Galley Head Lighthouse

Galley Head Lighthouse has a focal height of 53 metres, a tower height of 21 metres and a range of 23 nautical miles. It was built in 1878.

Focal height
53 metres
Tower height
21 metres
Range
23 nautical miles
Built
1878
First lit
1878
Light characteristic
Fl (5) W 20s
Coordinates
51.53, -8.954
Galley Head Lighthouse

The Galley Head Lighthouse is located on the south coast of Ireland, outside of Rosscarbery, County Cork. It was built in 1868 and became operational in 1878. The lighthouse features a cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern, and is painted white with a red lantern rail. It stands 21 meters tall and has a focal height of 53 meters.

The lighthouse is situated on Galley Head, a headland that is cut off from the mainland by the ancient walls of the old Norman stronghold of Dun Deidi. The headland offers stunning views of the Celtic Sea and two nearby beaches, Red Strand and the Long Strand. The lighthouse has a range of 23 nautical miles and displays a unique light characteristic, flashing five times every 20 seconds.

The Galley Head Lighthouse has an interesting history, with the original light characteristic consisting of six or seven flashes of white light within sixteen seconds every minute. The lighthouse was one of the most powerful lights of its time, with a range of 16 nautical miles in clear conditions. Today, the lighthouse is still active and is managed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The two keeper's houses have been restored and are available for holiday rental, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Light and tower

It lies on the Celtic Sea. It has a cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern tower. The tower is built of masonry. Its daymark is white tower, red lantern rail. The light has a focal height of 53 metres. The light has a range of 23 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Fl (5) W 20s. It was first lit in 1878. It is managed by Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Details

Name
Galley Head Lighthouse
Marking
white tower, red lantern rail
Range Nm
23
Year Built
1878
Tower Shape
cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Body Of Water
Celtic Sea
Image Caption
Galley Head Lighthouse
Location Text
Cork
Focal Height M
53
Managing Agent
Commissioners of Irish Lights
Tower Height M
21
Year First Lit
1878
Light Characteristic
Fl (5) W 20s
Construction Material
masonry tower