Taoiseach Enda Kenny will officially open the new exhibition at Loop Head Lighthouse and launch the 2012 visitor season at the West Clare tourist attraction on Friday, 18 May at 3:30 PM. Members of the media are invited to attend.
Additional Info:
- Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s grandfather, James McGinley was a former keeper at the lighthouse. James John McGinley took up duty at the Lighthouse as Principal Keeper on 16th January 1933. He spent 1 year and 10 months at Loop Head. He was transferred from the station in October 1934.
- Loop Head Lighthouse will be open to the public from Saturday, 19 May 2012.
- Loop Head Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s. The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound. In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and today is in the care of an attendant and is also monitored by the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL).
- Clare County Council, along with Shannon Development, Loop Head Tourism and the CIL, conducted a successful trial scheme in 2011 that resulted in an estimated 17,000 people visiting the landmark building.
CONTACT:
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy PR
086-8534900
