Registration Opens for Irish Lights Conference
Celebrating 10 Years of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland with the announcement of the International Marine, Lighthouse Tourism and Maritime Heritage Conference
Irish Lights is delighted to celebrate ten years of a vibrant all-island tourism and community partnership Great Lighthouses of Ireland with the announcement of the International Marine, Lighthouse Tourism and Maritime Heritage Conference, taking place in Dublin Castle on 7th and 8th October 2025.
Registration for the conference is now open, and early booking is strongly encouraged.
This two-day international event marks a decade of innovation, storytelling, and collaboration across Ireland’s coastal and island communities. It will bring together policymakers, community leaders, tourism and heritage professionals, and international experts to explore the future of lighthouse tourism and maritime heritage.
“Marine tourism and maritime heritage represent one of Ireland’s greatest opportunities for sustainable growth, cultural renewal, and community development,” said Yvonne Shields O’Connor, CEO of Irish Lights.
“From iconic lighthouses to working harbours, our coastal assets tell powerful stories and connect people to place, history, and each other. This two-day international conference will be opened by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD, and brings together policymakers, community leaders, and global experts to discuss the development of a thriving maritime economy, share global best practices, and explore innovative strategies for the future of lighthouse tourism and marine heritage. In addition a delegation of international delegates from the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) will also be in attendance.”
Since its launch by Irish Lights in 2015, Great Lighthouses of Ireland has grown into an all-island initiative, involving public, private and community partners from both jurisdictions. It demonstrates how surplus coastal infrastructure and heritage assets can be transformed into sustainable visitor experiences that generate real social, cultural and economic value.
Conference highlights include:
- Harnessing lighthouse destinations and showcasing global case studies to inspire sustainable tourism development
- Unlocking archives and digital storytelling to connect a shared past with future generations
- Empowering coastal communities through enterprise and collaboration
- Enhancing the marine environment and destination appeal
- Sharing international case studies and heritage-led strategies.
Early registration is advised to secure a place. Online attendance options will also be available.
The full conference programme and further details are available at International Marine, Lighthouse Tourism & Maritime Heritage Conference.
Registration is now open. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to help shape the future of Ireland’s maritime story.
With thanks to conference sponsors Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), The Heritage Council, GLANCE Promotions, Fáilte Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Tourism Northern Ireland, International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) and Dublin Port.
