Along the beautiful Loop Head drive, you’ll find this iconic County Clare lighthouse well worthy of a stop-off.
Loop Head Lighthouse towers over the Atlantic Ocean from its lofty height. Its balcony offers views across the water and up the coast, where astute visitors can pick out some Irish landmarks.
On top of the beautiful views, Loop Head Lighthouse offers an interactive experience that the whole family can enjoy. And with an onsite café serving snacks and beverages, it makes for a great pit stop when taking on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Loop Head Lighthouse:
- We recommend that you afford yourself plenty of time to reach Loop Head Lighthouse. The drive to the lighthouse will take about 90 minutes from Shannon Airport, 80 from Ennis, and 40 from Kilrush. From Dublin, it will take you around three-and-a-half hours.
- Buses are available, but are infrequent, from nearby Kilkee and Kilrush. You might be better off avoiding public transport and renting a car.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of your tour’s scheduled start time.
- Ensure to allow time for a drive around Loop Head – it’s one of the most scenic drives in Ireland.
Interesting facts about Loop Head Lighthouse:
- On a clear day, you can see as far south as the Blasket Islands and as far north as Connemara’s Twelve Pins from the lighthouse’s balcony.
- The balcony also offers a great vantage point for spotting the marine life in the Atlantic, including whales, dolphins, and seals.
- The interactive exhibition in the lightkeeper’s house provides a look at the history of Loop Head Lighthouse.
- Huge white letters cut into the grass near Loop Head Lighthouse spell out ‘Éire 45’. This was the 45th of 85 similar signs used to let World War Two pilots know they were flying over neutral ground.
- Part of Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed nearby.
What’s nearby
Food: Light snacks are available onsite. For more substantial meals, you’ll have to drive elsewhere. A 26-minute drive to Kilkee will leave you close to Pollock & Porter (seafood and fine meats), Harris’s Restaurant (Bistro), Happy Harbour (Chinese), and The Pantry (café and bakery).
Drink: Kilkee is again your best bet for a pint. Here you’re spoilt for choice with the likes of Murphy’s, Hickie’s, O’Mara’s, the Greyhound, Fitzpatrick’s, Scott’s, and Naughton’s.
Accommodation: For proximity to Loop Head Lighthouse, you might consider An Sean Teach (guesthouse) or Anvil Farm (guesthouse). Kilkee offers the Stella Maris Hotel (three-star), the Bay View Hotel (three-star), and the Royal Marine Hotel (two-star).
Other attractions: Loop Head, the Éire Sign 45 from World War Two, the Cliffs of Campoy, Kilbaha Gallery, the Kilkee Cliffs, the Pollock Holes, and Kilkee Beach.
Your questions answered about Loop Head Lighthouse
Can you go into Loop Head lighthouse?
Loop Head Lighthouse offers guided tours between April and September.
How tall are the cliffs in the Loop Head?
The dramatic cliffs at Loop Head tower 30 metres (98.4 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean.
How long is Loop Head drive?
The drive around Loop Head is around 80.5 km (50 mi).
Contact and more info
Address: Loop Head Lighthouse, Kilbaha South, Kilbaha, Co. Clare, Ireland
Phone: +353 65 905 1760
Email: [email protected]
Website: loopheadlighthouse.ie
2023 opening hours:
8 April–17 June, weekends and bank holidays only. Every hour on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
18 June–18 September, daily. Every hour on the hour from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission prices: Adult €7, Child (between six and 17 years old) €5. Note that the lighthouse’s capacity is limited, so pre-booking online or by telephone is essential.
Accessibility: The toilets, refreshment facilities, and exhibition on the ground floor of the lighthouse keeper’s cottage are all wheelchair accessible. However, the tour of the lighthouse is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.
Furthermore, all visitors on the lighthouse tour must be over 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) in height.
MORE COUNTY CLARE GUIDES:
Read: Top 10 things to do in County Clare (2023)
Read: Top 5 towns in Clare you need to see
Read: Top 5 places to experience live music in County Clare
