#loophead – Clare County Council, which manages Loop Head Lighthouse in conjunction with the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), says the facility will remain open daily (10am-6pm) until 4th October 2015. For the first time meanwhile, the attraction will be opened to the public during weekends in October.
Commenting on the 2015 visitor season to date, Councillor James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said: "The 19th century West Clare landmark is certainly benefiting from its designation as a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way and as one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. As in previous years, its growing popularity as a visitor attraction is providing a significant boost to economic activity in the wider area."
Gerard Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council, noted the continued strong performance of the domestic visitor market and the German market, in particular.
The Council has worked with all parties locally and nationally to build tourism product at Loop head to such an extent that the Loop is now regarded as an attraction of national status," stated Mr. Dollard.
"The economic benefit to the area has been obvious. The challenge now is to continue to expand and further market the product on the wider Loop Head Peninsula to increase the length of stay in the area. The tourism market is performing exceptionally well at present and the indications are for further growth in 2016, The extended opening hours into October this year moves the Loop towards an all- year tourist destination rather than a seasonal attraction. The wealth of tourism product on the peninsula provides a strong basis for increasing market share and dwell time of visitors," he added.
Cillian Murphy, Chairperson of Loop Head Tourism, also welcomed the growth in numbers visiting the lighthouse.
"These figures mirror what has been a busy season on the wider Loop Head Peninsula with the overall trend higher than the national figures," he said. "This is a just reward for the marketing that has been done, both nationally and internationally, to promote the Loop Head Peninsula as a whole. Getting tourists to visit is only part of the process though, we have to ensure that, with growth in numbers, comes growth in yield, and Loop Head Tourism look forward to continued co-operation with Clare County Council in developing strategies which will maximize the local economic benefits from the lighthouse and from tourism in general."
Loop Head Lighthouse 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. Taoiseach Enda Kenny's grandfather was a keeper at the lighthouse. James John McGinley took up duty at the Lighthouse as Principal Keeper on 16th January 1933. He spent 1 year and 10 months at Loop Head. He was transferred from the station in October 1934.
Located to the rear of the lighthouse is an Éire sign etched into the headland, which was used to alert passing Allied aircrews that they were passing over neutral Ireland during World War 2. In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and today is in the care of an attendant and is monitored by the CIL.
Loop Head Lighthouse is also a landmark location on the Loop Head Heritage Trail, which has recently been shortlisted in the 'Culture and Heritage' category of this year's 12th annual World Responsible Tourism Awards.
