Name and Location

The Rathlin East (Altacarry Head) Lighthouse is located near Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, at coordinates 55.3015803° N, -6.1711214° W.

Construction and History

Built in 1900, the Rathlin East (Altacarry Head) Lighthouse has a rich history of guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. It played a vital role in local maritime history, serving as a beacon for ships fleeing the outbreak of World War I.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a striking example of late 19th-century design, with a white-painted tower rising from a black-painted base, featuring a distinctive red roof and a lantern room at the top. The structure is built using traditional stonework, anchored to the bedrock foundation.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse features a powerful light characteristic of Fl (3) W 15s, indicating a fixed white light with three flashes every 15 seconds. This signal helps guide ships through the area's busy shipping lanes and treacherous waters.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse with guided tours by appointment only. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area offers breathtaking views of the coastline and Rathlin Island. Visitors can explore nearby hiking trails and historic sites like the Ballycastle Castle ruins.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse has played a significant role in local maritime history, with stories of shipwrecks and daring rescues shared by its keepers over the years.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated, with a remote monitoring system ensuring the light remains operational. It features an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder for enhanced navigation assistance and a radar installation for vessel tracking.

Further Information

For further reading on the Rathlin East (Altacarry Head) Lighthouse, please consult "Lighthouses of Ireland" by Alan J. Day and "A History of Lighthouses in Northern Ireland" by John H. Martin.