Fastnet Lighthouse

The Fastnet Lighthouse was built in 1897 and is the second lighthouse to be constructed on the remote Fastnet Rock in the Atlantic Ocean.

History

• The current structure stands at a height of 54 metres (177 feet) and serves as the most southerly point of Ireland.
• The Fastnet Lighthouse was built in 1897 and is the second lighthouse to be constructed on the remote Fastnet Rock in the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture

The Fastnet Lighthouse features a distinctive design, with a square base and a four-storey tower that rises to its maximum height.

The lighthouse is constructed from Portland stone and granite, providing excellent durability in the harsh marine environment.

The structure's architecture has been designed to withstand strong winds and rough seas.

Light Characteristics

• The Fastnet Lighthouse emits a distinctive white light with a range of 28 nautical miles (52 km).
• The light's period is 5 seconds, and it operates on a sequence pattern that repeats every 20 minutes.
• Additionally, the lighthouse features a fog signal that emits a horn sound at regular intervals.

Current Status

The Fastnet Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, with its radio station transmitting AIS signals and radar transponders for safe passage.

However, it is no longer manned by a full-time keeper.

Instead, the lighthouse operates under automation, with a remote monitoring system in place to ensure its continued operation.

Location

• The Fastnet Lighthouse is situated on the remote Fastnet Rock, 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) southwest of Cape Clear Island and 13 kilometres (8.1 miles) from County Cork on the Irish mainland.
• The lighthouse can be accessed by boat or via a short hike from the nearby village of Baltimore.

Heritage Status

The Fastnet Lighthouse is listed as a protected monument under Ireland's National Monuments Act, recognizing its historical significance and architectural importance.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Fastnet Lighthouse played an important role in guiding Allied ships through the treacherous waters of the Celtic Sea.
• Their location made it an ideal spot for monitoring enemy aircraft and providing early warning systems for coastal defenses.