Blackhead Lightkeepers' Houses are ideally situated on the North Shore of Belfast Lough. The panoramic views from this property are stunning and fill visitors with pure delight and admiration. This magnificent house, in its breathtaking location, is a proud example of Ireland's maritime heritage. Built in the glory days of Belfast's shipping, Blackhead Lighthouse remains as impressive and powerful a navigation aid as ever.
The lighthouse was built on the north shore of the entrance to Belfast Lough in 1901, opposite its twin across the Lough at Mew Island. These two were important in protecting commercial shipping when steam replaced sail in the mid 19th Century, and would have guided all of the great ships of Belfast's shipbuilding glory days, including the ill fated Titanic.
The houses contain interesting fragments of lighthouse paraphernalia, including the whistle pipe system used to wake up the next watch, and a tunnel that was used to travel between the lighthouse and quarters during stormy weather. From the station guests can climb down the cliff path and walk along the shore to the seaside village of Whitehead.