offered so we jumped and at the chance and we were delighted we did. It hold many fascinating stories told so very well by Kathleen. We were lucky to meet with Vincent outside beforehand who also gave us a great insight into the history and significance of this lighthouse."
Thomas, August 2022Tripadvisor
"We found the tour very informative and very enjoyable for all ages, the tour guide was very good providing very insightful information regards the history of the lighthouse and keeping the kids entertained."
Myra, July 2022Tripadvisor
"My family and I really enjoyed the tour, the guides where exceptional, worth the trip and we will be back for sure."
Paul, July 2022Tripadvisor
"My family greatly enjoyed the tour of the lighthouse provided by Kathleen. Her congeniality, knowledge of the history of the Lighthouse, and presentation skills matched the exceptionally good weather that day at Blacksod. The exhibits at the Lighthouse are very informative and up to the best standards of any exhibition in Ireland. The Lighthouse has a unique place in Irish and world history."
Michael, July 2022Tripadvisor
"Excellent tour full of fascinating information. Our guide was really informative and knew such a lot about the history of the place. The building was atmospheric and views from the lighthouse itself were breathtaking. Would highly recommend."
Allison, June 2022Tripadvisor
"One of the best light house tours I've been on. I'm originally from here and I learned a load of things about the light house and blacksod that I didn't know before. Tour guide was excellent and full of local knowledge and information, would highly recommend a visit."
Christina, June 2022Tripadvisor
"Turas den chéad scoth! Áit faoi leith é agus an stair ag baint leis. Bhí an beirt treoraí, Fergus agus Bill ar fheabhas. Mholfainn d'éinne an turas seo."
Therese, March 2022Tripadvisor
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