1. St John’s Point
Killough, County Down
One of the most colourful lighthouses in Ireland is the stunning St John’s Point in County Down’s Killough. Strikingly tall, the tower is marked with vibrant bands of yellow and black. Spectacular views are out to the Isle of Man on one side and the Mourne Mountains, on the other.
Accommodation inside the former lighthouse station is a joy too. Tearing away from the rugged coastline infront and enjoying the comforts from home is delightful. The cottages have retained their original beauty, with wooden stairs, old-fashioned furniture and knick knacks and traditional fittings. Impeccably kept by house manager Suzan Smyth, there are all the mod cons needed. One of the highlights is opening the windows at night to smell the sea and hear the crashing waves from the safety of the super comfy beds.
A 30 minute drive goes to the lovely village of Strangford, at the mouth of the largest sea lough in the British Isles and home to a wealth of wildlife and important conservation projects. There’s much to see and do here, including the majestic 16th century tower. In the centre of the village is the award winning restaurant, The Cuan, upmarket and trendy following a £1m renovation and serving traditional food such as Portavogie prawns served with sourdough bread and garlic mayonnaise and herb coated roast chicken, with champ, crispy onions and peppercorn sauce.
Irish food is know the world over for being scrumptious and former language teacher, turned cook, Tracey Jeffery runs a workshop at her beautiful 18th century thatched cottage on the edge of Strangford Lough. Using recipes passed down through her family, Tracey is a whizz at helping novices make such beauties as soda bread farls and Irish savouries, all served up with delicious home-made jams.
Price: From £386 for 2 nights
Sleeps: 4
Junior Loves: How peaceful and idyllic the location is
(Image: Bernie Brown at Tourism Ireland)
One of the guest bedrooms at Saint John’s Point
Ideal reading spot at Saint John’s Point
You can cook up a storm at Saint John’s Point
Stunning Strangford Lough (Image: Tourism Ireland)
Blackhead Lighthouse in Ireland
2. Blackhead Lighthouse
County Antrim
A breath-taking coastal path on the Islandmagee peninsula ends at the stout shaped Blackhead Lighthouse. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Belfast Lough, the views are out of this world, as is the accommodation cared for with panache by Pam Stewart. Taking a step back in time, it’s a peaceful haven, with the best bit being taking a bath while watching the sweeping beam outside as it protects sailors from the dangerous rocks below.
Inside is all cosy with a traditional kitchen, stunning lounge with a open fire, creaking wooden floors and huge bedrooms affording picturesque views across the sea. A lovely walk from the lighthouse along the coastline, ends in Carrick-Fergus, one of Ireland’s oldest towns.
Another traditional craft, taught in an restored stone-built 1830’s pig sty on the peninsula is jewellery making using 100 % recycled silver. Expert Heather McFadden runs Gobbins Crafts, a place to relax and enjoy while making a unique piece of jewellery from stacking to silver knot rings, a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours and take home the finished product.
Price: From £435 for 2 nights
Sleeps: 5
Junior Loves: The cosy vibe and log fires
(Image: Tourism Ireland by Big Omedia)
One of the bedrooms at Blackhead Lighthouse
Window view at Blackhead Lighthouse
Upstairs landing at Blackhead Lighthouse at dusk
Fanad Head Lighthouse (Image: Tourism Ireland)
3. Fanad Head Lighthouse
County Donegal
Crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland’s Donegal not only means more stunning scenery, but also the impressive Fanad Lighthouse which sits beautifully in the mouth of Lough Swilly.
As well as staying in one of the cottages, there are tours of the huge white lighthouse, which tells the history as well as allowing a hike up the spiralling metal stairs to see the lamp which acts as a warning in the rough seas below.
A change of scene accommodation wise can be found at Rathmullan Country House. The four star Georgian hotel is at the edge of a sea inlet and is the epitome of luxury accommodation, with old-fashioned drawing rooms, bedrooms and a lovely swimming pool. Food here is first class and local, from crab cocktail to pan seared fillet of Greencastle landed hake and what must be the best breakfast in Ireland!
To work it all off, a trip to Glenveagh National Park is a must, it has it all, rugged mountains, a historic castle and carefully cultivated gardens.
Price:From €318 (min. 2 nights)
Sleeps: 2 -4
Junior Loves: The views- and the chance to switch off from tech
Guest bedroom at Fanad Lighthouse
Breakfast with a view at Fanad Lighthouse
Cosy corners at Fanad Lighthouse
Glenveagh National Park Castle. (Image: Tourism Ireland)
Irish Culture
Irish poet Seamus Heaney was dubbed a lighthouse who guided everyone home. Such were his observations on daily life, that the Nobel Literature prize winner’s funeral in 2013 saw a huge outpouring of grief from his beloved home land.
Three years later an arts and literary centre was opened in Bellaghy, just outside Derry and where Seamus grew up. It’s a lovely place to visit, full of wonderful poetry and inspiration.
A short drive from Belfast airport is the impressive Hillsborough Castle and Garden dubbed “the grandest house in County Down”.
And indeed it is! Today it is the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and used by the royal family. Since the 1980’s it has played a major part in the peace process, with political giants meeting there during negotiations.
Junior Fact File: Reaching the Giants Causeway meets the Wild Atlantic route is easy via low cost flights from major UK hubs to Belfast and then by hire car or a ferry across from Cairnryan, Dumfries.
Accommodation: Lighthouses are the most special of places to visit and stay. Check out Irish Landmark , Irish Lights and Visit Ireland
