West Maidens

The West Maidens Lighthouse is located in the North Channel off County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Built in 1829, the lighthouse was part of a pair of towers, including the East Maiden, designed by George Halpin to guide ships through the treacherous waters. The West Maiden was originally 84 feet tall and had a range of 13 miles, while the East Maiden was 94 feet tall and had a range of 14 miles.

Both lighthouses were constructed with a cylindrical tower and a keeper's house, with the West Maiden featuring a balcony and lantern. The lighthouses were built at the request of merchants and a Royal Navy officer, who recognized the need for safe navigation through the North Channel. Although the West Maiden was abandoned in 1903, the East Maiden remains operational and is currently managed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

The West Maiden's history is marked by its eventual abandonment, while the East Maiden continues to serve as a vital aid to navigation. The lighthouses' unique design and location have made them a picturesque and historic site, with stories of romance and drama surrounding their keepers in the 19th century.

Light and tower

It lies on the North Channel. It has a cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern attached to a 2-storey keeper's house tower. The tower is built of stone. Its daymark is white tower with a black band, white lantern. The light has a focal height of 29 metres. The light has a range of 23 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Fl (3) W 15s. 24h. It was automated in 1977. It is managed by Commissioners of Irish Lights.