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Dundalk Lighthouse

XPG3+9W Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland

Name and Location

The Dundalk Lighthouse, also known locally as the "Dundalk Light", is located at XPG3+9W Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland.

2. Construction and History

The Dundalk Lighthouse was built in 1829 during the 19th century era of lighthouse construction. It played a crucial role in guiding vessels through the treacherous waters of the Irish Sea during this time. Notable events include the Dundalk Railway Disaster in 1882 and the First World War, when the lighthouse served as an important aid to navigation for Allied ships.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is Celtic Revival, with a stone construction material.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light had a range of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and displayed a characteristic of Fl(3)W.15s, indicating three white flashes every 15 seconds. Although no longer a primary aid to navigation, the Dundalk Lighthouse has been converted into a museum and public visitor center.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse was automated in the early 1990s. Visitors can access the museum and visitor center during opening hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, April to September), with guided tours available upon request. Entrance fee is €5 per adult, €2.50 per child; guided tours are €10 per person.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the River Boyne and the surrounding landscape from the lighthouse's observation deck. Photography is permitted for personal use only. The view offers a picturesque panorama of the river, with the town center visible in the distance.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Dundalk Lighthouse was manned by a succession of keepers from its construction until automation in the early 1990s. Their stories and experiences have been documented and preserved as part of the museum's exhibits.

8. Technical and Operational Details

Standing at a height of 10 meters (32.8 feet), the focal height of the light is equivalent to its height, as it does not have a separate tower or lantern room. The lighthouse was automated in the early 1990s.

9. Further Information

For further reading and information on the Dundalk Lighthouse, please visit the Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundalk_Lighthouse).

Details

NameDundalk Lighthouse
CityDundalk
CountryIreland
Coordinates53.976, -6.295233
Year of construction1829
EventsDundalk Railway Disaster; First World War
Keeper storiesdocumented and preserved as part of the museum's exhibits
Storiessuccession of keepers' stories and experiences
Architectural styleCeltic Revival
Construction material"stone"
Focal height10
Tower height10
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerolling hills and farmland
View descriptionA picturesque panorama of the river, with the town center visible in the distance.
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Entrance fee5
Opening hours9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April to September)
Nearby attractions["charming town of Dundalk, with its rich history, cultural attractions, and scenic coastal walks"]
Light characteristic"Fl(3)W.15s"
Light range6.2
Automatedtrue