Dingle Lighthouse

Dingle harbour lighthouse was designed by William Douglas, the engineer responsible for Fastnet and was built in 1885 for the cost at the time of £589. It guides boats seaward of Crow Rock into harbour and a welcome shelter from inclement weather. The tower stands 7 metres tall and it has a range of 11 kilometres.  The light is a modern acrylic Fresnel lens that gives a green flash every three seconds. The lighthouse is operated by the Dingle Harbour Commissioners.

Dingle is also the base for an active fishing fleet and the market town is a famous tourist destination which boasts excellent restaurants and fifty-two pubs!

There is a nice walk from the Skellig Hotel out to the lighthouse, which follows the edge of the harbour, and takes in a picturesque cliff walk. Along the way you pass the Coastguard station, which was established over sixty years earlier than the lighthouse in 1822. At the time the coastguard uniform was a navy blue denim overall with a pillbox hat. Apart from the fashion faux pas of the hat, of all the outfits to take to sea in, I can think of few I’d prefer less than denim. Unsurprisingly the crews were known as the Bluemen.

If you’re lucky, out in the harbour, you might spot Dingle’s most famous resident, Fungie, splashing among the waves. He’s been here for almost forty years now and unusual as it is for a lone wild dolphin to remain in the same place for such a long time, he seems to have no intention of leaving. A small cave under the cliffs at Burnham is thought to be his home.

Location:     52 7.3037 North, 10 15.4959 West.

Elevation:    20 m

Character:   Fl 3s green

Range:          12 km