Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse
Kilcredaun Lighthouse, Kilcredaun, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare, Ireland
Name and Location
Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse is located on the west coast of Ireland, near the town of Carrigaholt, within the Municipal District of West Clare. Its coordinates are latitude 52.58015° N and longitude -9.710217° W.
Construction and History
The lighthouse was constructed in unknown and has been guiding mariners since then. It is officially known as Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse, a testament to the region's rich maritime history and the importance of safe navigation in the Irish Sea.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse features a distinctive design that reflects the local style of the time. Constructed from durable materials such as stone and concrete, the tower stands at a height of 41 meters (135 feet) above sea level.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse's light characteristic is marked by a distinctive Fl(3)W.15s pattern, where three flashes of white light occur every 15 seconds. This signal helps to identify the location of the lighthouse and provides a crucial aid to navigation for vessels traveling through the area.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can reach Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse by car or public transportation from nearby towns such as Ennis or Galway. While the lighthouse itself is not open to the general public, guided tours may be available upon request. On-site facilities include a small museum, parking area, and picnic grounds.
Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and picturesque villages, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Anecdotes and Folklore
According to local legend, the lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who perished while on duty. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it adds to the structure's mystique and allure.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been automated in recent years. Its focal height is approximately 35 meters (115 feet), allowing it to reach out across the surrounding waters.
Further Information
- References:
- * Commissioners of Irish Lights
- * Wikipedia: Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse
Details
Name | Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | |
Country | Ireland |
Coordinates | 52.58015, -9.710217 |
Events | |
Historic significance | role in maritime history and the importance of safe navigation in the Irish Sea |
Stories | legend of a former keeper who perished while on duty |
Construction material | "stone and concrete" |
Focal height | 35 |
Tower height | 41 |
Access description | by car or public transportation from nearby towns such as Ennis or Galway |
Accessible | true |
Parking | true |
Landscape type | rocky coast |
View description | rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and picturesque villages |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | small museum, parking area, picnic grounds |
Light characteristic | "Fl(3)W.15s" |
Light range | 15 |
Automated | true |