12 seasonal jobs as lighthouse reopens

LOOP Head Lighthouse will reopen to the public during the June Bank Holiday Weekend for a 12-week period.
Clare County Council, along with Shannon Development, Loop Head Tourism and the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), said the extended opening follows a successful trial scheme in 2011, which resulted in an estimated 17,000 people visiting the landmark building.
The council also confirmed that applications are being invited for 12 seasonal jobs. Successful applicants will be responsible for greeting visitors to the 19th century lighthouse, providing visitor information and tours of the building, access control and general maintenance at the site. The positions are being advertised this week.
Loop Head Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, is 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 is in the care of an attendant and monitored by the CIL.
Consultants were appointed earlier this year to research, design and implement an exhibition and interpretation plan to further expand the tourism offering at the lighthouse. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in time for the reopening of the lighthouse in June.
“The successful trial opening of Loop Head Lighthouse is a good example of how regional development agencies and community organisations can collaborate on tourism projects,” Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes commented.
“It is estimated that the opening of the lighthouse was worth approximately €400,000 to the local economy during the trial period. I have every confidence that the summer 2012 opening will be equally as successful and beneficial for the wider West Clare area,” he added.
Barbara Faulkner, chair of the Clare Tourism Forum, said she welcomed any efforts made to help Clare maintain and grow a competitive advantage in tourism terms.
“The opening of the lighthouse to the public has attracted national and international media attention, which has helped to raise the profile of one of Ireland’s most scenic locations. I have no doubt that this project will serve as a catalyst for the further development of the Loop Head peninsula and, indeed, the wider Clare tourism sector,” Ms. Faulkner stated.
Visit www.loophead.ie or www.clare.ie for more information.