Roches Point Lighthouse

Located at the entrance to Cork harbour Ireland. This was my first glance at the lighthouse from a telescope in Crosshaven. It would be another 2 years before I got to it up close...

I did consider swimming over...

So there's a bit of a background story to this lighthouse, let me explain it as briefly as I can....There was a want for a lighthouse here in 1813 as it was noted that vessels entering Cork harbour were in danger. It was agreed by the relevant authorities to build a lighthouse here (or plonk a lantern on an already existing tower as was their original plan). However, the land and existing tower were owned privately by a Mr Edward Roche (a character you'll either hate or feel sorry for...) Mr Roche wasn't living in Cork at this time, his exact whereabouts a little shady. Finally Mr Roche's agent informed the authorities that he was residing in Naples, Italy as a prisoner of war and would be home (as soon as possible...). With that, the authorities twiddled their thumbs and awaited his return. They couldn't purchase or rent his land without his knowledge. Finally some political activity of some description set him free and he returned to Cork in 1815, and he wasn't happy to hear of all this lighthouse malarky. He wrote a letter stating that the tower had been built by him and his father as a 'banqueting and pleasure house' (wouldn't we all like one of those?!) and that he had spent a lot of monies to make it all very fancy. He also noted that during the American War of Independence (1776-83) it was rented out to the Government (against his desires) as it was deemed absolutely necessary for the defense of the harbor (starting to feel this chap has his tower in the wrong place at the wrong time too often) The Government paid him handsomely at 100 guineas per year for 10 years. Roche stated that if he had to give up his pleasure tower again, he would want the same terms. The authorities gave a quick reply (a big fat no) and informed him that as they required a lease long term (forever) they would want it very cheap or they would go ahead have the land valued and pay him this amount regardless of his wishes (and they had Law behind them). Needless to say he was very upset...he fought them all the way, and although he delayed them (how many ships wrecked in this time I wonder?) an inquisition was held in Cobh and the tower and land was purchased in 1816 from him for £1426. 

After all that they knocked the pleasure tower down! They decided to build a tower from scratch along with lighthouse cottages. The lighthouse was established and in working order in 1817. Of course they didn't build it big enough, and in 1835 it was knocked down and it's replacement, the current tower, was built. In 1995 it was converted to automatic and the keepers removed from the station. The lighthouse cottages are available to rent (kinda pricey but how lovely!)

We travelled there on bikes from Cork City (I know crazy). We cheated by getting in the train to Midleton with bikes and rode from there. The ride was horrible in that my bike was unsuitable for all the up and down hills, and as per usual I complained most of the way (it was really hilly!) Once you get over all the hills you hit the sea and its all good from there.

Of course the views made up for all the complaining from the ride. 

An observation; a lot of lighthouses have cows close by

Rathlin Island South Lighthouse

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). 

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! 

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.

Rathlin Island East Lighthouse

Located on Rathlin Island, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This lighthouse has been flashing out to mariners since 1856, making it the oldest lighthouse on this island (there are three lighthouses on Rathlin!) Rathlin is a very small Island with not much on it (but plenty to see!) so the lighthouses are clearly sign posted and mapped (not many of my lighthouse expeditions have been so easy). On speaking to a local woman and asking her about the East Lighthouse, she informed us that we could only walk 'so far' and the lighthouse itself was 'not accessible'...well it's true, we walked so far and reached a locked gate, and the usual keep out/private property signs that so often accompany lighthouses was mounted clearly on the wall. So we climbed of course! These sites are very very rarely complete with security measures to stop such climbing. Something occurred to us when we excitedly spotted the East Light, it is always flashing, even during the daylight. 

As you can see there are actually two lanterns attached to this lighthouse. An upper occulting light and a lower fixed light  - so not to be confused with other lights when approaching The North Channel. The lower light was discontinued in 1894, and at the same time the tower light intensified. The tower is built of stone collected from the island (cool fact huh?) and it stands tall at 88 feet. The colour of the tower was originally natural stone with a broad red belt under the lantern. Then the stone was painted white (still with the red belt), this lasted until 1934 when the red belt was changed to the black it is today. I don't know who decides on colour themes for lighthouses, but personally I think i'd prefer the red belt...

In 1995 it became automated and the keepers were withdrawn from the station. The station site is quite large, consisting of several small stone huts (attempted to explore but too creepy) and a large house complete with abandoned car. It is now in care of an attendant (whom was nowhere to be seen) and is monitored by the depot in Dun Laoghaire.  

Dun Laoghaire West Pier Lighthouse

Located in Dun Laoghaire, a suburban seaside town in County Dublin, Ireland. It is also worth mentioning that it is the location for the Commisioners of Irish Lights headquarters. These folks are the maritime organisation that serve as the general lighthouse authority for Ireland (basically they turn on the lights remotely among other things). We did pop our heads in and wander around looking at their cabinets full of lighthouse treasure...oh and asked them for a job, but apparently they've no need for a coffee making nurse there at this time.

