A blog about Irish Lighthouses past and present and other selected maritime beacons and buoys of interest. If anybody has any corrections or additional info on any post, please use the comment section or the email address on the right.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Lightship Petrel
Donaghadee
Near South Rock
South Rock (Kilwarlin) Lighthouse
This is the more southerly of the two, the famous South Rock or Kilwarlin Lighthouse. Built by Thomas Rogers in 1797, it is the oldest waveswept lighthouse in Ireland and possibly in the world. It was replaced by the South Rock lightship in 1877.
Swan Rock (again)
The Narrows, Strangford
Salt Rock
Below, the finishing line...
Strangford was named by the Vikings - strang fjord - to describe the extremely strong currents that are forced up the narrow channel.
Gowlands Rock
On the short 2 mile drive from Kilclief to Strangford, the lighthouses on Salt Rock and Gowlands Rock suddenly appear. This one, Gowlands Rock is on the far, Ards peninsular side, while the red Salt Rock lighthouse is on the near side. They sort of form a finishing line for sailors
Angus Rock Subsidiary Lights
Angus Rock
Ardglass Pier
Haulbowline Range Rear
Haulbowline Range Front
Haulbowline (again)
This picture was taken at the end of Fair Road. Driving from Warrenpoint heading east-ish on the A2, take the right turn signposted for Greencastle. Wind through the countryside for a couple of miles until you come to a few houses and a staggered junction. Turn right (signposted Greencastle) and then 100 yards on, branch left (road marked Fair Road) Where the road hits the beach, all 3 Haulbowline lighthouses are visible.
(A closer view is availabe from Cranfield Point - this can be reached by taking the next right turn off the A2. The photo above only seems larger because it was taken on my camcorder which has greater magnification)
This is quite a striking lighthouse, sitting as it does just offshore where Carlingford Lough starts to narrow. Built in 1824, it was the first Irish offshore light to be automated. Appears to be just in Northern Ireland rather than the Republic.
Newry River Range Front
Newry River Range Rear
So, first port of call, the Newry River. Follow the A2 from Newry and just as you come into Warrenpoint, there's a roundabout with a run off area quite large enough to park and the two Newry lights are right in front of you.
This one is Date Unknown, an unpainted stone tower, sitting on the far bank. I think it might be in the Republic, but I could be wrong!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)