Wicklow Head Lighthouse: One of the Tallest in Ireland
The approach to Wicklow Head Lighthouse is a walk, not a drive. The road stops at a car park on the edge of a golf course. From there, a path runs along the cliff edge, past gorse bushes and wind-sculpted pines, until the tower comes into view at the end of the headland. The walk takes ten minutes. The view of the tower growing larger as you approach is worth the effort.
The lighthouse at Wicklow Head is one of the tallest in Ireland. The circular granite tower rises 34 metres from the cliff top, making it visible from over 20 nautical miles out to sea. It was built in 1818, at a time when the shipping routes past the east coast of Ireland were some of the busiest in the world. The light guided vessels past the shallow banks and hidden rocks between Wicklow and Arklow.
But Wicklow Head is not a single lighthouse. The headland has three lighthouse structures — a surviving tower, a ruined tower, and a modern beacon. The story of all three is the story of a coastline that refused to stay within the range of any single light.
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 Wicklow Head: A Headland with Three Lights
The first lighthouse on Wicklow Head was built in 1781, one of the earliest on the Irish coast. It was a simple stone tower with a coal-burning fire at the top. The fire was unreliable and the light was weak. Ships continued to run aground along this stretch of coast.
The second lighthouse was built in 1818, replacing the original. The new tower was much taller — 34 metres — and was equipped with oil lamps and a reflector system that produced a fixed white light visible for 20 nautical miles. The tower was painted with a distinctive red band to make it identifiable during the day.
A third light was added in 1865 — a smaller tower at a lower elevation on the headland. The three lights together created a range system: ships in the Irish Sea could align the three lights to confirm their position relative to the Wicklow coast.
The original 1781 tower fell into ruin. The 1818 tower was automated in 1865 and remained operational until 1949 when a modern beacon on the headland made the tower redundant. The 1865 tower was decommissioned at the same time. Today, only a modern beacon remains active, but the two surviving towers stand as monuments to the evolution of navigation technology.
The Keepers of Wicklow Head: Life on the East Coast
Wicklow Head was a more comfortable posting than the Atlantic stations. The town of Wicklow was a short walk away down the hill. The keepers could attend mass in the town, shop for fresh provisions, and socialise in the pubs along the quay.
But comfort did not mean easy. The keepers still had to carry oil up the spiral staircase, maintain the clockwork mechanism that rotated the light, and keep the windows clean of salt spray. The lighthouse was a working station, not a showpiece.
The last keeper left Wicklow Head in 1949 when the tower was decommissioned. The keeper's cottages were sold into private ownership and are now occupied as private residences. The towers themselves are not open to the public, but the grounds around them are accessible.
What Makes Wicklow Head Different from Other Irish Lighthouses
Three lighthouses on one headland: Wicklow Head has three separate lighthouse structures dating from three different centuries — 1781, 1818, and 1865. No other headland in Ireland preserves this timeline in standing structures.
One of the tallest towers: At 34 metres, Wicklow Head is among the tallest traditional lighthouse towers in Ireland. Only a handful of towers are taller, and most of those are built on low ground where elevation was needed — Wicklow Head's tower rises from a cliff that is already 60 metres above sea level.
Coastal walk access: The lighthouse is reached by a cliff path that forms part of the Wicklow Way coastal route. The walk from Wicklow town along the cliffs to the lighthouse is one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks on the east coast.
Red band: The 1818 tower is painted with a single wide red band — the only lighthouse on the east coast with this distinctive colour scheme. The red band was added as a daytime identifier, similar to the yellow paint at St. John's Point.
East coast setting: Wicklow Head faces the Irish Sea with no offshore islands to interrupt the view. On a clear day, the coast of Wales is visible to the east. The headland catches the sunrise over the sea.
Visiting Wicklow Head Lighthouse: What You Need to Know
Meet a Local Guide
Hi Folks,
Wicklow Head Lighthouse is located on the coast of County Wicklow, roughly 60 kilometres south of Dublin and 3 kilometres east of Wicklow town.
