Blackhead Lighthouse Overview
Blackhead Lighthouse is among the dozen lighthouses that make up the “Great Lighthouses of Ireland’. It stands atop the basalt cliff of Islandmaghee overlooking the Belfast Lough just 20 miles north of Belfast. Operational from 1st April 1902 this lighthouse is an example of Belfast’s proud maritime heritage which has also helped guide the ill-fated Titanic on the first leg of its maiden voyage.
The light house is automated at present and the house of the light housekeeper was refurbished by the Irish Landmark Trust. These beautifully restored homes are now available as holiday accommodation.
The Lighthouse is accessible by foot along the scenic Blackhead Path from the town. There is a private access road to the lighthouse about 4 km north-east of Whitehead which can be taken but for the public it is only accessible by foot (Google map will only take you to Black Head Path, if you wish to take the alternative routine search the address of the Blackhead Lightkeeper’s house).
Visiting hours and Admission
The coastal path and lighthouse grounds are generally open 24 hours a day, every day.
Entry to the path and views around the lighthouse is free of charge (no admission fee).
What to Know
While you can walk the public path to the lighthouse at any time, the actual road leading directly to the lighthouse is a private road, accessible only to residents.
The usual route is via Blackhead Coastal Path — starting from a car park in the village of Whitehead.
The walk includes some steep steps and cliff-top paths, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
✅ Recommendations
Visit during daylight hours — while access nominally is 24/7, there are no lights along the coastal path, so walking in the dark may be unsafe.
The start from Whitehead Car Park is the recommended way to go.
For the best experience — bringing water, a jacket, and suitable shoes is wise
One of the best things about Belfast is that within a short drive you can discover a completely different world. From the bustling city center of Belfast, it only takes 35mins of drive or 40 mins train journey to reach the iconic landmark Blackhead Lighthouse at Whitehead, the pristine late Victorian and Edwardian seaside resort.
How to get there
There are four ways to get to Whitehead from Belfast by train, bus, taxi or car.
Operated by Translink UK, the Belfast to Whitehead train service departs from Belfast Lanyon Place and arrives in Whitehead Services departs hourly, and operates every day. The journey takes approximately 35 min.
There is a direct bus departing from Belfast Royal Avenue Tesco and arriving at Whitehead. Services depart five times a week, and operate Monday to Friday. The journey takes approximately 1h 1m.
The quickest way to get from Belfast to Whitehead is taxi which costs £35 – £45 and takes 22 min.
The cheapest way to get from Belfast to Whitehead is to drive which costs £2 – £4 and takes 22 min
How to book accomodation
Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House: Lighthouse keeper’s house now available as tourist accommodation.
Email: [email protected]
https://www.irishlandmark.com/book/?propID=747
Some popular Air B&B
- The Water’s Edge in Glenarm won Northern Ireland’s best overnight stay at the 2018 Tourism NI Awards.
Email [email protected]
- Oranmore Guest House and Tearooms,Ballymena
Email – [email protected]
https://oranmorehouse.com/contact/
- The Adair Arms ,Ballymena , a boutique hotel designed by Charles Lanyon ,the architect responsible for Queens’s University Belfast’s main building and the Palm House at the Belfast Botanic Garden
The Dobbin’s Inn ,Carrickfergus
Book Your Stay at Blackhead Lighthouse
Irish Landmark Trust — the lightkeepers’ houses
Blackhead’s dramatic cliff-top keepers’ houses are managed and let by the Irish Landmark Trust as self-catering holiday properties. There are three restored properties at Blackhead (Lightkeeper’s House 1, Lightkeeper’s House 2, and the Cutter) that sleep groups/families and keep much of their original character — exposed beams, maritime memorabilia, open fires and lawned garden areas. These make an atmospheric base for coastal walking, birdwatching and short breaks near Whitehead (about 40 minutes by train from Belfast).
Pricing & minimum stay
Typical minimum stay: 2 nights (Irish Landmark Trust standard; special dates may have different rules).
Price range: prices vary seasonally and by property. As a ballpark, national roundups have quoted from about £350–£400 for two nights (example listing cited £367 for two nights in a 2024/25 travel round-up); exact rates must be checked on the booking pages for your dates. Prices on commercial sites (Airbnb/Booking) may differ because of cleaning/service charges. Always check the Irish Landmark Trust pages for the most accurate availability and base rates.
