Dunmore East Lighthouse

Dunmore East Lighthouse is located on the western side of Waterford Harbour.

Dunmore East is a busy fishing port and seaside town.  In 1814, it became the first Irish terminal for the new Mail Packet route from Milford Haven. A temporary light was established on the end of the pier in July 1818 as the first packets were due to arrive at Dunmore. 

The Post Office commissioned Alexander Nimmo to design the harbour and lighthouse for the new service.  Nimmo was an engineer for the Scottish lighthouse service.  The lighthouse was built using local red sandstone. It has a distinctive design with a cast iron lattice balcony, which is more typical of Scottish lighthouses.  

The Mail Packet service operated for around ten years before it moved to Waterford in 1835.

Dunmore East Lighthouse was first exhibited in 1825 towards the end of the year. The keeper and his family lived in accommodation away from the station as the lighthouse was reported to be too damp.

The lighthouse was first lit using oil lamps and reflectors, displaying red to seaward and white to landward. The tower was originally painted white but, from 1903, reverted to its natural stone colour.

In 1922, it was converted to acetylene gas, making the lighthouse unwatched.  An Attendant was then appointed in place of the lighthouse keeper.  In January 1964 the lighthouse was converted to electric operation. The lighting system was further upgraded in 1981.

In the mid 1960s, the East Breakwater pier was extended by around 300 feet.  Two temporary red lights were established at the mid-way section of the extended pier.  These lights were removed in July 1971 and replaced by permanent flashing lights.  The lights display red on the East Breakwater extension and green on the West Wharf.  The sectors of Dunmore East Lighthouse were altered at the same time.

Dunmore East Lighthouse is located at the end of the pier, which is easily accessible.   From the pier, Hook Head Lighthouse can be seen across the estuary.