Okay, back to the lighthouse. Actually there are two! The West and the East (you can just spot the East one in the background of the photo below). To get to the lighthouse you face a long walk down the pier. While reading up online, some websites promise the reader an 'enjoyable' and 'charming' walk down the pier to your 'stunning' destination...well I'll be honest with you, it was full of dog poo and weeds! Suppose that all adds to the charm? 

The lighthouse was built in 1852 to guide harbour ships that were waiting to get into the port of Dublin, and it's still doing just that! It was automated in 1930, which is actually pretty early compared to some (and compared to its partner the East Pier Lighthouse that was automated in 1977). 

Despite the dog poo and weary legs, I enjoyed walking to the lighthouse. I would have liked a nice bench to sit on when reaching the end (am I getting old?) The wall around the pier serves as a good viewing stand to look around. The lighthouse has a worn and rustic look about it, and I'm not sure about the railing around it, kinda looks like it's wearing a skirt...regardless, I like this lighthouse! 

Wicklow Head High Lighthouse

Located on Wicklow Head, County Wicklow, Ireland. Just take a moment to look at this...isn't it just wonderful? Built in 1781 it was one of two that were built at this time here, and is now one of three (I won't lie to you, this gets confusing). A few years passed and it was discovered that this lighthouse and it's partner were too tall, and their lights were being obscured by fog. They were also noted to be in a dilapidated condition with rotten and rusty parts and tarnished reflectors. It's partner was demolished in 1818 (sad I know) and although this one was discontinued it was allowed to remain (phew!). Two newbies were also built in 1818, one close enough to this one (Middle Lighthouse) and one further down the cliff (Low Lighthouse). 

When in working order the light source for this lighthouse was 20 tallow candles at the focus of a mirror reflector (how cool?). In 1836 lightening struck the tower and in the ensuing fire the lantern and all floors were gutted. The lantern was finally replaced with a brick protecting dome in 1866 (can just about make this out on the last photo). 

The lighthouse was taken over by the Irish Landmark Trust in 1996 and is a holiday accommodation destination. By chance when we arrived, the folk that manage the accommodation were inside cleaning up after the last visitors, and preparing for new ones. Bold as brass we knocked on the door and they were more than happy to show us around. I was too shy to take photos, but wow it was amazing inside! Each level being a different room and up such lovely spiral stairs with amazing views out each window. I didn't want to leave. I believe this accommodation is very popular (the lady said best to book a year in advance!) and pretty pricey, but wow! 

Murano Lighthouse (Faro Isola di Murano)

Located on Murano, a series of seven islands all linked by bridges within the Venetian Lagoon, Venice, Northern Italy. Murano is famous for its glass making, but I wasn't really interested in that (it's pretty all the same). Water bus is how you get there, and this is the first stop. 'Faro' meaning lighthouse in Italian, so this is literally the lighthouse bus stop, with the lighthouse greeting you on arrival (no epic bike rides - huzzah!)

Built in 1912 this is quite impressive at 115ft. A round cylindrical stone tower that was once painted white, but looking at the photo below I think you'd agree it could do with another lick of paint. Two black horizontal lines facing the water painted on also, not sure why, but there must be a reason for this? I spent a while being frustrated as I kept getting wonky photos, then soon realised that the lighthouse actually has a distinctive lean in the seaward direction! I got into all sorts of angles and positions trying to get it straight.... 

Coffee at the 'lighthouse bar' beside the lighthouse was so welcomed. We had been cycling on Lido Island and riding bus boats all morning, it was raining and we were exhausted! Hot, strong, steaming coffee with sugar when you're weary from travelling...I don't think there's anything better! 

The coffee was so good we came back (on a sunnier day). I really like it when coffee is served in proper mugs. As it wasn't raining we got to sit outside, right beside the lighthouse, and plan our boarding onto the bus boat without valid tickets...

Having made it onto the bus boat without tickets (actually very easy if you're ever in Venice, tickets are seldomly checked...but you didn't hear that from me) I waved goodbye to Murano Lighthouse. It's light can be seen in the evening from Venice if you position yourself right. Something very comforting about a flashing lighthouse light in the dark of night across water. 

Lido Island Lighthouse (Faro San Nicolo)

Located on Lido di Venezia (The Lido or Venice Lido) which is a 7 mile long sand bar in Venice, Northern Italy. Lido is accessible via bus boat from main land Venice. 

Really odd cork shaped rock things all around...

We rented bikes from a local (and somewhat grumpy) Italian, and spent 30 minutes cycling out to the pier. The ride took us through a town of really luxurious mansion type housing areas that were all abandoned with over grown gardens (very creepy). The beach wasn't the prettiest I'd seen, but the pier was in good condition and nice to ride on with great views out.

It's a long way down

The lighthouse itself came into operation in 1908. It's cylindrical octagonal shape is unusual (I didn't actually count the sides, but 8 seems about right?)

The unpainted dusty red brick work complete with graffiti makes this lighthouse look a little unloved. Someone commented that the lighthouse looks like it's about to sneeze in this photo...I agree! 

Pac Man after my picnic...

The Italian word for lighthouse is 'faro' plural being 'fari'. The phrase in this photo (roughly) translates to 'lighthouse and life heaven can wait'.