Ballycotton Lighthouse

Location and Accessibility

The Ballycotton Lighthouse is situated on Ballycotton Island, east of Ballycotton, County Cork, on the south coast of Ireland. The lighthouse can be accessed via R629.

History

The Ballycotton Lighthouse was constructed in the 19th century as part of a major maritime safety initiative. Initially intended for Capel Island, the decision to build it on Ballycotton Island was made, and the structure has been an important aid to navigation ever since.

Architecture

The lighthouse is notable for being one of only a handful of structures painted black, which distinguishes it from nearby Capel Island's unlit beacon. The lower panes of glass in the lighthouse are also made of red glass, providing an additional warning to ships approaching too close to land.

Light Characteristics

The Ballycotton Lighthouse features two main lights: a white light with a range of 21 nautical miles and a red light with a range of 17 nautical miles. The light characteristics include a period of 10 seconds for both the white and red lights, and a fog signal category of "horn".

Current Status

The Ballycotton Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, maintained by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Heritage Status

The lighthouse has been described as a significant addition to Ireland's historical record and maritime heritage. It is listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The decision to build the Ballycotton Lighthouse on Ballycotton Island rather than Capel Island was reportedly made due to concerns about the safety of the initial location.