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.
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).
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.
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 !
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
Where to Stay
Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House: Lighthouse keeper’s house now available as tourist accommodation.
Email: bookings@irishlandmark.com
https://www.irishlandmark.com/book/?propID=747
Some popular Air B&B
Email jenny@watersedgeglenarm.com
Email – info@oranmorehouse.com
https://oranmorehouse.com/contact/
E: info@adairarmshotel.co.uk
The Dobbin’s Inn ,Carrickfergus
enquiries@dobbinsinn.co.uk
Also visit our post on 3 day itinerary to Belfast here.
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.
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