Loop Head Lighthouse ...Open

tony2phones · Guru

Loop Head Lighthouse ...Open

wojazz3 · Guru

I would imagine there will be admission fees and I can understand the scepticism. Certainly this brings an opportunity to get more tourism to a relatively infrequently visted, yet beautiful section of the county. I won't be there during that time and I hope the tour buses don't head that way. For me, keep it closed. I can enjoy it more from the outside.

tony2phones · Guru

Apparently the fees are 3euro and Clare council have already made remarks that they hope to turn it into another Cliffs of Moher...god forbid!!!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Tony,

Thanks for the info about the lighthouse. That will make it busier for the people renting the lighthouse keepers cottages there. I certainly hope it doesn't turn into the circus that the Cliffs of Moher is.

Michele

Monty · Senior Member

To anyone who would listen, I have been advising them for the last few years to go to Loop Head instead of the Cliffs of Moher. Agree that I hope this doesn't start the process of turning this great area into the mess that Cliffs has become.

I guess if you have never been to Ireland that Cliffs has some appeal, but most who have seen it once have no real reason to return. It is anything but peaceful and serene now.

I can see it now ... 8 euros to park, fences, and a visitor's center!

Yikes.

Monty

-- Edited by Monty on Wednesday 20th of July 2011 09:44:21 AM

tony2phones · Guru

A day from my diary last week

Thursday. Loop head. I had forgotten just how far away this is, an hour down to Ennis and another hour down to the point. Definitely better to do this after the ferry crossing from Kerry but well worth it. The day was good but not the best a good breeze blowing and just enough mist/cloud to limit the views. The car park was packed, mainly natives and a few hire cars, lots of kids. We did though get to go up inside the Lighthouse, buying the tickets for 3 each and then finding out there would be a half hour wait (good job we hadnt eaten the packed lunch). Gave time for a few photos and a walk to the edge (not too close in that wind). The guided tour of the lighthouse and parking was worth the money if you combine the two and forget that the parking is free without going into the light still not bad for less than the price of a pint. Taking the coast road which is very narrow was a bit of an experience, not so much for myself but definitely for the lady driving the Avis hire coming the other way. She reversed a little and I pulled into a field entrance to let them pass, no harm done.

This was going to be a long day.. Tying to find a beach as promised to the granddaughter and following the coast road without success (mental note when taking kids to the seaside check the tide tables) Anyway home over the Burren via Corofin to Gort and up the slieve.

http://vimeo.com/27289582

CowboyCraic · Guru

We had adefinitely gusty day on Loophead. I wiwsh teh lighthouse had been open when we were there. Oh well, next trip.

Lahinch is usually good for beach time. No success there either?

tony2phones · Guru

Water was against the sea wall even the surf dudes were out on the path. we might have had a chance at Fanore but I was too long behind the wheel so right turn from Lahinch and home.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Tony,

Thanks for sharing your trip to Loop Head with us. I enjoyed that. I hope the lighthouse is open next time I'm there.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

ugh, another Cliffs of Moher. I'll be there in the off season so I will enjoy it from a distance.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

Last time I was there only one other car was in the parking lot and we never saw the other people. I hope it doesn't turn into a circus like the Cliffs of Moher. Otherwise we will have to find new cliffs but not tell about them.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

I think the cost of upgrading the local roads will put the council off but the lighthouse tour will possibly remain in high season. The Cliffs like those at Moher are Accessible by the public under Irish land laws so charges can only be made for amenities like Toilets, Car parking and god forbid a visitors centre.