Mine Head Lighthouse

Established in June of 1851, Mine Head Lighthouse rises high above the dramatic cliffs at An Sean Phobal in the Waterford Gaeltacht. The red sandstone structure is itself 22 meters high which together with its lofty position marks it as the highest light along our coast. The tower is painted white with a single black band

In the mid 19th Century, the merchants and ship owners of Youghal and Cork were keen for the Ballast Board to begin a lighthouse tower on Capel Island off Youghal.  The chief engineer, George Halpin begged to disagree and advised that Mine head and Ballycotten were more suitable locations for lighthouses. Then as now, money talks and the merchants got their way- at least for the time being. The tower on Capel Island was well under way when the business community changed their mind and agreed that perhaps the experts were right after all. Capel Island was finished only to the second story and work began instead on Mine Head. Coincidentally, due to a delay caused by a damaged optic at the east Cork station, both Ballycotten lighthouse and Mine Head were first exhibited on the same evening.

Around the lighthouse, the wild grasslands of the cliff tops attract a wide variety of seabirds much appreciated by bird watchers and those interested in wildlife in general, while nearby a slightly older structure stands guard over the coast. The pre-Celtic Ballinamona court tomb is the only example of its kind in County Waterford. ‘Cailleach Bhearra’s House’ as it is known locally sits in spectacular cliff-top isolation, enjoying stunning views across to the East Waterford and Wexford coastlines and perhaps into unknown worlds beyond.

Location:    51°59.556′ North, 07°35.225′ West.

Elevation:   87 m

Character:  Fl (4) 30s

Range:        22 km