What’s included
Fully equipped kitchen, linens, towels, heating and basic utilities (each property page lists the exact inventory).
On-site parking for two cars at some properties and a small lawned garden with outdoor furniture.
Local information pack and contacts for questions — Irish Landmark Trust is a conservation charity, so stays contribute to the upkeep of these historic buildings.
Booking links & how to reserve
Official Irish Landmark Trust listings (best place to check availability and book): Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 1 / 2 / Cutter (see the Irish Landmark Trust property pages).
You’ll also find occasional listings on Airbnb/booking platforms (prices and cancellation terms vary). For authenticity, book via Irish Landmark Trust if you want the charitable/heritage experience.
Blackhead Lighthouse vs Other Great Lighthouses of Ireland
(quick, useful comparison for searchers and travellers)
Blackhead (Co. Antrim)
Built c.1901–1902, perched on cliffs at the mouth of Belfast Lough; great for coastal walks, easy access from Whitehead and strong links to Belfast’s shipbuilding past. Good for stays in restored keepers’ houses and short visits from Belfast.
Hook Head (Co. Wexford)
One of the oldest intact operational lighthouses in the world with a visitor centre, guided tours, cafe and a strong medieval-history angle — it’s visitor-friendly and well set up as a tourist attraction. Hook is a tower experience (climb the steps) and is ideal for history buffs and families.
Fanad Head (Co. Donegal)
Frequently cited as one of Ireland’s most beautiful lighthouses; remote Wild Atlantic Way setting, with on-site accommodation at keeper cottages and a visitor experience/museum. Fanad gives a wilder, more remote island-feel than Blackhead and is a top pick for photographers and nature lovers.
How Blackhead compares (summary)
Accessibility: Blackhead is more easily reached from Belfast (train to Whitehead) than Fanad (remote Donegal) and less of a full-day tourist attraction than Hook (which has a visitor centre and tours).
Accommodation: Blackhead and Fanad both offer authentic keepers’ cottages to rent; Hook offers mainly guided visits and visitor centre facilities rather than long-stay lighthouse cottages.
Best for: Blackhead = coastal walks + quick heritage stay near Belfast; Fanad = scenic, remote Wild Atlantic Way retreat; Hook = living-history tower visit and family attraction.
Photography Guide — Blackhead Lighthouse
(quick pro tips for photographers and content creators)
Best spots & angles
Cliff-top viewpoint above the tower — shows lighthouse with sweeping Belfast Lough panorama and The Maidens islands in the distance.
Lower coastal path approaching from Whitehead — frames the lighthouse against the rocks and shoreline features (use the path levels to create foreground interest).
Best times of day
Golden hour (sunrise / sunset) for warm light across the lough — at Blackhead, sunset over the water can be spectacular on west-facing evenings; autumn and winter often bring dramatic skies. Aim for early morning if you want calmer seas and fewer walkers. (General photography principle — check local sunrise/sunset for your travel dates.)
Drone permissions & safety
UK/NI drone rules apply: if your drone is 250 g or above (or has a camera) you must be registered and hold a flyer ID with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Follow the CAA’s operational rules (line of sight, altitude limits, distance from people/roads, airports).
Local restrictions: Blackhead is close to Belfast Harbour approaches and local estate/harbour areas — non-standard flights over harbour estate or near operational areas may require special permission from Belfast Harbour Police / Harbour Estate managers. Always check DroneAssist (or the CAA) and contact Belfast Harbour if you plan flights near the harbour estate. Respect private road signs and nearby residents.
Permits & etiquette
If you want commercial drone footage or plan to fly near crowds or over infrastructure, apply for permissions in advance, carry insurance, and follow the CAA guidance. Always avoid disturbing nesting birds and wildlife (see wildlife section below).
