Pete's Irish Lighthouses

I had been informed that the Lightship Kittiwake (or the Automated Lightfloat - ALF - Kittiwake had been moored at Pigeon House Harbour - Dublin docklands (see previously) After wandering around the South side of the Liffey for hours, asking people where Pigeon House Harbour was, I gave up. Eventually Simon Coate of the Dun Laoghaire Port Authority was able to tell me that it is actually moored alongside the Point Depot - soon to be the O2 Village - on the north bank of the Liffey These pictures were taken around 07:45 on the October Bank Holiday morning with the sun just rising up over Dublin Bay. Built of steel in 1959, it was converted to an ALF in 1981. It was previously moored in Dun Laoghaire harbour (2002) It was decommissioned in 2007 and now is up for sale "as is" price on application!

Bikes and taxis are available to hire on the pier, say the guide books. Not in September, they're not. So began the long hike from the pier to the lighthouse on the far side of the island. You go up and up and up. And up and up. And then, for the last mile, down. Its about four miles there, a lonely walk but spectacular views of the bay and at least its all on tarmac. Although a station was established here in the eighteenth century, it was demolished when Tory Lighthouse opened. However, the current light was erected in 1865 after protests from the islanders. On the way back, for the first time in 30 years, I hitched a lift from a passing truck!

On my trek across Arranmore Island (see a previous post), I could see a light blinking, far to the north, past Bloody Foreland. This is the light on Tory Island, although the island itself was not visible. Indeed, for the first fifteen minutes of the 50 minute boat crossing from Magheroarty, the island was still not visible, though it was obvious we were heading for the light. Traveller beware! The boat crossing was one of the stormiest I have experienced, particularly the nearer you get to the island. Worse still, it cost 26 euro. There is a tarmac track from the pier in West Town (approx 30 houses, and much bigger than the 10 houses in East Town) out to the lighthouse. In retrospect it seems amazing that I managed to miss it. The main road towards the west actually changes into a grass track which I soon found, ends in a bog. It was only by picking my way very carefully out of this, at the expense of soaked feet, that I discovered the tarmac track! The distance, despite other ...

The sea route out of Burtonport, whether by the Arranmore ferry or on fishing boats, is fraught with dangerous shoals and reefs and a very definite route must be followed. Here, although not strictly lighthouses, are some of the many lights that mark the route.

Located in the Sound of Aran, easily viewable from the boat that regularly plies its trade between Burtonport and Leagbarrow on Aranmore Island. A comparatively new lighthouse, built in 1982. There are great views from the top of Arranmore Island of the light and the surrounding bay.

I tried locating this lighthouse from Whitegate on the eastern bank of Cork Harbour but it isn't visible. Best seen by driving through Cobh until almost at the end of the town and then driving down a cul de sac along the front. Doesn't really look much, but the Lighthouse Directory waxes lyrical about it. It is apparently "exceptionally rare and historic" being one of only three survivors of Alexander Mitchell's "screwpile lighthouse" design. Built in 1853, it marks a mud bank in the harbour, see pale water below.

You'd think one of Ireland's most famous lighthouses - it is mentioned regularly on weather reports - would be signposted! Forget it. From Whitegate continue south and then take the turn right where Trabolgan has its entrance. Miss the turn and you end up in Gyleen. Aside from the lighthouse and outbuildings, guarded by a red CIL gate, Roche's Point is home to a line of very picturesque brightly painted terraced houses all facing inland towards Cobh. "When the weather's good, the views are spectacular," a resident told me. "However, at the moment, you can't even see Cobh - its utterly ridiculous. Still, at least the foghorn isn't blaring!" Built in 1835, this originally housed Duncannon North Light (see elsewhere), which dated from 1817. Stands as a sentinel on the eastern entrance to Cork Harbour.