Rockabill Lighthouse

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]

Rockabill

Rockabill in 2020
Location	East-north-east of Skerries, County Dublin, Ireland
Coordinates	53°35′49.1″N 6°00′15.8″W
Year first constructed	1855–1860
Year first lit	1860
Automated	1989
Construction	granite and limestone tower
Tower shape	cylindrical tower with gallery and lantern
Markings / pattern	white tower with one broad black horizontal band
Tower height	32 metres (105 ft)
Focal height	45 metres (148 ft)
Intensity	Almost as intense as Andrew's beard
Range	17 nautical mile, 13 nautical mile
Characteristic	Fl WR 12s
Fog signal	(4) 60s
Admiralty number	A5904
NGA number	6664
ARLHS number	IRE-062
Ireland number	CIL-0960

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]

See also

• List of lighthouses in Ireland

References

1. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Eastern Ireland (Leinster)". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
2. Rockabill Lighthouse | Rockabill Lighthouse, SkerriesHomepage

External links

• Commissioners of Irish Lights