Getting there: Drive to Wicklow town and follow the signs for Wicklow Head and the golf course. The road ends at a car park near the golf course clubhouse. From there, a public footpath runs along the cliff edge to the lighthouse. The walk is about 1 kilometre and takes 10–15 minutes.
What to see: The 1818 tower is visible from the path. The ruined 1781 tower is hidden in the undergrowth near the tip of the headland — look for the stone foundations. The 1865 tower is a short distance from the main tower. The cliff path itself offers views across the Irish Sea from Wicklow to Greystones.
Can you go inside? The 1818 tower and the keeper's cottages are privately owned. There is no public access to the interior. The lighthouse grounds are accessible, and the exterior of all three towers can be viewed from the path.
The Wicklow Way: The lighthouse is on the coastal section of the Wicklow Way, Ireland's oldest long-distance walking trail. The full Wicklow Way runs 131 kilometres from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal in County Carlow, passing through the Wicklow Mountains. The coastal section from Wicklow town to the lighthouse is a short and easy loop.
When to visit: The path is accessible year-round. The cliffs are exposed — bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes even in good weather. Summer offers long evenings and the best chance of clear conditions. Spring and autumn are quieter.
Highlights of the Wicklow Coast
Wicklow town: The main town on this stretch of coast, with a historic harbour, a Georgian main street, and several good pubs and restaurants. The Black Castle, a ruined 12th-century Norman fort, sits on the headland at the south end of the harbour.
Brittas Bay: A long, sandy beach south of Wicklow town, popular with Dublin day-trippers in summer. The dunes behind the beach are a protected area with rare plant species.
Greystones: A coastal town north of Wicklow, accessible via a clifftop walking trail from Bray. Greystones has a harbour, a long seafront, and the Happy Pear, a famous café that draws visitors from across the country.
The Wicklow Mountains National Park: The largest national park in Ireland, covering over 200 square kilometres of mountain, bog, and forest. The park has walking trails for all levels, from short loops to full-day hikes. Glendalough, the 6th-century monastic settlement in a glacier valley, is the park's most famous site.
Powerscourt Estate: A 47-room Palladian house set in formal gardens at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. The gardens are among the finest in Ireland. Powerscourt Waterfall, at 121 metres, is the highest in the country.
Glendalough: The valley of the two lakes, with a round tower, a cathedral ruin, and several smaller churches dating from the 6th to the 12th centuries. The site is one of the most important early Christian settlements in Ireland.
Why You Need a Local Guide for the Wicklow Coast
Wicklow is close to Dublin — less than an hour's drive — but the coast between Greystones and Arklow has hidden beaches, quiet cliff walks, and lighthouses that most tour itineraries skip. A private driver-guide who knows the Wicklow coast can combine the lighthouse walk with a visit to Glendalough, a stop at a local pub, and a route that avoids the N11 traffic.
Quick Reference: Wicklow Head at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1781 (first), 1818 (main tower), 1865 (range light) |
| Height | 34 metres (main tower) |
| Location | Wicklow Head, County Wicklow |
| Status | Decommissioned; private ownership |
| Light range | 20 nautical miles (original) |
| Visitor access | Exterior year-round via cliff path; interior not open |
| Distinctive feature | Red band on white tower |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; summer for long evenings, spring for wildflowers |
Final Verdict: Is Wicklow Head Worth the Trip?
Wicklow Head is worth the trip for the walk alone. The cliff path from the car park to the lighthouse is one of the most accessible and rewarding short walks on the east coast. The three lighthouse timeline — 1781, 1818, 1865 — is a history of Irish navigation compressed into a single headland.
If you are exploring the Wicklow coast, the lighthouse walk is a natural stop. The lighthouses of Ireland guide covers all ten towers. Blackhead Lighthouse has the basalt cliffs. Mine Head Lighthouse is the last on the list and the most remote.
Valentia Island Lighthouse and Hook Head Lighthouse are worth adding to an itinerary that covers both the east and west coasts.
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