Located at Gubbacashal Point, on the Mullet Peninsula, County Mayo. This lighthouse stands tall (as does the gate!) at 27 metres. The gate, and no entry signage didn't discourage us though - we even managed to haul a tent and provisions over that gate! Where there's a will!
Broadhaven is a harbour light. It's purpose; to guide vessels from sea, clear of a sunken rock (sounds pretty dangerous in fairness) on the western side of Broadhaven to a safe anchorage. It was originally meant to be a beacon tower, not a fully fledged lighthouse, as the Lighthouse Board didn't want to be spending too much time or money, as usual! However, pressure from the locals, with support from George Halpin (prominent lighthouse builder) saw it transformed from a beacon to a lighthouse, by the erection of a lantern to the original built beacon tower. Of course this all took a long time, and there was a lot of 'putting it on the long finger'. The lighthouse was established in 1855, twelve years after a lighthouse was first requested for Broadhaven. Back then it was displaying its natural stone grey colour.
The keepers dwellings have sadly fallen into disrepair. Which is such a shame, as it's hard for me to imagine a more tranquil spot. We took shelter in our tent close to the wall, that surrounds the lighthouse grounds. The land here is quite exposed, and blustery! We were happy to have the wall I can tell you. The light shone through the night, and into day break. This lighthouse isn't manned of course - I wouldn't be trespassing otherwise! The lighthouse keepers were withdrawn in 1931. Improvements to the light, and a good coating of white paint were also done at this time.
One last thing - the MULLET peninsula? Lads, I couldn't stop laughing...
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