Blacksod Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in County Mayo, Ireland
Blacksod Lighthouse is a granite tower standing at the entrance of Blacksod Bay, featuring a square two-story structure with a white conical lantern section mounted at the top. The building includes a residence attached to the base of the tower for the keeper and their family.
Built in 1864 with funding from merchant Bryan Carey, the lighthouse marked an important turning point for maritime safety on this Irish coast. Its weather reports gained decisive military importance in 1944 when they influenced the timing of a major military operation.
The Sweeney family served as both lighthouse keepers and postmasters, running a post office in a room beneath the tower. This dual role shaped daily life for people in this remote area across generations.
Guided tours are available from June through September between 10 AM and 6 PM, and private visits can be arranged with 24-hour advance notice. The access path can become slippery during wet weather, so sturdy footwear with good grip is advisable.
The tower functions as a helicopter base for maintaining two uninhabited lighthouses on nearby islands. This role enables refueling and maintenance operations that support maritime safety missions in the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
