Loop Head Lighthouse
Teach Solais Cheann Léime
A white lighthouse at the tip of the Loop Head peninsula. Visitors can climb to the balcony for views of the Atlantic and the Shannon Estuary, and seabirds and dolphins frequent the cliffs nearby.
Loop Head sits on the westernmost tip of the north bank of the Shannon Estuary. The present lighthouse dates from 1854 and is still in operation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights open it to visitors. Guided tours take you up to the outer balcony at the top of the tower. On clear days you can look north toward the Cliffs of Moher and south to the mountains of County Kerry. Beside the lighthouse is 'EIRE 45', a sign made of stones during the Second World War to tell aircraft that this was neutral territory. On the cliff path outside the lighthouse you can see the sea stack known as 'Lovers' Rock', said to be the one Diarmuid and Gráinne leapt across. In summer the cliffs are covered with seabirds, and dolphins are sometimes seen. The lighthouse usually opens in spring and summer; tickets are required, and hours are on the official website. The balcony is closed on windy days. It is about a 30-minute drive from Kilkee.
Opening hours
Approx. Apr–Sep, 10:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Bridges of Ross
- Church of the Little Ark
- Shannon Dolphin Watching (Carrigaholt)
- Carrigaholt Castle
- Kilkee Cliff Walk
- Pollock Holes
- Kilkee Bay (Moore Bay)
- Scattery Island