Sentinels of the Atlantic: Capturing the Great Lighthouses of Ireland

A Love Affair with the Coast

There is something deeply poetic about a lighthouse. For centuries, they have stood as solitary guardians on Ireland’s most jagged edges, witnessing storms that would dwarf a city. As a photographer, I find myself drawn back to them time and again—not just for the structure itself, but for the way they define the Irish landscape

Hook Lighthouse: The Ancient Guard Co. Wexford

• The Story: Mention that it is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world (over 800 years old).

• Hook Head is a masterclass in texture. The medieval limestone walls have a weight to them that you can almost feel through the lens. I find the best shots happen here during the ‘blue hour,’ when the black stripes catch the fading light against a deep navy sky

Fanad Head: The Wild North Co. Donegal

The Story: Voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, it sits at the mouth of Lough Swilly.

Fanad is all about scale. To capture it properly, you have to include the winding access road or the treacherous cliffs below. It’s the quintessential Wild Atlantic Way shot—raw, remote, and breathtaking."

Fastnet Rock: The Teardrop of Ireland, Co. Cork

The Story: Known as the 'Teardrop of Ireland' because it was the last piece of Irish soil emigrants saw as they sailed for America.

The Fastnet is the ultimate challenge. It rises out of the ocean like a cathedral of granite. Photographing it requires patience and a steady hand on a boat, but catching that lone spark of white against a churning grey sea is a career highlight for any landscape artist.

St. John’s Point: The Bumblebee Light Co. Down

Famous for its striking yellow and black stripes—a departure from the traditional white or red.

Most lighthouses aim to blend in or stand out via white light, but St. John's Point demands attention with its 'bumblebee' stripes. It’s a fantastic subject for high-contrast colour photography, especially on a bright, crisp morning.

The Great Lighthouses of Ireland are more than just maritime aids; they are symbols of resilience. Each time I press the shutter, I’m trying to capture a piece of that history. Which lighthouse is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below