Ballycotton lighthouse

Completed in 1850 in southwestern Ireland, Ballycotton Island Lighthouse is now open to visitors for the first time. 

Lighthouse tours run by Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours (Ballycotton, Ireland; phone +351 21 4646875, www.balleycottonlighthousetours.com) depart daily at 10 a.m. onward from the Inn By The Harbour, a pub located at the pier in the village of Ballycotton, about 25 miles east of Cork.

Tour members ascend to the 144-foot-high summit of the island as a guide relates local history. Members then may climb to the lantern balcony in the 50-foot lighthouse. 

The tour lasts about one hour plus a 30-minute round trip to the island by boat and is dependent on weather and sea conditions. €20 (near $22) adult, €15 student, €10 child (under 15) or family pass (two adults and three children) €60. Purchase tickets by phone, email or at the inn.