Dundalk Light

Dundalk Lighthouse is a Screw Pile structure similar to but smaller than the one intended for, but never build at the Kish Bank. It was established in June of 1855 after a decade of correspondence requesting a light to guide the ever increasing number of vessels into the harbour . The piles were screwed into the sand and supported a timber deck on which was placed limited wooden accommodation and a small lantern. The optic was revolved by a weight-driven machine.

The lighthouse is one of just three of its kind remaining in Ireland. The other two are at Moville and Cobh.

The engineering behind this unique design was pioneered by Alexander Mitchell who by age 23 was to all intents and purposes blind. Mitchell nevertheless refused to let his disability hamper him and pursued vocation with a vigour and ambition that his able sighted colleagues would envy.

Based on the humble corkscrew, Mitchell had patented his “screwpile and mooring” technique as far back as 1833. It ensured that the platform would not drift. The system had been proved at Maplin Sands and Belfast lough and would be successfully employed in locations around Ireland, Britain and North America

Soon after the light was established the Inspector recommended adding a fog signal bell. This came into operation in November 1860. A bell was struck six times every minute by another weight-driven machine wound up by the keeper on duty.

In 1989, following a hydrographic survey, the bearing of the green sector light and the day-marks was adjusted to show a new channel approach line. In 2002 another survey indicated changing depths and the green sector was suspended pending further findings.

Location:     53°58.560′ North, 06°17.714′ West.

Elevation:    10 m

Character:   Fl WR 15s.

Range:          18 km