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# Tourism
The first sign of summer? Loop Head Lighthouse is open to the public again
The building is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the 1670s.
LOOP HEAD LIGHTHOUSE is once again open to members of the public.
The popular attraction re-opened during the week, kicking off the tourist season.
Clare County Council, which manages the lighthouse in conjunction with the Commissioner of Irish Lights (CIL), said 27,274 people visited the lighthouse in 2016.
Councillor Bill Chambers, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council (CCC), said the lighthouse is of huge importance to the community, delivering an estimated €2 million boost to the local economy last year.
“Loop Head Peninsula is one of Ireland’s most scenic and heritage rich locations and I am delighted to see that the lighthouse is playing a central role in growing the sustainable development of the local tourism sector,” Chambers said.
The increase in visitors in 2016 represents the fifth successive annual increase in visitor numbers at the lighthouse.
The building is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the 1670s.
The existing tower-style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound. In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and today is monitored by the CIL.
The lighthouse will remain open to the public daily until November. More information can be read here.
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