150-year-old Mayo lighthouse to open to visitors over Christmas
The management committee of Blacksod Lighthouse, Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile, have announced that Blacksod Lighthouse is open for winter tours for the period November 2021 to February 2022.
Private tours are available in the off season while regular tours will run over the Christmas and New Year period.
Blacksod Lighthouse on the southern tip of the Mullet Peninsula opened its doors to the public this summer for the first time in its 150 year history.
The unique castellated lighthouse was an instant success with locals and visitors alike, with guided tours bringing to life the rich maritime history of the four lighthouses of Erris.
After a very successful first season, the lighthouse team will be opening again between December 28 and January 4, running tours between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
These winter tours are subject to availability and should be booked in advance through www.visitblacksodlighthouse.ie
Chairperson of Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile, Seán Ó Gallachóir, thanked the local community for all their help and support in getting the lighthouse open and ready for business.
He saiid: “Opening Blacksod Lighthouse to the public has offered the community the opportunity to preserve our valuable history and to relay this history to locals and visitors alike.”
Tourism Officer with Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile Evin Ó Siulaí noted the five star reviews Blacksod Lighthouse has received online, and said he expected that the lighthouse will draw increased visitor numbers next season to Blacksod, Belmullet and the wider Erris region.
Further development works at Blacksod are planned including developments at the Coffee Pod, the refurbishment of a traditional inshore fishing boat, and the completion of an amenity/ recreation area at Blacksod Pier.
The manager of Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile Tina Nic Eafartaigh was delighted with the success of the first season and she welcomed the economic benefit of the project to the region.
She said: “Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile has appointed a full time Tourism Officer to promote the region.
"We also employed two tour guides to carry out guided tours of Blacksod Lighthouse during the summer months, and managed the staffing and operation of the Coffee Pod at Blacksod Pier.
"We expect to advertise seasonal jobs in the New Year as visitors numbers increase to Blacksod Lighthouse.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile and the wider community for their help in getting Blacksod Lighthouse ready to open and I’d like to thank all the staff for their hard work this summer."
Blacksod Lighthouse Winter tours are subject to availability and must be booked in advance through www.visitblacksodlighthouse.ie