Blackhead Lighthouse: The White Tower on the Black Basalt

The basalt cliffs of the Antrim coast are among the oldest rock formations in Ireland. They were laid down 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions that created the Giant's Causeway, the columns of Fair Head, and the dark cliffs that line the coast between Larne and Cushendun. On top of one of those cliffs, white against the black rock, sits Blackhead Lighthouse.

The tower was built in 1900, one of the last lighthouses constructed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights before the turn of the century. It was decommissioned in 1975, replaced by a modern beacon on the rocks below. But while the tower no longer guides ships, it has found a second life as one of the most unusual self-catering accommodation options in Northern Ireland.

You can stay in the keeper's cottage, climb the tower, and look out across the same stretch of coastline that the keepers watched for 75 years. The white tower against the black basalt is one of the most striking visual juxtapositions on the Causeway Coastal Route.

This article is part of our complete guide to the lighthouses of Ireland — covering every major tower you can visit, from Hook Head to Mine Head and everything in between.

The Story Behind Blackhead: A Lighthouse at the End of the Century

Blackhead was the last lighthouse built by Irish Lights in the 19th century. Construction began in 1899 and the light was first lit on 1 January 1900 — a deliberate choice that tied the new lighthouse to the new century.

The position was chosen to mark the entrance to Larne Lough, a busy shipping route that connects the port of Larne to the Irish Sea. The original light was a fixed white light visible for 15 nautical miles. The tower was painted white for maximum daytime visibility against the dark cliffs.

The lighthouse was manned by a principal keeper and an assistant, living in the cottages attached to the base of the tower. The keepers maintained the light, the fog signal, and the buildings. Their families lived with them, and the children attended the school in the nearby village of Whitehead.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1975 when a modern beacon on the rocks below made the tower itself redundant. The keepers left, the light was extinguished, and the tower stood empty for over 30 years before being restored as holiday accommodation.

The Keepers of Blackhead: Family Life on the Antrim Coast

Blackhead was a family station. The keepers lived in cottages that were built into the cliff behind the tower, protected from the worst of the weather. The location was less isolated than stations on the west coast — the village of Whitehead was a short walk away, and the town of Carrickfergus was within easy reach.

The keeper's log from Blackhead records the rhythm of a station that ran like clockwork. The light was checked hourly. The fog signal was tested daily. The buildings were painted and maintained to a standard that would not have been out of place on a naval vessel.

The last keeper at Blackhead was a man named Samuel McCormick, who served from 1945 until the lighthouse closed in 1975. He raised his family in the cottage. His daughter, who visited the restored cottage decades later, said the kitchen still smelled the same.

What Makes Blackhead Different from Other Irish Lighthouses

The basalt geology: Blackhead sits on a cliff of basalt — the same volcanic rock that forms the Giant's Causeway. The contrast between the white painted tower and the dark, columnar basalt is the defining visual of this lighthouse. The rock formations around the base of the tower are worth studying: hexagonal columns, weathered into shapes that the Causeway crowds never see.

Decommissioned status: Blackhead is one of the few Great Lighthouses that is no longer an active navigational aid. The tower is purely a historic structure. This means you can climb to the top and stand on the gallery without interfering with operational equipment — a rare privilege among Irish lighthouses.

Holiday accommodation: The keeper's cottages have been converted into a luxury self-catering property that sleeps eight people. Staying overnight includes access to the tower — guests can climb the spiral staircase to the lantern room and look out across the Irish Sea.

Position: The lighthouse overlooks the entrance to Larne Lough, with views across Belfast Lough to the south and the Antrim coast to the north. On a clear day you can see the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

The Causeway Coastal Route: Blackhead is a stop on the official Causeway Coastal Route, the 200-kilometre driving itinerary that runs from Belfast to Derry along the Antrim coast. Most drivers stop at the Giant's Causeway and miss Blackhead. They should not.

Visiting Blackhead Lighthouse: What You Need to Know

Blackhead Lighthouse is located on the Antrim coast, roughly 30 kilometres north of Belfast and 5 kilometres north of Whitehead.

Getting there: From Belfast, take the M2 towards Larne and exit at Whitehead. Follow the coast road north past the town. The lighthouse is signposted from the main road. Parking is available at the base of the cliff.

What to see: The grounds around the lighthouse are accessible. The tower is visible from the road and the coastal path. If you are not staying overnight, the best views are from the cliff path that runs past the lighthouse towards the Gobbins cliff walk.

Staying overnight: The keeper's cottage can be booked through the Irish Landmark Trust. The accommodation includes a living room, a modern kitchen, three bedrooms, and a spiral staircase to the tower gallery. The price varies by season. Book months in advance for summer weekends.

The Gobbins: A cliff path and bridge walk that runs along the basalt cliffs just south of the lighthouse. The path was originally built in 1902 and restored in 2015. It includes a suspension bridge over a chasm and a tunnel through the cliff. Tickets are limited and sell out in advance.

When to visit: The lighthouse is accessible year-round. Summer offers longer days and the best conditions for the Gobbins walk. Autumn and spring are quieter. The coast is exposed — bring warm clothing even in summer.

Highlights of the Antrim Coast

Whitehead: A seaside town with a Victorian promenade, a train station on the Belfast–Larney line, and a handful of pubs. The town was a popular seaside resort in the 19th century and retains some of its Victorian character.

Carrickfergus Castle: A Norman castle built in 1177, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland. The castle sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough, 10 minutes south of Blackhead. It was used as a prison and an arsenal for centuries and is now a museum.

The Gobbins: The cliff path is the main attraction on this stretch of coast. The walk takes about 2.5 hours and includes a suspension bridge, a tunnel, and views of the basalt cliffs from below. The path is not suitable for anyone afraid of heights.

Islandmagee: A peninsula north of Whitehead with walking trails along the coast. The peninsula has several hidden coves that are popular with local swimmers.

Larne: A port town at the northern end of Larne Lough. The town is primarily a ferry terminal serving Scotland, but the centre has a few good pubs and a museum covering the town's maritime history.

The Giant's Causeway: 30 minutes north of Blackhead. The causeway is the most visited natural attraction in Northern Ireland. Arrive early or late to avoid the crowds.

Why You Need a Local Guide for the Antrim Coast

The Antrim coast between Belfast and the Giant's Causeway is packed with sights that the standard tour bus itineraries skip. The Gobbins, Blackhead, the hidden beaches on Islandmagee — these are not on the main route.

A private driver-guide who knows the Antrim coast can plan a day that covers Blackhead, the Gobbins, Carrickfergus Castle, and the Causeway in a logical sequence that avoids the worst of the traffic. You see more, wait less, and eat at the places the tour buses do not stop at.

Quick Reference: Blackhead at a Glance

Final Verdict: Is Blackhead Worth the Trip?

Blackhead is worth the trip for the geology alone. The white tower against the black basalt is a sight you will not see anywhere else on the Irish coast. If you are driving the Causeway Coastal Route, take the detour. The tower at the top of the black cliffs is the most underrated stop on the entire route.

St. John's Point Lighthouse has the yellow paint. Blackhead has the black rock. The lighthouses of Ireland guide covers both, plus the other eight towers worth seeing.

Wicklow Head Lighthouse and Mine Head Lighthouse are the two remaining towers on the east and south coasts — worth adding to an itinerary that covers the full island.