Ardnakinna Lighthouse

Ardnakinna Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation located on Bere Island, County Cork, at the western entrance to Castletownbere. The lighthouse was built in 1850 as a freestanding circular beacon, and it has undergone several changes over the years. In 1965, a new lighting device was installed, and the lighthouse was formally turned on November 23rd of that year.

The lighthouse has a circular shape and stands at an undisclosed height. It is powered by mains and diesel-generator power, with a 1500W lantern. The lighthouse is currently in operation and is looked after by an attendant at the Castletownbere helicopter base, along with two other lights.

The lighthouse has an interesting history, with the original beacon being established in 1850. It was later transferred to the Admiralty in 1902 and discontinued in 1923. However, following an incident with a trawler in 1945, requests for navigation lights were made, and the lighthouse was eventually rebuilt and relit in 1965. Today, the Ardnakinna Lighthouse remains an essential aid to navigation in the region.

Light and tower

It lies on the Bantry Bay. It has a circular tower. The light has a focal height of 62 metres. The light has a range of 17 nautical miles. It was first lit in 1965.