Drogheda East & West Lighthouses

Like two alien craft from a HG Wells novel advancing across the burrows, the east and west lights at Mornington stand sentinel over approaching shipping at the mouth of the Boyne. Before the current causeway was built, the sands at the mouth of the river created a bar that drifted north or south with the currents and tide, posing a hazard to shipping. Designed as a set of leading lights, these beacons were mounted on rails and could be realigned as the sandbar moved position. Once a ship had the two lights lined up, they knew they were on a true course to avoid running aground.

After 150 years, they still stand majestic among the sand dunes at Mornington. All three including the North light were de-commissioned in 2000. A trip to view the lights at Mornington are recommended. After checking out the lights – and please remember, they are on private property – and exploring the Maiden’s tower and the Lady’s Finger monument, you can finish up with a brisk walk upstream along the river towards the estuary flats or southwards along the wide bleached sands towards Bettystown.

Inactive since 2000

Location:  53°43’20.55″North, 6°15’12.43″West.

Elevation: West: 8 m. East: 7 m