About the Property
From €500 for 2 nights
Open Fire
Sleeps 4
Galley Head Lightkeeper’s House, Co. Cork
This is one of two houses on the Lighthouse station at Galley Head. This very special place is full of character and the magnificent views are ever-changing.
Less than half an hour from Clonakilty, Galley Head Lighthouse is located on a headland on the Atlantic Ocean. The sea views, the isolation and the light punctuating the sky over the sea and land at night are major reasons to stay at Galley Head.
If you are lucky enough to stay here, take the time to soak it all in and you will come away more relaxed than you have ever been.
We think you’ll love
- The views from every angle are awe inspiring and breathtaking.
- Galley Head lighthouse station is close to the award – winning village of Clonakilty. This vibrant market town is a must see for tourists.
- Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities from dolphin and whale watching, surfing at Inchydoney.
Facilities
- 1 Double Bedroom
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- Oil Fired Central Heating
- Open Fire in Sitting Room
- Wonderful Sea Views from Kitchen
- Electric Oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washer/Dryer
- Fridge/Freezer
- Towels and Linens Provided
- Travel cot/crib for infants (under 2 years), on request
- Hair Dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Cooking Utensils and Equipment
- 1 Bathroom with Bath Tub
- Separate downstairs shower room
- Garden with Garden Furniture
- Sea Views
- Radio
- Car Parking
Things you should know
There are cliffs nearby and children should be supervised at all times.
This property is located at the end of a headland, therefore water pressure in the Showers is low as water cannot be pumped for a high-pressure shower
Please note that occasional outdoor events take place at lighthouse properties from time to time throughout the year.
The access road to the Lighthouse can be in disrepair from time to time. This access roadway is not property of Irish Landmark Trust and maintenance is out of our control.
WiFi Free Zone: Irish Landmark believes that digital detox is good for the mind, body and soul. This is why Irish Landmark properties advocate the properties in our care as WiFi and television free zones. Reconnecting with our lives, nature, our surroundings, books, as well as family and friends, is vital for a happy life. This continues to make us very proud and happy to be a WiFi Free Zone.
Special Notes:
- There are cliffs nearby and children should be supervised at all times.
- Please note that occasional outdoor events take place at lighthouse properties from time to time throughout the year.
A contribution towards energy fees is applied to all bookings. As a not for profit organisation, this fee makes a significant contribution to energy costs. It is our aim to reduce our energy consumption at all self catering properties and encourage guests to reuse, reduce, recycle.
The station was built in 1875, during the heyday of lighthouse building, and within twenty years of its closest neighbours at Old Head of Kinsale and Fastnet. The lighthouse displays an unusual landward arc of light because, it is said, the Sultan of Turkey asked to be able to see it from nearby Castle Freke at Rosscarbery whle on a visit there. The house at Castle Freke, abandoned in 1952, can now be seen from Galley as a gothic ruin.
The two keepers' houses at Galley Head, were taken on by Irish Landmark in the final years of the 20th century. Lightkeepers who lived here would have witnessed the tragic loss of the Lusitania in 1915, and sighted a German ship carrying arms, in disguise as a Norwegian steam, being pursued up the St. George's Channel by British destroyers a year later. It is also said that Ray Bradbury based his melancholy story "The Fog Horn" on a reported sighting of a sea serpent at Galley in 1860.
The station consists of a tower connected by a 38 metre corridor to the semi-detached, two-storey, dwelling, originally built for the principal and assistant keeper, a single-storey dwelling for the gas maker. The two houses have been restored to their original symmetrical layout and make an ideal retreat for a family break.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.
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Arrival and Departure Time?
Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.
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Is there a TV?
No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.
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Is there WiFi?
No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.
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Can I bring a dog?
No. As Galley Head Lightkeepers’ House 1 and 2 are adjacent to one another, they are not suitable for dogs as not all guests are comfortable around animals.
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Do you supply towels and bed linen?
Yes. The beds will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.
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Is there an open fire and do you supply fuel?
Yes. You can light the fire in the sitting room. We supply fuel for your fist night only Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property.
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Do I need a car to get here?
It would be preferable to have a car otherwise it will be difficult to get to shops, etc as the house is situated at the end of a long laneway.
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How do I get the keys?
When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access on your arrival date.
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Can I arrive early?
Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.
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What is the latest departure time?
10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.
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How far to the nearest town?
About 15 mins drive back to Clonakilty.
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Where can I find information about the local area?
Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.
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Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?
We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.
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Is it suitable for children?
This property is surrounded by a wall but due to its cliff top location, it would be adviseable to supervise young children.
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Is it suitable for older people?
Yes. There is a shower room on the ground floor.
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Does it have facilities for disabled people?
No.
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Is it suitable for a wheelchair?
No.
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Is there central heating?
There is oil central heating with radiators throughout the house.
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Is the cooker electric or gas?
Electric cooker.
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Is there a shower?
Yes - there is a shower over bath in the bathroom and a separate walk in shower in the shower room. Please note that as the property is on a headland water pressure can be low in the shower.
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How many bathrooms?
1
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Can I get to the house by public transport?
Yes. You would get a train or bus to Cork and taxi could take you onwards from there to the Lighthouse. However, you would need a car to get to local shops, etc.
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Where is the nearest train station?
Cork.
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What type of heating is in the house?
Oil central heating.
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What is your minimum booking period?
Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.
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Is there a garden at the house?
Yes. There is a lawned area to the front of the house.
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Is there parking on site?
Yes there is parking onsite for 2 cars.
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Is there outdoor furniture?
Yes.
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What condiments and products do you supply?
We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.
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.
Click arrival date for cost of stay
Reviews
Epic Tour and stay at the Galley Head Lighthouse
“Our trip to the Galley Head lighthouse is one of the most memorable experiences we have had on our trip to Ireland. Gerald Butler was an outstanding host and tour guide The house was very comfortable and clean. A very relaxing stay. At night watching the beams from the lighthouse and the millions of stars in the night sky was epic. The local scenery was breath-taking. My wife and I will definitely return and recommend to friends and family. Thanks a million for a great experience.”
Magnificent Stay
“We spent a weekend at Galley Head Lighthouse in September 2021 – something we have wanted to do for a long time now. To say this is a special place is an understatement. The views are spectacular and ever changing, depending on the weather. The lighthouse itself is absolutely stunning and we were able to learn so much about it’s history thanks to Gerald, the Lighthouse Keeper – an amazingly knowledgeable and interesting man. The property itself had absolutely everything you needed for a self-catering stay. It is spotlessly clean throughout and absolutely full of original character. If you are lucky enough to stay here, take the time to soak it all in. After 2 days here, we came away more relaxed than I ever thought possible, we have definitely left a little piece of our hearts behind.”
House Manager
Gerald Butler
Gerald Butler is the House Manager at Galley Head House 2. Gerald grew up at Galley Head and was the Lightkeeper for many years. Gerald loves to meet guests and tell them the history of the Lighthouse.