Ardnakinna Lighthouse

Located on Bere Island, an Island off the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, Ireland. A ferry takes you over to the island from Castletownbere. We rented bikes and brought them onto the ferry, thinking that since we were short on time (2 hours until the last ferry departs) it would be a speedy means of getting to the lighthouse. I actually don't like riding bikes, but when it comes to lighthouses they are handy...BUT, (and it is a big but) we shortly reached a point in our journey that no bike could continue on. We abandoned the bikes and continued on foot. I should really start researching the lighthouses and routes before, not after the expedition.

So given I didn't know how far the lighthouse was, we were walking pretty briskly, while also trying to take in all the stunning scenery! And every time we approached a hill, I filled with excitement and hope that there would be a lighthouse over it (I think Dominika was even excited). That moment came just in time, as we were approaching 'we should probably head back soon' kinda conversations...

OK, so the lighthouse itself...it's big! The tower was originally constructed in 1850 as an unlit beacon to mark the entrance to Castletownbere. It was left in the care of a local man, who remained the caretaker until 1963 when the tower was capped and 'his services dispensed with' (doesn't that sound horrible?).

115 years passed, and there was a lot of talk over whether this beacon would come back to life..finally in 1965 the beacon was converted into a full and almighty lighthouse with the addition of an ex-lightship lantern (see up-cycling has been going on for years already). 

The lighthouse is looked after by an attendant who lives at Castletownbere helicopter base. He is also the attendant for two other lights...cool job (where do I apply?!). He is a messy guy though, this lighthouse junk was in the surrounding area. The lighthouse has recently turned green in that it's removal of the diesal generator and installation of fancy low power LED has made it eco friendly. I'm thinking this junk is what's left from the transition... I looked for something cool to steal, but it really was just junk. 

If your not a lighthousey person, I'd still highly reccomend this walk to the lighthouse. The views from this point are nothing but beautiful, even on a somewhat foggy day. With views across to Sheep's Head and Mizen Head you may even spot some more lighthouses!