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Eeragh Lighthouse

44XV+6C Ballydavock, County Galway, Ireland

Name and Location

The Eeragh Lighthouse is located at 44XV+6C Ballydavock, County Galway, Ireland, on the west coast of Ireland.

Construction and History

The Eeragh Lighthouse was built in 1857 by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The original structure was designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and provide a reliable source of light to guide vessels through the surrounding waters.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed from limestone and granite, with a distinctive red brick tower that rises 35 meters (115 feet) above the surrounding terrain. The building's design is characteristic of mid-19th-century Irish architecture, featuring a rectangular base with a tapering tower and a lantern room at the top.

Light and Navigation

The Eeragh Lighthouse exhibits a white light every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers). The light's characteristic pattern is "Fl (3) W.15s," indicating that it displays three flashes of white light every 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds during daylight hours. Guided tours are available upon request, but visitors should note that the interior is not open to the public.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling hills, providing a dramatic backdrop for this historic aid to navigation. The nearby town of Galway offers a range of attractions, including the Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch, and the Latin Quarter.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Eeragh Lighthouse has been the subject of local folklore and stories about its keepers, who played a vital role in guiding mariners through treacherous waters. The lighthouse has also witnessed several notable shipwrecks and maritime incidents throughout its history.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the late 20th century, freeing up human resources for more strategic tasks. Today, it serves as a vital part of Ireland's maritime infrastructure, providing guidance to vessels navigating the treacherous waters off the west coast.

Further Information

For more information on the Eeragh Lighthouse, visit its Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eeragh_Lighthouse">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eeragh_Lighthouse. The Managing Authority is the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Details

NameEeragh Lighthouse
City
CountryIreland
Coordinates53.1480809, -9.856441
Year of construction1857
Eventsshipwrecks; maritime incidents
Historic significanceplayed a crucial role in guiding mariners through treacherous waters
Keeper storiesJames O'Connor
Storieslocal folklore; unique anecdotes
Construction material"limestone and granite"
Tower height35
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky outcrop, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling hills
View descriptionbreathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish coastline
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Opening hoursdaylight hours
Nearby attractions["Galway Cathedral","Spanish Arch","Latin Quarter"]
Light characteristic"Fl (3) W.15s"
Light range18
Automatedtrue