Mullet Peninsula Wartime Tour

With the whole world reeling from World War 2, you might be surprised to learn that Blacksod played a surprisingly important role in the turmoil.

A world in turmoil

A routine weather report submitted by Blacksod post office clerk Maureen Flavin Sweeney, intercepted by Eisenhower, lead to the decision to delay D-Day and changed the course of the war… and the course of world history.

Hear the harrowing tale of Blackrock Lighthouse, the only place in County Mayo to become a target of the Luftwaffe, as aerial gunfire rained down on the island and destroyed the lantern, panes and roof and resulted in the death of a young Irishman.

Learn about Operation Green, the code name given to Hitlers plan to invade Ireland on their way to Britain. Plan Green identified the Mullet Peninsula as an area of military interest. Was Operation Green a genuine threat or an attempt to confuse and redirect defensive forces?

Our Neutrality at Stake

On our guided tour you’ll be immersed in the captivating history of the period. Hear about the nearby Napoleonic Watch Tower at Glosh, visible from Blackrock Lighthouse, and the signals sent between the two by semaphore in an age long before technology. The remains of an Eire marking, Eire 6), can be found nearby. These huge letters, constructed between 1942 and 1943 were used as navigational aids to inform airborne bombers they were flying over neutral Ireland. Extensive U-boat activity occurred off our shores in of the Battle of the Atlantic, in these tumultuous times Irelands neutrality was at stake daily!

Tour Details

Due to limited numbers, advanced booking is advised.
Set aside around 45 minutes to enjoy the experience.
Arrive a little early and watch the colourful fishing boats pull in their haul or enjoy a cup of coffee with a stunning sea view.
Tickets for the Mullet Peninsula Wartime tour are €10 per person. If you find yourself on the pier with no booking, drop into the coffee pod for a friendly chat with one of our colleagues. We always try to accommodate walk-ins on the day.

Be Aware: Blacksod is a fully operational lighthouse which also functions as a forward refuelling station for search and rescue teams and occasionally visits may be interrupted and the building commandeered. On such rare occasions, refunds will be issued.

Groups / Schools: to accommodate groups or to enquire about our tours for educational settings, please contact visitblacksodlighthouse.ie or call 097 85727