Blackhead Lighthouse, County Antrim

Blackhead Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It was built in 1902 to mark the northern end of Belfast Lough, where it opens into the North Channel. The lighthouse stands at a height of 16 meters with a focal height of 45 meters above the sea. Its distinctive shape is an octagonal stone tower with a lantern and gallery painted white.

The lighthouse was constructed after a series of requests from the Belfast Harbour Board, supported by Lloyd's and the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, to provide a guiding light for ships entering Belfast Lough. The Commissioners of Irish Lights eventually agreed to fund the project, and the contract was awarded to William Campbell and Sons in 1899. The lighthouse was designed by William Douglass, engineer-in-chief to the CIL, and complements the Mew Island Lighthouse on the southern side of the lough entrance.

Blackhead Lighthouse is currently managed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and has been automated since 1975. It features a first-order Fresnel lens with a 920mm catadioptric annular lens and is powered by MBI 400W lamps in a UVLA lampchanger. The lighthouse is listed as a Grade B+ building in Northern Ireland and has been recognized for its historical significance.

Light and tower

It lies on the North Channel. It has an octagonal tower. The light has a focal height of 45 metres. The light has a range of 27 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Fl W 3s. It carries a 920mm catadioptric annular lens. It was first lit in 1902. It was automated in 1975. It is managed by Commissioners of Irish Lights.