Ballycotton Lighthouse

 

 

• Ballycotton lighthouse is located on Ballycotton Island off the coast of Co. Cork.
• In 1847 the paddle steamship Sirius, the first vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean completely under steam, was shipwrecked here in dense fog. Ballycotton Island Lighthouse was built as a result.
• Families of the lightkeepers lived on the island until 1896.
• It was built in the late 1940s and first lit in 1851
• It is only accessible by boat
• In 1975 the light was converted to electricity and it was automated on 28 March 1992 when the lighthouse keepers were withdrawn
• It is a great place to spot wildlife. You can spot Peregrine Falcons, Seals, Dolphins and Whales
• It is one of 70 lighthouses operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland
• Its height is 15m

By Erin 6^th class