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Howth Lighthouse

East Pier

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Howth Lighthouse (Howth)
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

Howth Lighthouse

The Howth Lighthouse has been guiding mariners since 1838, when it was first lit on May 30th of that year.

The lighthouse was built to serve as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of Dublin Bay.

Architecture

  • The Howth Lighthouse is an industrial-style lighthouse with a characteristic hexagonal tower.
  • The structure stands at 30 meters (98 feet) tall, while the focal height reaches 45 meters (148 feet).
  • The lighthouse's distinctive architecture is attributed to the Irish engineer and architect John Hogg, who designed several notable lighthouses throughout Ireland.

The Howth Lighthouse emits a fixed white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles.

The light is visible from a distance of up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) on clear nights.

Current Status

As an active aid to navigation, the Howth Lighthouse remains operational and continues to guide mariners safely into Dublin Bay.

However, in recent years, the lighthouse has been automated, with its primary function now being to provide a visual warning of the bay's entrance.

Location and Accessibility

The Howth Lighthouse is situated on the East Pier, overlooking the picturesque harbor of Howth.

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the pier or by taking public transportation to the nearby town center.

The lighthouse is easily recognizable due to its prominent location at the mouth of Dublin Bay.

Heritage Status

The Howth Lighthouse has been designated as a protected monument under Ireland's National Monuments Record.

This designation acknowledges the lighthouse's historical significance and importance to the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

  • While there is limited information available on specific notable events associated with the Howth Lighthouse, it is known that the lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding mariners during times of war and stormy weather.

Details

NameHowth Lighthouse
CityHowth
CountryIreland
Coordinates53.39334, -6.0668044
ArchitectJohn Hogg
Current useactive aid to navigation
Accessibletrue