Name and Location

The Oyster Island Lighthouse, also known as "Oyster Island" light, is situated on a small rocky islet off the northwest coast of County Sligo, Ireland. The official address is 8C2H+PG Oyster Island, County Sligo, Ireland, with coordinates 54°18′6.73″ N, 8°34′16.24″ W (decimal: 54.3018706, –8.5711787).

2. Construction and History

The exact construction era and date of the Oyster Island Lighthouse are not recorded in available sources. However, it is speculated that many Irish minor lights date from the mid- to late-19th century. The architect or builder remains unspecified.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse takes the form of a small cylindrical masonry tower set atop a low keeper's dwelling (now roofless/derelict). It is likely constructed from local stone with lime mortar and whitewashed exterior, typical of Irish minor lights. The height above the base of the tower is 13 meters.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse features an occulting white light, a minor category ("upper") light, with characteristic Oc 3+(1) W 4 s (three quick occultations followed by one longer occultation, period 4 seconds). The range is 10 nautical miles, with a Nautical Chart Reference of A 6244.1.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Oyster Island is uninhabited and can only be reached by private boat or kayak at high tide. There is no established ferry service. The tower has no visitor center; interior access is prohibited for safety reasons. Guided tours are not known to exist.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers a panoramic seascape of Ballysadare Bay, with views of the Donegal Mountains on clear days. The surrounding coastal ecology includes rocky intertidal pools, seabird nesting sites, and occasional seals offshore.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no specific local legends or shipwrecks tied to this minor light. Oyster Island takes its name from once-abundant oyster beds in the bay.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally manned by resident keepers, but modern status is not explicitly documented. It likely operates fully automated under the Commissioners of Irish Lights (as with most Irish aids to navigation).