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Valentia Front Leading Light

Beacon, Glanleam, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Name and Location

The Valentia Front Leading Light is located on the west coast of Ireland, situated in Beacon, Glanleam, County Kerry, Ireland (51.9246699° N, -10.3052138° W).

2. Construction and History

The Valentia Front Leading Light was built in 1951, replacing an earlier structure that dated back to 1840.

3. Architecture and Materials

The current lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of about 65 meters (213 feet). Its architectural style is characterized by a distinctive red and white striped tower.

4. Light and Navigation

The Valentia Front Leading Light exhibits a characteristic of Fl(3)W.15s, indicating that it displays three flashes every 15 seconds, with a white light color. The light's range extends approximately 8 nautical miles (14.8 kilometers) into the surrounding waters.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to enter the tower or access the lighthouse due to safety concerns. As a manual lighthouse, it relies on human operation to ensure its beacon remains lit.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands on the western edge of Valentia Island, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The area is characterized by rocky shores, sandy beaches, and a diverse marine ecosystem.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

None available.

8. Technical and Operational Details

As a manual lighthouse, it relies on human operation to ensure its beacon remains lit.

9. Further Information

The Valentia Front Leading Light has been recognized as an important cultural heritage site in Ireland, playing a vital role in maritime history and navigation.

Details

NameValentia Front Leading Light
CityGlanleam
CountryIreland
Coordinates51.92537, -10.3067503
Year of construction1951
Keeper storiesformer lighthouse keepers
Storiesplays a vital role in maritime history and navigation
Architectural stylered and white striped tower
Focal height65
Tower height25
Heritage statustrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionrugged beauty of the Atlantic coast, rocky shores, sandy beaches, and a diverse marine ecosystem
Guided toursfalse
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Nearby attractions["Commissioners of Irish Lights","GeoJSON dataset"]
Light characteristic"Fl(3)W.15s"
Light range8
Automatedfalse