Located on Rathlin Island, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Rathlin is the Northern most point of Northern Ireland (you can actually see Scotland from it!). There's a lovely walk to the South Lighthouse, which is known as Rue Lighthouse by locals. Rathlin has three lighthouses (you can imagine how excited I was!) and Rue Lighthouse is the smallest, standing at just 35 feet. A light was initially recommended here in 1914, and a temporary white double flashing light was erected, but this was wrecked in a severe storm in 1917 (kinda ironic that the structure intended to prevent wrecks in storms was wrecked in a storm...). The light was then transferred to the undamaged fog gun trestle (that no longer exists).
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| A path right up to it, no climbing walls! |
In 1920-21 this permanent 6 sided tower was built and was designed as an unmanned lighthouse. Although apparently two keepers were working on it and living in wooden huts when on duty. Good job really, as there can't be much room inside there with the generator! It was converted to electric in 1965 and runs from mains electricity.
As you can see, there's ladders leading up to the front door. Of course I attempted to climb this, and it looks easy...well it isn't. The ladders are locked in such a way that it's impossible. It isn't that high, but it is very windy. I got hold of the red handles, but they are sprayed with sea water and hard to hold on to. There are several photos of me in ridiculous positions hanging from the lighthouse, I won't be including these in the blog however!
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The walk took us around an hour each way, with strange noisy birds and picturesque lakes to be seen along the way. As the lighthouse comes in to view, you may become aware that there are seals across the water with their eyes on you. All very lovely.
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