Lightship Kittiwake revisited

News in from David Parks (who runs a fascinating fine art and collectibles blog here ) that the Lightship Kittiwake has been acquired by the Dublin Port Company from Harry Crosbie.
Built in 1959, the Kittiwake was the second last lightship to serve in Irish waters. It was sold to developer Mr. Crosbie by the Commissioner of Irish Lights in 2007. Mr Crosbie had well-publicised plans to raise the ship onto the North Wall Quay near the point (sic) where she has been moored near the O2 and convert it into a cafe / restaurant but these plans were scuppered when the Dublin Dockland Development Authority refused permission for the scheme last year. Apparently the DDDA had no objection to the cafe / restaurant part of the scheme but felt the ship should remain on the Liffey rather than be hoisted on dry land.
It will be interesting to see now what lies in store for the Kittiwake.
Original pics here

Kish Bank

Okay, the main reason for taking the ferry was to get a decent photo of the Kish Bank light. (Last time, taken from Howth Head, it was, erm, somewhat distant!)
I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get a little bit closer - I went Irish Ferries and, as you can see below, the bloody Stena Line ferry had a much closer view. Ah, don't worry, I thought, maybe we'll go a bit nearer on the way back. However, coming back it was rainy and misty and just as far away (bottom photo)

 On second thoughts, as the light is built on a sand bank, I'm kind of glad we didn't get too close! It was built in 1965 after being guarded for many many years by lightships. The engineering feat involved, which I don't fully understand, is apparently quite legendary.

The Three Amigos

 North Bull, North Bank and Poolbeg standing guard over the mouth of the Liffey above at sunrise and below at sunset.

Some Dublin ports buoys and beacons

 I suppose this is the bay equivalent of street architecture. Presumably nautical types understand their significance.

The Baily revisited

 Again, the last time, I took photos from the landward side. This time, the ferry afforded a different if somewhat distant perspective. Jutting out into Dublin Bay, this is the helicopter base for Rockabill and Kish. Built 1884, though a light has been buring on Howth Head since the 1600s.

North Bull revisited

 Located just across the mouth of the river from Poolbeg. There is a kind of half-submerged breakwater from the light to the shore (seen best in bottom photo) Last time I took photos from Poolbeg

 This little baby was built in 1880

Poolbeg revisited

 You're able to walk along the breakwater right up to this iconic Dublin light (as I did in 2007) but the ferry journey gives it an interesting perspective as the guardian of the city.

 Built in 1820 after a mammoth feat of engineering to build the breakwater, it is a popular destination for afternoon strollers.