The number of visitors to Ireland’s lighthouses has more than doubled since 2018, reaching more than 350,000, recorded in 2024, according to a new socio-economic report.
The report shows that lighthouse tourism is now generating over €33 million annually—also double the 2018 figures. The KHSK report on the Great Lighthouses of Ireland (GLI) initiative, now in its 10th year, was commissioned by Irish Lights, the general lighthouse authority for the entire island of Ireland.
GLI, which is led by Irish Lights, now supports almost 700 jobs across coastal communities. This includes 137 direct jobs at lighthouse sites and many more indirect roles in guiding, hospitality, craft, and marine services – an increase of 71% since 2018.
In 2024 visitor spending at Great Lighthouses of Ireland sites reached almost €3.4 million, says Yvonne Shields O’Connor, chief executive of Irish Lights. “That’s up €1.5 million since 2018. This contributes to a wider economic impact of €33 million, much of which flows directly into small businesses, accommodation providers, food producers, and local services.
“Ten years of Great Lighthouses has shown heritage can create real opportunity. Together with partners, we built a model that protects lighthouses, strengthens communities, and contributes to our economy.”
“Our vision is clear: build on this foundation and make Great Lighthouses a global example of sustainable tourism. We aim to increase tourism revenues by 25% by 2030, as part of a 5-year strategic plan initiated this year.”
“This means supporting partners to invest in lighthouse buildings as living heritage and deepening the power of maritime storytelling. We want richer stories that connect people with our coast and communities, while keeping lighthouses alive and inspiring. The next decade is about deepening that impact and ensuring these iconic operational lighthouses continue to guide future generations.”
GLI Chairperson Bobby Kerr says that what makes Great Lighthouses of Ireland unique is the business model and the partnership behind it. “We bring together community groups, local operators, public agencies, and tourism partners to create experiences that are authentic and sustainable. This collaboration has breathed life into remote places, creating opportunities for small businesses and families while keeping our maritime heritage alive. It shows what can be achieved when heritage, community, and enterprise come together with a shared vision.”
To mark the 10th anniversary of this island-wide lighthouse partnership, Irish Lights and GLI are hosting the International Marine, Lighthouse Tourism and Maritime Heritage Conference in Dublin Castle (7–8 October, 2025), as Afloat highlighted. The two-day conference will bring together lighthouse and marine tourism experts from across the globe. Sessions will focus on lighthouse tourism, cultural heritage, sustainability, and innovation in coastal communities.
Speakers include Mirja Lilja Hagsjö of Sweden, who transformed Pater Noster Lighthouse into a world-class destination, and Tim Wittenbecher of Germany, who has developed lighthouse hotels across Europe. Ophélie Roy of France will also speak about Cordouan Lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The programme also showcases Great Lighthouses partners delivering real impact on the ground: Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal, offers a thriving community-led model in a Gaeltacht area. Cape Clear Ferries and Fastnet Rock tours highlight maritime adventure, while the Irish Landmark Trust reimagines lighthouses for guest stays. Other experience providers across the network are bringing new life to Ireland’s lighthouse heritage.
The conference will highlight Ireland’s ambition to invest in lighthouse buildings as living heritage and strengthen maritime storytelling. This storytelling spans archives, interpretation, new digital tools, and community-led approaches that bring history to life. These themes drive the next phase of the GLI Strategy 2025–2030, shaping investment, innovation and public engagement.
The goal of this strategy is clear, says Shields O’Connor, to ensure Ireland’s lighthouses continue to inspire communities and visitors at home and abroad.
