About the Property
1 Dog Allowed
From €756 for 2 nights
Sleeps 4
Wicklow Head Lighthouse, Co. Wicklow.
The phrase “once in a lifetime” is thrown around a lot but this really is one! You will never get an experience quite like staying in a lighthouse dating back to 1781 with incredible views and a secret seal beach nearby.
Staying at the Wicklow Head Lighthouse is an unforgettable experience for the bucket list, with stunning sea views and a palpable sense of history. It’s a good spot for stargazing and the location will enable you to visit the spectacular sites of Glendalough, Avoca and the Wicklow Mountains. You will experience all sorts of weather, so come prepared!
We think you’ll love
- Sitting in the thick windowsills looking down the coastline and marvelling at the view.
- Spotting seals bobbing in the Irish Sea.
- Storm-hunting in wild weather and having a bird’s eye view of the elements!
Facilities
- 2 Double Bedrooms
- Electric Storage Heating
- Electric Oven
- Microwave
- Fridge/Freezer
- Towels and Linens Provided
- Travel cot/crib for infants (under 2 years), on request
- Hair Dryer
- Cooking Utensils and Equipment
- 1 Bathroom with overhead shower
- Separate WC (located on ground floor)
- Sitting Room
- Radio
- Car Parking
Things you should know
There are 109 steps to the kitchen, which is on the top floor. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking!
There is no dishwasher or washing machine at this property.
This property is surrounded by sea on three sides. 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.
Please note: Irish Landmark properties that welcome a pet may not have secure enclosures. It is vital that you supervise your pet during your stay
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.
Please note: Irish Landmark properties that welcome a pet may not have secure enclosures. It is vital that you supervise your pet during your stay
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 restoration of Wicklow Head Lighthouse was one of the last projects of the architect, Maura Shaffrey. The philosophy behind the brief and that of The Irish Landmark Trust, echoed one which Maura had promoted and practised throughout her career, and long before it had become popular or accepted in this country. This philosophy acknowledged the intrinsic value of our architectural heritage, including its historic and social aspects, but, above all, the particular quality of fabric, form and scale which imbues its aesthetic worth. It sought to retain these qualities and weave new uses into existing buildings without diluting their essence. It was not a rigid doctrine which aimed to preserve all in aspic, nor was it one which bowed to the kitsch or the pastiche. It embraced the demands to incorporate modern facilities sympathetically and took them on board as a challenge in proving the economic viability and future sustainability of retaining and reviving existing buildings.
However, Maura's approach was equally strict on issues such as materials and finishes, insisting that only compatible materials should be used. Behind this 'rule' was a depth of knowledge and passion. Maura's last article, before her untimely death, examined the future of the vernacular house and set out a practical and benign approach to 'upgrading', incorporating extensions, etc., as necessary.
The Irish Landmark Trust acquired Wicklow Lighthouse in 1996, and set about conserving the tower. This involved re-plastering the internal and external walls, making and fitting 27 windows, wiring, plumbing, flooring and installing a water pumping system. When the stairs and timber floors were in situ, a series of 6 octagonal rooms were arranged vertically. Although the rooms are small, they have high arched windows set into walls which are almost a metre thick.
All the windows were newly made in accordance with traditional joinery practices. Double-glazing was used to counteract the high winds and exposed location of the lighthouse. Blinds for the windows had to be fitted, as it was required that they should be closed at night lest the lights from the lighthouse confuse ships around the headland. The arched head on the windows meant that special blinds were needed. These were handmade from various coloured sail fabric and attached to the windows with brass fittings. Because the blinds are flush to the windows, it means that the window alcove becomes a useable space, even at night when the blinds are closed.
All the walls were painted white, and this gives the building an almost contemporary feel. It was decided to furnish the lighthouse in a minimalist fashion. This was further consolidated by the fact that all of the furniture had to be either built in-situ, or else dismantled to bring it up the winding 109 steps to the top.
Because no one had ever lived in the lighthouse, there was no evidence as to how it might have been furnished. Therefore, the furniture selected is, in general, quite simple with a nautical theme. The mosaic tiles on the bathroom floor were influenced by similar samples found in other lighthouses.
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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?
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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Can I have an early check-in or late check-out?
Guests of Wicklow Lighthouse should note that the check-in and check-out times are strictly enforced and cannot be relaxed. Due to the number of stairs and the high volume of bookings, our House Manager and team need the full turnaround time to prepare the property for you and the next guests.
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Can I book a single night?
No, we must strictly adhere to our 2-night minimum. This is due to the cost of running and maintaining these heritage properties.
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Do you operate a waiting list?
No, any cancellations will be made available on our website immediately.
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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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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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Can I bring a dog?
Yes. Check the Irish Landmark T&Cs re bringing dogs to Irish Landmark properties. This property is only suitable for one dog.
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Is there an open fire?
No.
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Can I light a fire?
There is no open fire at Wicklow Lighthouse
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Do I need a car to get here?
It would be preferable to have a car as otherwise it will be difficult to get to shops , etc.
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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 10 mins drive back to Wicklow town.
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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 not best suited to young children. Each room is stacked one on top of the other, and there are 109 steps to the kitchen and also a large number of steps to the living room area.
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Is it suitable for older people?
This property does not suit anyone with mobility issues. There are 109 steps to the kitchen and there are always steps to get from one room to another.
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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 electric central heating at Wicklow. There are storage heaters throughout the building.
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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 single bathroom
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How many bathrooms?
2. 1 bathroom with overhead shower, and 1 separate WC on ground floor.
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How many day guests can I invite to the house?
4
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Can I get to the house by public transport?
Yes. You would get a train or bus to Wicklow town and a 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?
Wicklow town
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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 affect the minimum number of nights.
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Is there a garden at the house?
No
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Is there parking on site?
Yes there is parking onsite for two cars.
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Is there outdoor furniture?
No
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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.
See calendar below for availability.
Strictly 2-night minimum stay.
Reviews
Just Brilliant
“It’s a must for the bucket list! We tried different seasons and none disappointed, every time was special. The shorter days and wilder weather in Winter is an experience not to be missed. Summertime is beautiful too and you have to capture the dawn and sunset on the horizon. Every day is different and well worth getting up very early for.. If you’re seeking a super special heritage place to experience this is it!” (GMcNally).
High Point of a month long trip
“Wander alone along the cliffs amidst the sounds of seabirds or perch in a window to watch the rising sun illuminate a fox’s morning prowl. From a month long trip around Ireland, a country brimming with stunning vistas, fascinating stories and warm people, this is the one memory I will carry home closest to my heart.” (Blanton)
House Manager
Brendan Conway
Brendan is the House Manager at Wicklow Lighthouse. Brendan grew up at the Lighthouse station, and the Conway family have been custodians of the lighthouse in one way or another for over 30 years. Brendan loves to meet guests and tell them about the best things to do in the local area.