Rockabill Lighthouse

Lighthouse

53°35′49.1″N 6°00′15.8″W / 53.596972°N 6.004389°W / 53.596972; -6.004389TowerConstructed1855–1860Constructiongranite and limestone towerAutomated1989Height32 metres (105 ft)Shapecylindrical tower with gallery and lanternMarkingswhite tower with one broad black horizontal bandFog signal(4) 60sLightFirst lit1860Focal height45 metres (148 ft)Range17 nmi (31 km; 20 mi) (white), 13 nmi (24 km; 15 mi) (red)

CharacteristicFl WR 12sIreland no.CIL-0960

Rockabill Lighthouse is an active 19th century lighthouse, on the larger of the two islands that form Rockabill. The islands lie some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) off the east coast of Ireland, north-east of Skerries, in County Dublin. It is operated and maintained by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.^[1]

History

In 1837 the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners proposed that a lighthouse be built on Rockabill, with the costs to be paid by tolls on the shipping using Drogheda harbour. In 1838, Trinity House, which was then in charge of lights in Ireland, declined the request. In 1853 however the Trinity Board reversed its decision and authorized the construction of the lighthouse. Construction began in 1855 under the supervision of the Burgess brothers, William and James, who were builders from Limerick. The lighthouse tower was built 1855–1860 of granite from the Mourne Mountains in County Down and local limestone from Milverton. The total cost of all buildings and equipment was £13,248.^[2] The light was placed into operation on 1 July 1860.^[2]^[1]

The focal plane of the lantern is 45 metres (148 ft) above the sea.^[1] The round lighthouse tower is built of granite and is 32 metres (105 ft) high, including the lantern and gallery.^[1] The light tower is painted white with one broad black horizontal band.^[1] In 1918, the station was also equipped with a fog horn, which gives four blasts every minute.^[2]^[1] A keeper's residence and other buildings are located at the station, which is operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.^[1] The lighthouse was automated in March 1989.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Eastern Ireland (Leinster)". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Rockabill Lighthouse | Rockabill Lighthouse, SkerriesHomepage". Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2013.