Commissioners of Irish Lights

2010 Irish Lights Calendar
October 19 2009
The 2010 Irish Lights calendar is now available. This calendar features photographs commemorating the various branches of the Lighthouse Service over the past 200 years.

Draft Marine AtoN Strategy - 2025 and Beyond
October 14 2009
2025 and Beyond is the United Kingdom and Ireland's marine aids to navigation (AtoN) strategy.

It has been prepared by the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of Trinity House, Northern Lighthouse Board and Irish Lights for their users, partners and stakeholders.

New Mizen Bridge!
October 02 2009
Welcome boost for Mizen Head Tourism!

A contract for the construction of a new bridge to the Mizen Head Lighthouse has been signed and work will start right away with the new bridge ready for next summer's tourist season.

Minister Dempsey announces that the Light Dues rate from 1st August 2009 to 31st March 2010, has been increased from 52 to 57 cents
August 06 2009
Minister Dempsey announces that the Light Dues rate from 1st August 2009 to 31st March 2010, has been increased from 52 to 57 cents per ton and the maximum number of voyages to be levied has been increased from 7 to 9 in any one year. The tonnage cap remains at 35,000 NRT. Please click here to see SI 297 of 2009 - MERCHANT SHIPPING (LIGHT DUES) ORDER 2009

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Maidens Lighthouse

54°55.748' North
5°43.709' West

Aids to Navigation

Light:

Fl (3) W 20s. Shown throughout 24 hours. Nominal Range: 24 nautical miles.

Auxiliary Light:

Fl R 5s over Russel and Highland Rocks. Nominal Range: 8 nautical miles

Radar Beacon:

Morse 'M' on vessel's radar display.

Height of Tower:

23 metres.

Height of light above mean high water springs:

29 metres.

History:

East and West Lighthouses were established at Maidens Rock in 1828 or 1829. The west lighthouse was discontinued in 1903. The current tower is white with a black band and its light is a Biform 920mm annular lens (main lamp in upper tier) with PRB22 gearless drive and electric 1kW lamps. The station was automated on the 31st October 1977.