Lighthouse

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Culmore light house is a circular conical structure approximately 5.4 metres high and 2.5 metres diameter externally at the base. It has an even batter from base to top. The diameter at top is approximately 1800 mm. Almost at the top of the tower on the riverside is an oriel window consisting of projecting splayed cill supported on simple moulded corbel and a similar projecting head . The three sides would originally have been glazed. Within this oriel window was the light, most likely oil. Today the light is surmounted on top of the light house and is a revolving white light (electric). It is surrounded by an untidy arrangement of railing and wire mesh.

There is a narrow door on the landward side, its threshold 800mm above ground. A simple torus moulding forms an architrave. The opening is recently blocked up and smooth rendered. The walls of the tower are finished in smooth plaster with a slight plinth, a string band just above door head and a roll moulding at the top of the tower. It is painted green at base and white above. The name Culmore in large letters is painted white on black background above the green plinth.

Historical information

The Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners were established in 1854 and shortly afterwards commissioned an Edinburgh firm of engineers D & T Stevenson to carry out improvements to the river and quayage. They had previously been engaged by the Belfast Office Committee on a survey of the River Foyle. New lighthouses were carried out by the Commissioners in 1860s. Prior to this the Culmore light had been on a fixed pole. The Coneyburrow lighthouse preceded the Culmore light and is a bigger structure.

In OSS 1905 described as white light. In OSS 1948 described as revolving light.

Previous to electricity the lamps were acetylene and earlier were oil. Set in the projecting oriel windows.

References:

Primary Sources:

OS Map 1904-5 Revision Co Londondrry 14A
OS Map 1948 Revision Co Londondrry 14A

Secondary Sources:

C McCann, Greencastle Marine Museum

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
V. Authorship

Evaluation

Interesting river navigational light house dating from the 2nd half of the 19th century. Part of a series which creates salient features at intervals along the navigable stretches of the river as well as having great historical and social content.