Can you stay at the Lighthouse at St John’s Point, County Down?

From the creator of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee’s latest series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast has everybody talking, and wondering about the stunning locations featured from Belfast to Donegal. If you’ve been watching, you’ll have spotted the striking lighthouse that forms a central location for the madcap mystery the women find themselves entangled in. We at Irish Landmark Trust have a particular interest in that one, so here’s everything you need to know.

Image credit: Netflix

 

Where is the lighthouse featured in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast?

Although much of the action takes place in Donegal, the lighthouse depicted in the show is actually St John’s Point Lighthouse in Killough, County Down. Designed by George Halpin Senior, one of the most famous civil engineers of the time, the light was first exhibited in 1844. The original lighthouse was painted white; in 1902 three black bands were added, and its current markings of black with two yellow bands have been in place since 1954. The tower was originally only 14m tall – it was extended to its current dizzying height of 40m in the 1880s and is now the tallest onshore lighthouse on the Irish coast. (Fastnet is the tallest offshore lighthouse.)

The lighthouse was automated in 1981.

Fun fact: it is one of the places mentioned in Van Morrison’s song ‘Coney Island’.

St John’s Point also has a curious connection to Irish playwright Brendan Behan. Behan’s father was contracted to paint a number of lighthouses across Ireland and enlisted Brendan to help at St John’s Point in 1950. His efforts were reported to be less than impressive – a letter written from the station by the Principal Keeper to Irish Lights tells the full story. Behan was reported absent all day, returning to the station at 1.25am, showing “careless indifference.” Paint tins were opened by hammer blows, brushes left dirty around the station, and the spare house for the painters had been turned into “a filthy shambles inside a week.” The keeper concluded that Behan was “the worst specimen I have met in 30 years service” and urged his immediate dismissal.

Can you stay inside the tower at St John’s Point Lighthouse, County Down?

Although How to Get to Heaven from Belfast depicts characters inside the tower as though someone is living there, the answer is no – what we saw was clever set design, staging and cinematography. The interior shown on screen is a built set. In reality, the lighthouse is still operational and fully automated, so there is no place to sleep within the tower itself.

Image credit: Netflix

Can you stay overnight at the lighthouse?

Yes – guests can stay overnight at the lighthouse site in one of two comfortable Lightkeepers’ Houses, living life the way the original keepers would have. They offer a unique holiday, with all of the spectacular appeal of the rugged coastline. Each cottage oozes character and guests can enjoy exploring all of the nooks and crannies or getting back to basics with board games, card games or a good book in a wonderful cosy retreat.

These houses are conserved by Irish Landmark Trust. We are a conservation charity working with partners such as the Great Lighthouses of Ireland to keep some of Ireland’s iconic heritage properties open – giving them a sustainable new life as self-catering accommodation.

St John's Point Sloop

Are there any lighthouses in Ireland where you can stay in the actual tower?

Yes – there is one lighthouse on the island that is no longer used for its original function and has been transformed into self-catering accommodation: Wicklow Head Lighthouse. It is one of Irish Landmark’s most sought-after properties and fully booked for 2026. The 2027 calendar is open and availability is going fast, so if you want to secure a stay, don’t delay.

Wicklow Head Lighthouse was the first project undertaken by Irish Landmark Trust in the early 1990s, designed by architect Maura Shaffrey. The spiral staircase and deep-set windows of the interior are brilliantly echoed in the lighthouse on How To Get to Heaven from Belfast, but are likely more comfortable than those characters’ fictional hideout!

Is there another St John’s Point Lighthouse in Ireland?

Yes – not to be confused with St John’s Point in County Down as featured in the show, there is also a St John’s Point in County Donegal. This site also has two comfortable Lightkeepers’ Cottages with stunning views of the lighthouse and proximity to fantastic beaches for walking, swimming or diving.

Why not follow in the footsteps of the characters and head on a road trip exploring the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way, where two of the most iconic driving routes on our shared island connect?  

What lighthouses can I visit and stay at in Ireland?

The Great Lighthouses of Ireland network – which celebrated 10 years in 2025 – was developed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and comprises 15 lighthouses and three lighthouse-related experiences in breathtaking coastal locations.

Irish Landmark Trust operates self-catering accommodation at six of them:

The wider GLI network includes lighthouses available to visit on land tours or by boat – among them Hook Head, Valentia Island, Ballycotton, Rathlin West Light, and the Fastnet. You can also stay at Clare Island Lighthouse, and Fanad Lighthouse.

To learn more about the Great Lighthouses of Ireland, click here.
To book your stay at an Irish Landmark Trust lighthouse, click here.

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Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December, or 1st of January.