Fanad Head Lighthouse features in a new tourism campaign promoting the history and heritage of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland.
A series of new short videos and photos of seven different lighthouses has been shared by Tourism Ireland with its 6+ million followers on social media.
The short video from Fanad Head highlights the unique characteristics and charm of the lighthouse and the great experiences and activities to be enjoyed in and around it. For example, near Fanad Head Lighthouse, visitors can discover its heritage at the Fanad Lighthouse Experience and enjoy a visit to the Lighthouse Tavern.
Watch here:
There are 65 lighthouses operated by Irish Lights dotted around Ireland in beautiful coastal locations. As their function in lighting our coasts is automated, many are now being regenerated as heritage buildings with a tourism focus – some are visitor attractions, while others offer unique places to stay on a self-catering basis. In 2023, our lighthouses welcomed around 384,000 visitors, with over 50% of visitors to larger sites coming from overseas.
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Great Lighthouses of Ireland to create this fantastic new content for future promotions. These iconic buildings are being sustained for the future through tourism. Lighthouses provide an opportunity for overseas visitors to explore our maritime heritage, witness breathtaking sunsets, capture memorable photographs and immerse themselves in the vibrant activities of surrounding regions. The videos showcase seven distinct areas around Ireland, where prominent lighthouses serve as beacons for exciting activities, culinary experiences and unique lodging options.”
Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of Great Lighthouses of Ireland, said: “This content and video series is a fantastic investment by Tourism Ireland in the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative. It brings the beauty of our iconic lighthouse experiences to life and showcases the incredible experiences in the surrounding areas. These stunning visuals will introduce Ireland’s lighthouses to a global audience, inviting more visitors to experience their unique charm and history. We’re excited to share this new content at the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Gathering in Valentia, where over 60 lighthouse and maritime tourism leaders are gathering to discuss the future of lighthouse tourism and how we can further develop our unique destination.”
The partnership with Great Lighthouses of Ireland aligns with Tourism Ireland’s strategy to market iconic reasons to visit regions and diverse locations across our island, where we have exciting product to promote – spreading interest and economic benefits to businesses which thrive from tourism.