Straw Island Lighthouse

The Straw Island Lighthouse was completed in 1878 and marked the culmination of a lengthy campaign by local islanders to have a lighthouse for safe passage into Killeany Bay and the harbour at Kilronan.

History

• The commissioning of this lighthouse brought an end to a 24-year effort, demonstrating the determination of the community to ensure their safety at sea.
• The Straw Island Lighthouse was completed in 1878 and marked the culmination of a lengthy campaign by local islanders to have a lighthouse for safe passage into Killeany Bay and the harbour at Kilronan.

Architecture

The Straw Island Lighthouse is a white tower with a distinctive design. Its construction materials are not specified in available data.

Tower Height and Focal Height

The tower height of the lighthouse is reported to be 11 metres (36 feet), while its focal height, which indicates the maximum distance from the base of the tower that light can be seen, is also 11 metres.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 17 nautical miles and a period of 5 seconds. The light's sequence is reported to be Fl (flash) at intervals of 0.2+(1.5)+0.2+(3.1), indicating that the light flashes in a specific pattern.

Current Status

The Straw Island Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Location and Accessibility

Straw Island Lighthouse is located on an islet in Killeany Bay, northeast of Inishmore in County Galway, Ireland. The address is Main Road. Visitors can access the lighthouse via this location.

Heritage Status

The Straw Island Lighthouse has been designated as a notable historical landmark, reflecting its importance in maritime history and its contribution to the safety of navigation in Irish waters.

Notable Historical Events

Straw Island Lighthouse played a significant role in the safe passage of vessels into Killeany Bay and the harbour at Kilronan. Its commissioning marked an important milestone in the campaign for a lighthouse on the Aran Islands, demonstrating the determination of local islanders to ensure their safety at sea.

Architecture

The Straw Island Lighthouse is a white tower with a distinctive design. Its construction materials are not specified in available data.

Tower Height and Focal Height

The tower height of the lighthouse is reported to be 11 metres (36 feet), while its focal height, which indicates the maximum distance from the base of the tower that light can be seen, is also 11 metres.