Copper Point Lighthouse

Copper Point Lighthouse is located on the eastern end of Long Island (Inis Fada), which lies in the descriptively named Roaring Water Bay off Schull. Schull is a sheltered harbour that provides a refuge for ships travelling along this stretch of coast.

Following requests for a beacon to be placed on Long Island, Captain Roberts surveyed the area and recommended two beacons be built: a 25-foot beacon on Goat Island and a 45-foot beacon on Long Island at Copper Point. In addition, buoys were also recommended at Cush Spit and Amelia Rock.

Approval was granted in 1861, and in July 1864, Copper Point was completed.  Goat Island was completed in September of the same year.  Both beacons were unlit.

It was not until 1955 that requests for improved lighting in the area were renewed. Local fishermen wanted Copper Point lit. However, the recommendations were not accepted until 1972. Schull Harbour Board was responsible for maintaining the lights in the area. However, the Commissioners of Irish Lights were responsible for converting Copper Point into a lighted beacon.

By November 1975, a new landing, gas bottle storage and an access ladder to the top of the beacon had been completed.  The new beacon would be lit using acetylene gas. However, there were delays in establishing suitable sites for the leading lights.

Copper Point beacon was first lit on 1st June 1977 along with the Schull Harbour Leading Lights. Its character was 3 quick flashes every 10 seconds, and the tower was to be painted yellow and black with an East Cardinal top mark in 1980. 

In February 1981, Copper Point was designated as a Lighthouse instead of an East Cardinal mark and retained its white colour.

Also in Schull Harbour is the Bull Rock Perch, established in August 1999.

A ferry from Colla Pier to Long Island takes about 5 minutes and operates year-round.  Copper Point Lighthouse can also be seen from Colla Road at the entrance to the bay.  The Cape Clear ferry from Schull also passes Copper Point.