Cape Clear Lighthouse

Cape Clear Lighthouse is located on the southern side of Cape Clear Island. The lighthouse was established in 1818. The light was a revolving light with 12 Argand burners and reflectors.

The lighthouse was designed by George Halpin and built near the unoccupied Admiralty Signal Tower.

Following a tip-off, Halpin inspected the station a couple of years later, finding it neglected and unkempt. The Principal Keeper had been selling off some of the lighthouse oil for his own profit. Both the Principal and Assistant Keeper were transferred. The Assistant Keeper was transferred to Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse, and the Principal Keeper was later dismissed.

However, Trinity House considered the lighthouse to be built at an elevation that was too high, as it was often shrouded in mist and fog.

Before any action could be taken to rectify this, disaster struck. In November 1847, the American liner Stephen Whitney mistook Crookhaven Light for the Old Head of Kinsale, as Cape Clear was not visible. It ran aground off the coast of West Cork, claiming 92 lives.

As a result, there were calls for a new lighthouse to be built at Fastnet Rock, 3 miles west of Cape Clear Island. The Lighthouse was discontinued on 1st January 1854, following the establishment of Fastnet Lighthouse.

Cottage and lighthouse — *Photo: Patrick Tubby*

The lighthouse tower, minus its lantern, is located next to a Napoleonic signal tower built in the early 1800s. The Cape Clear Lighthouse Keepers used the accommodation in the signal tower. A covered walkway ran between the two buildings, but this has now been removed.

Cape Clear is the most southerly inhabited island in Ireland. It is 3 miles long by 1 mile wide and has various archaeological sites, including a passage tomb and standing stones.

The island once had a population of over 1,000 inhabitants until the Great Famine of the 19th century.

Close to the harbour is a memorial to those who lost their lives during the Fastnet Race of 1979.