Lighthouse

The National Monuments Service's description

Remains of two early lighthouses (see also CO137A001003-), on high ground on E side of Old Head of Kinsale (CO137-007---). Roadway to current lighthouse runs between two ruins; to W earlier 'brazier lighthouse'; to E circular lighthouse (CO137A001003-) which replaced former in 1805 (Beaver 1971, 86-8). Earlier structure consists of 1-storey rectangular (6.1m E-W; 16.7m N-S) building covered by rounded brick vault (axis N-S). Divided into three rooms (see drawings Beaver ibid) with internal stairway to roof, now badly ruined, where 'openfire' was maintained. Fire replaced by candle light 1703 to 1714 but openfire reverted to until 1804. After abandonment, central room converted to smithy. In 1805 circular lighthouse built as replacement by Thomas Rogers(ibid). Central circular well (int. diam. 3.2m) housed spiral granite stairs; outer circular wall (int. diam. 14.6m) enclosed domestic buidings;both walls only stand to c. 2m. To N, ruins of associated buildings. Replaced by present lighthouse on head of promontory in 1853.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 9/1978).