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
Name | Eeragh Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | |
Country | Ireland |
Coordinates | 53.1480809, -9.856441 |
Year of construction | 1857 |
Events | shipwrecks; maritime incidents |
Historic significance | played a crucial role in guiding mariners through treacherous waters |
Keeper stories | James O'Connor |
Stories | local folklore; unique anecdotes |
Construction material | "limestone and granite" |
Tower height | 35 |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rocky outcrop, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling hills |
View description | breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish coastline |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
Opening hours | daylight hours |
Nearby attractions | ["Galway Cathedral","Spanish Arch","Latin Quarter"] |
Light characteristic | "Fl (3) W.15s" |
Light range | 18 |
Automated | true |