Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours

Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours is only 45 minutes from Cork city by car and promises to transport you on an exclusive 90-minute historical natural visitor experience.

Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours is a local initiative 'not-for-profit' business supported by SECAD, Ballymaloe Relish, Cronin Millar Engineering and in cooperation with the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Any profit generated will go back into improving and developing the project - hopefully adding to Ballycotton as a tourist attraction and potentially creating local employment. One long term idea is to possibly create a small heritage centre in one of the old limestone Lighthouse Keepers houses.

The Ballycotton Lighthouse lantern was first lit in 1851 and 141 years later the last lighthouse keeper was taken off the island due to the automation of the light.

Now, for the first time ever, you can step onto the wild, natural and unspoiled lighthouse island. You can delight in the same incredible views from the lantern balcony that previously only resident lighthouse keepers have admired.

Your local guide will meet you at the ticket office at The Inn by the Harbour. You will enjoy a short open topped boat trip and be escorted on a brisk walk to the island summit and into the lighthouse.

Your guide will delight you with historic tales and information on wildlife whilst you are surrounded by stunning views and fresh Ballycotton sea air.

Brief History: The Ballycotton Lighthouse
Sanction to build Ballycotton Lighthouse was obtained from Trinity House in March 1848. The lighthouse was commissioned and building was completed in 1850. The lantern lit on 1st June 1851 and at this time the Lighthouse keeper and his family lived on the island.

In 1892 to prevent any confusion with the beacon on Capel Island , a broad black band was painted around the middle of the tower and in 1902, the whole of the tower was painted black (only one of two black lighthouses in Ireland).

In 1975, the light was converted to electricity and in 1977 the lighthouse was modernised and a helicopter pad built next to the lighthouse. On 28th March 1992 the light was automated and the lighthouse keepers withdrawn.

Ballycotton
A famous seaside and fishing village set on a rocky ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay in East Cork. Breathtaking scenery, an abundance of peace and fresh air as well as great local food and hospitality.
Visit www.ballycotton.ie for more information on the area and where to stay when visiting Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours.