Ballynagard Lighthouse

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This light house is 1500 metres upstream from Culmore light house (HB01/27/021)and on the west bank of the River Foyle. It is similar in construction and shape as Culmore except that it has a protuberance at the base on the landward side. This protuberance is approximately half the height of the tower, projects approximately 1500mm, has a segmental shaped roof plastered over as the walls. There is a door on the south side of the tower so that on entering the protuberance would be to the left probably forming a small storage area. The protuberance has a squared end. The tower rises from a wider stone base.

Adjacent to the light house are the ruins of a lightkeeper’s house.

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. This is one of a series along the river including Culmore in this ward and Coneyburrow visible to the south in mid river.

In OSS 1907 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 Londonderry 14A
OS Map 1948 Revision Co Londonderry 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
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

A similar good example of smaller type light house, like Culmore (HB01/27/021) erected on river navigation systems.