LOOP HEAD Lighthouse is gearing up to mark 170 years.
A special programme of events has been organised for Sunday (August 25th) for an anniversary celebration at Loop Head Lighthouse.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) will open the celebration at 12:30pm. The itinerary for the day includes talks on the Lighthouse, Lighthouse Keepers and Local Area by Stephen Rowan and Martin Gleeson (1.00pm-2.00pm), and a talk by Dr. Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group talk about the dolphins and whales that can be regularly seen around the Loop Head Peninsula (12.30-1.00pm).
There will also be traditional Irish music, a scything exhibition, energetic yoga (2.00-2.30pm) and relaxing yoga (3.30-4.00pm) with Retreat Yourself, an introduction to Kettlebells with Jane Graham (2.45-3.15pm), and an opportunity to meet Alpacas from the nearby Flying Alpaca Farm.
Loop Head Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s. The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound.
In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation. Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD (FG) recently visited the attraction to officially mark the completion of upgrade works, including the restoration and conservation of the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages and a new visitor hub with interpretation panels featuring stories from the local area.
Free entry to the exhibition centre and compound will be provided during the 170th anniversary celebration on August 25th. A charge will apply for the guided tours of the lighthouse.
