Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse has been guiding mariners through the Irish Sea since its construction began in 1897.

History

• The lighthouse was built to replace an earlier aid to navigation, and it officially came into service on October 1, 1900.
• The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse played an important role in the development of maritime navigation in Ireland during the early 20th century.

Architecture

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse is a tall, white tower with a distinctive shape. It stands at a height of 41 meters (135 feet) above the sea level, and its focal height reaches 65 meters (213 feet).

• The lighthouse has a characteristic four-tiered design, with each tier featuring a different architectural style.
• The lower tiers are built in the traditional Irish limestone style, while the upper tiers feature a more modern design.

The lighthouse is constructed from a combination of limestone and concrete, and it features a distinctive lantern room at the top. The lantern room contains a first-order Fresnel lens that focuses the light downwards to illuminate the surrounding waters.

Light Characteristics

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse emits a powerful beam of light that can be seen for up to 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) out to sea. The light is white in color and has a period of six seconds between flashes, making it easily recognizable by mariners.

• The lighthouse also features a distinctive sequence of lights, with the main light being followed by a series of shorter flashes.

Current Status

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it is now fully automated. The lighthouse was decommissioned from manual operation in 1980 and has since been maintained by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Location and Accessibility

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse is located on a rocky headland off the coast of County Wexford, Ireland. The lighthouse can be accessed via a steep path that winds its way up from the nearby village of Kilcreedaun. Visitors can view the lighthouse from the outside, although access to the tower itself is restricted due to safety concerns.

Heritage Status

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and is considered a significant example of 20th-century Irish architecture. The lighthouse has also been designated as a protected monument by the Irish government, recognizing its importance as a historic landmark.

Notable Historical Events

The Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse played an important role in the development of maritime navigation in Ireland during the early 20th century. In 1900, the lighthouse was used to guide the SS Great Eastern, one of the largest ships in the world at the time, through the Irish Sea.

• The ship's captain, who was a prominent figure in Irish maritime history, reportedly praised the lighthouse for its reliability and accuracy.