Name and Location

Baily Lighthouse, also known as "The Baily Light" or "Coisbhéal Bhealaigh," stands at the eastern tip of Howth Head in County Dublin, Ireland. Its official address is Bailey Cottage, Thormanby Road, Baily, Howth, Dublin, Ireland.

Construction and History

The first beacon on Howth Head was noted by the Dublin Corporation in 1667. In 1814, George Halpin senior designed and oversaw the construction of the first permanent stone tower at the Baily site. The tower underwent upgrades between 1843 and 1852, including the introduction of revolving lenses. A second, lower tower was erected adjacent to the original in 1902, and electrification replaced oil lamps with electric filament lamps in 1955.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a functional early-19th-century design, featuring a cylindrical white tower with a gallery and lantern made of granite ashlar masonry and cast-iron. The tower stands 13 meters above its base and has a focal plane approximately 41 meters above mean sea level.

Light and Navigation

The Baily Lighthouse emits a group flashing light characteristic, Fl(3) W 15 s (three white flashes every 15 seconds). It is equipped with a rotating lens assembly housed in a 360° lantern and features a high-intensity electric discharge lamp. The nominal range of the light is approximately 18 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse tower is closed to the general public due to safety and operational reasons, but visitors can access the site grounds via a minor road off Thormanby Road. Pedestrian access is available across coastal paths on Howth Head, offering panoramic views of the lighthouse, Dublin Bay, Howth Harbour, and Ireland's Eye.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features rugged basalt and limestone cliffs, coastal heathland rich in wildflowers and seabirds. Fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, and seals can often be spotted offshore. Scenic views include the Dublin Bay coastline to the east, the Wicklow Mountains to the south, Lambay Island to the north, and Ireland's Eye Wildlife Sanctuary Island.

Anecdotes and Folklore

In 1918, survivors of the SS Leinster were directed toward shore by this light after being torpedoed off Dublin Bay. A foghorn was installed in the mid-20th century but remained redundant when radar technology became available. Keepers' stories tell of long winter nights, isolation, and rotating watch shifts.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated and monitored 24 hours a day via telemetry. It features an electric discharge lamp with automatic lamp changer and a high-intensity light characteristic. The nominal range of the light is approximately 18 nautical miles. Power comes from the mainland grid with battery backup.

Further Information

For further information, please visit the Commissioners of Irish Lights website or consult references such as the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Sea-Fish Industry Authority's "Charting Dublin Bay," and David McFarlane & John B. Hume's "Lighthouses of Ireland."