Name and Location

The Howth Lighthouse is located at 16 W Pier, Howth Demesne, Dublin, Ireland (53.392514° N, -6.0683329° E), on the coast of County Dublin.

Construction and History

The Howth Lighthouse was built in 1818 as part of a series of beacons designed to guide ships safely into Dublin Bay. The structure was constructed using local granite and stands at an impressive height of 24 meters (78 feet) with a focal plane height of 23 meters (75 feet).

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is characteristic of the period, featuring a square base topped by a pyramidal tower with a lantern room at its apex. The building's exterior walls are constructed from rough-hewn granite blocks, while the interior features a spiral staircase leading to the lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The Howth Lighthouse originally exhibited a fixed white light with a range of 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers). In 1873, the light was converted to a first-order Fresnel lens, increasing its range to 14 nautical miles (26 kilometers).

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a scenic coastal path from Howth village, which offers stunning views of Dublin Bay and the surrounding coastline. The area is also home to several beaches, including the popular Howth Beach, and the historic West Pier.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features stunning views of Dublin Bay and the coastline, making it a popular spot for photography and artistic expression.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to legend, the lighthouse was built as a response to the many shipwrecks that occurred on the treacherous coastline, with the structure's construction coinciding with a notable decrease in accidents.

Technical and Operational Details

In the early 20th century, the lighthouse was automated, eliminating the need for manual maintenance and reducing the risk of human error. Today, the Howth Lighthouse remains an important aid to navigation, with a modern solar-powered lantern replacing the original gas-powered light.

Further Information

For more information about the Howth Lighthouse or Dublin Bay's maritime history, readers may wish to consult: The Commissioners of Irish Lights' publication, "Lighthouses of Ireland", and local historical societies and museums in County Dublin._