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The Top 10 Prettiest Lighthouses Around Ireland

Published 08:32 5 Jul 2019 BST

Updated 15:14 5 Jul 2019 BST

Éadaoin Fitzmaurice
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The Irish coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Every single day while I pick out the best photos for our Instagram @lovindotie, I find myself drawn to pictures of splashing waves, rocky cliffs and most of all, quaint lighthouses. I've decided to make the ultimate bucket list for travel bugs and photographers alike to tick off this new year - think of it as the Lovin.ie Lighthouse Challenge!

1. Hook Lighthouse

Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest in Ireland. It's stunningly beautiful and such a spot for a windy stroll.

2. Fanad Lighthouse

Fanad Lighthouse is one of the cutest places I've ever visited. You can do tours around the lighthouse, learn about the history of the area and look out from the top out to the ocean. Best of all, you can actually stay there and the accommodation is so fab. It's an amazing spot for a group of friends looking to do something out of the ordinary.

3. Baily Lighthouse

In 1665 Charles II granted Sir Robert Reading permission to build six lighthouses around the coast of Ireland, Baily Lighthouse in Howth being one of them. This cottage-type lighthouse, which is unique to Ireland, was established around 1667.

4. Wicklow Head Lighthouse

Try get down here at night, it's such a treat.

5. Poolbeg Lighthouse

The iconic Poolbeg lighthouse can be reached by the Great South Wall walk. It's the ideal spot for your first Sunday morning adventure in 2019.

6. Valentia Island

Valentia Island is one of Ireland's most westerly points. To see this lighthouse in all its glory, take a boat ride around the island, you won't regret it.

7. Ballycotton Lighthouse

This lighthouse is one of the most unique in Ireland because it's completely black. This lighthouse can only be accessed by boat. On arrival, you can walk the original lightkeeper's path to the island’s summit, meet some of the resident goats and see the unspoilt flora and fauna.

8. Clare Island

Clare Island is a mountainous island near Clew Bay in County Mayo. It is famous as the home of the pirate queen Gráinne O'Malley.

9. Old Head

This 17th century lighthouse can be found at the Old Head Of Kinsale, which is now one of Ireland's most incredible golf courses.

10. Loop Head

You can take a guided tour around this lighthouse tower and onto its balcony. From the top, you’ll have a fantastic view south as far as the Blasket Islands and north to the Twelve Pins in Connemara, along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Header Image @gregda @clareislandlighthouse READ MORE: IRISH MADE: This Stunning Irish Jewellery Brand Needs To Be On Your Radar For 2019