Blackhead Path
The path commences with a large car park and runs along the coast to the base of the cliff at blackhead. The path loops around the headland requiring bridges and tunnels and rises to the lighthouse connected by a series of stairs. The path can be easily deemed as the precursor to the more dramatic cliff walk at Gobbins. There are three shelters spaced along the level section of the path. The large boulders that sit near the shoreline are known locally as the Wren’s Eggs. According to Geologists they were deposited here when the ice sheets melted at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. The inlet on the Black Head side of the Wren’s Eggs was once a busy port, called Port Davey. It was mentioned as far back as 1642 and remained in use until the 1970s. On the way there are two large caves one of which worthy of mention is known as Smuggler’s Cave which is the first cave from whitehead direction and is largest of the caves. The cave may have used by the smugglers in yesteryears, but it was used for many years by McCartney a school master hence giving it the name Schoolmaster’s Bedchamber or McCartney’s Cave.
Did You Know ??
The Dobbins Inn, in Carrickfergus is said to be haunted by the benign ghost of Elizabeth Dobbin ,the wife of the inn’s 15th century owner. He had her executed after he discovered that she was having an affair with a young soldier from Carrickfergus Castle. Hence this inn built in the 13th century ,standing over 800 years ,by the Norman knight Reginald D’Aubin is the most storied hotel in the region !
Also visit our post on 3 day itinerary to Belfast here.
Wildlife & Nature at Blackhead
(birding, habitats and local protections)
Belfast Lough ASSI / SPA / Ramsar importance
Belfast Lough (inner and outer areas) is designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and also forms part of SPA/Ramsar protections because of its intertidal foreshore and the high numbers of wintering and passage waders and wildfowl. The inner lough’s mudflats and lagoons are especially important feeding and roosting sites for species such as redshank and oystercatcher, plus wintering ducks and sandpipers. Blackhead overlooks this important marine environment so it’s a prime birding spot.
What you might see at Blackhead & nearby Whitehead
Regular sightings include gulls, waders and winter visitors; rarities and vagrant gulls have been recorded along the front. Local RSPB/ birding groups list a steady variety of waterfowl, terns in summer and wintering waders. Bring binoculars — the coastal path and the viewpoint offer excellent shorebird watching.
Conservation & visitor guidance
Because Belfast Lough is protected, stick to paths, avoid disturbing feeding/roosting birds (especially at low tide), and follow local signage. If you’re planning a guided birdwatching trip, local RSPB groups and wildlife centres near the lough can provide seasonal highlights and hides.
The Titanic Connection — what’s the link?
During Belfast’s shipbuilding golden age, Blackhead Lighthouse (completed c.1901–1902) and its counterpart lights across the lough were key navigational aids for vessels entering and leaving Belfast Lough — the approach used by Belfast shipyards. Contemporary histories and local heritage accounts note that RMS Titanic and other famous vessels would have been guided by the navigational lights of the lough (Blackhead and the lights on the opposite side / islands) as they made passage to/from Belfast. The Blackhead station formed part of that network of lights that marked the mouth of the lough.
For visitors who want more Titanic context, Belfast’s Titanic Quarter now displays the Great Light (a huge historic Fresnel optic formerly used at Mew Island/Mew/other lough lights) and interpretation about Belfast’s shipbuilding history — this helps explain how lighthouse optics and harbour navigation supported the shipbuilding industry of which Titanic was the most famous product. Visiting the Titanic attractions plus Blackhead gives a fuller picture of the maritime story.
FAQ
How long is the Blackhead lighthouse walk?
Answer: The walk starts near the small parking area at the lighthouse. From here you can pick up the Blackhead Path and follow it around the site for about 4Km.
How tall is the Blackhead lighthouse?
Answer: The tower is 52 feet high and painted in white color.
What are some interesting facts about lighthouses?
Lighthouses are uniquely painted to help mariners identify them during daylight. For instance, a lighthouse may be entirely white if it is set against a dark background. Red and white stripes are used when the lighthouse is against a white background, such as cliffs or rocks.
The height of a lighthouse considers the Earth’s curvature; the higher the light above Mean High Water (MHW), the further it can be seen at sea. However, it shouldn’t be so high that local sailors can’t see it. Therefore, lighthouses on cliffs are often shorter, while those near the water are taller.
Lighthouses located close to each other have different flash patterns to help mariners determine their location. Some lighthouses in different regions may share the same flash patterns.
Initially, lighthouses were lit with open fires and later progressed through candles, lanterns, and electric lights.
Today, lighthouses are operated by machines and monitored remotely. Automatic sensors detect extra moisture in the air and activate fog signals accordingly. Radio signals are used to communicate with ships. Before advanced technology, lighthouse keepers managed these tasks.