Tour a working lighthouse at Blacksod Lighthouse

Blacksod Lighthouse at the southern tip of the Mullet Peninsula in Co. Mayo has shone bright over Blacksod Point for over 150 years.

Constructed in 1864 and built of of locally sourced granite blocks, its unusual square design makes it stand out. The lighthouse is famous for the role of its lighthouse keepers in World War II, when Ireland had been supplying weather reports to Britain. The D-Day landings at Normandy had been meticulously planned and scheduled to commence on June 5, 1944, to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany’s control.

A weather report from Maureen Sweeney predicted a bad weather front, which caused General Dwight D Eisenhower to delay the D-Day landings until June 6. Had they proceeded on the original date, it is likely the event would have been a disaster, due to the challenges the inclement conditions would have caused the aircraft involved.

The People and Places of North Mayo took a trip to Blacksod Lighthouse and met up with Fergus Sweeney. The lighthouse has always been part of his life, his grandfather was the lighthouse keeper from the 1933, now his uncle has the job and his father is the assistant. Take a look to discover what makes this unique shaped lighthouse such an amazing place to visit.

Over time, the lighthouse function has become automated. However, in the late 90s, the lighthouse building was renovated and restored by Irish Lights. This is to cater for visiting technical staff who serviced the equipment.

The lighthouse, which used to be a family home, opened in July 2021 to the public as a visitor centre. It offers guided tours which bring alive lighthouse life as it was for the lighthouse keepers and their families. This is a rare opportunity to visit a working lighthouse overlooking a working pier.

Book a guided tour of Blacksod Lighthouse

Discover the rich and surprising maritime heritage of the Erris region with a guided tour of Blacksod Lighthouse, where expert guides bring centuries of seafaring stories to life. A range of experiences is available to suit every group, from engaging school and educational tours for primary and secondary students — including Irish-language options and curriculum-linked content — to general group visits for parties of seven or more.

Private tours for individuals or small groups offer a more personalised experience and can be tailored to specific interests or accessibility needs; while the lighthouse’s steep metal staircase may limit access for some, the full story can be shared at ground level through artefacts, photographs and archival material. Whether you’re visiting as a class, a group or seeking a private experience, Blacksod Lighthouse offers an immersive journey into the maritime history of Mayo’s Atlantic edge.

Contact & Opening

Opening Times
Mar, Apr, May & Oct: Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm.
June, July & Sept: Monday to Sunday, 11am-5pm.
August: Monday to Sunday 10am-5pm.
Galleries close at 4:45pm

Cover image: via Fáilte Ireland / Courtesy Christian McLeod