Without question it’s an extraordinary story, but Ireland’s lighthouses have always been places where ordinary people have done extraordinary things. They were built only to serve.” Ireland’s lighthouses still serve, but in the 21st century, they do so much more, too. Broadhaven Lighthouse, Mullet Peninsula, County Mayo, IrelandA decade ago, the Commissioners of Irish Lights launched The Great Lighthouses of Ireland (GLI), a tourism-led initiative which opened a selection of lighthouses to the visiting public. The Great Lighthouses of Ireland by David HareThe concerted push to promote our lighthouses and their many facets is bearing fruit. Ten years of Great Lighthouses shows how heritage can create real opportunity, protecting lighthouses while strengthening communities and supporting the economy.”It’s a great foundation and one which Great Lighthouses of Ireland intend to build on, with a five-year strategic plan in place that seeks to increase tourism revenues by 25% by 2030, and make Great Lighthouses a global example of sustainable tourism.

Source: Irish Examiner January 17, 2026 21:30 UTC