INSIDE HAULBOWLINE LIGHTHOUSE | Also know as the "elegant tapering, stone tower" | Full Version

The Haulbowline Lighthouse is an active 19th century lighthouse. It is also described as an "elegant, tapering stone tower". The Haulbowline Lighthouse, situated on Carlingford Lough, separating Co Louth and Co Down, is thought to be the first and only lighthouse in Ireland and the UK to be externally illuminated.
The multi-purpose light was designed to help mark the rocks and, when first built, the depth of water over the bar, as well as acting as a landfall light for ships entering from the Irish Sea. Associated with the lighthouse are the leading lights at Green Island and Vidal Bank which mark the safe channel along Carlingford Lough, with Haulbowline displaying a reserve light in case of problems with these leading lights.
Completed in 1824, the lighthouse was designed by George Halpin following complaints made to the Ballast Board, the predecessor organisation of the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the existing shore-based Cranfield Point Lighthouse was inadequate in marking both the channel and the treacherous rocks at the lough entrance, many of which were only revealed at low tide. The poorly positioned light at Cranfield Point, had also been built too close to the eroding coastline, and in 1860 it finally succumbed to the sea, and collapsed onto the beach. The keeper's cottages which survived, were subsequently used by the staff and families of Haulbowline until 1922, when new houses were constructed nearby in Greencastle.
Construction of the 34-metre-high (112 ft) stone tower has been described as "a remarkable achievement at the time", given the location "on a semi-submerged rock with fast currents running around it". Originally white in colour, the paint was removed in 1946 to reveal the stone beneath. The principal light is displayed 32m above sea level as a constant white light. A secondary light was also displayed on a balcony facing the sea, known as a half-tide light, this was lit when the state of the tide was such that there would be enough depth for ships to pass into the lough, and until 1922 a black ball was also raised on a mast above the tower during daylight hours, to indicate the same tidal conditions.
The main light characteristic changed in 1899, from a fixed light to that showing a pattern of three flashes of white light in 30 seconds, this changed in 1922 to the one that is still used today of three flashes over a period of ten seconds.
The lighthouse is maintained by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, and is registered under the international Admiralty number A5928 and has the NGA identifier of 114-6704.
Localities surrounding the Haulbowline Lighthouse include Greencaslte, Ballynamony Murphy, Ballystrana, Ballagan, Rampart. Landmarks surrounding the Lighthouse are Haulbowline Rocks, Cranfield Point, Ballagan Point, Greenore Point, Hellyhunter Rock, Mill Bay.
Other places close to the Lighthouse include Nookta Lodge, Four Seasons Hotel Louth, Kilkeel River, Mourne Park House, Ballyedmond, Castletown House.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Simply put, a smashing video, good to see the old structures still surviving to this day, thank you for sharing Mike West Bromwich

[@vipinbagral8721]

Such a magnificent masterpiece . How they built it. Wow. Remarkable job.

[@dontmissthelittlethings]

Fantastic video. Too many lighthouses are being decommissioned.

[@class_SSS]

Very mysterious structure 😍

[@NathanHassall]

I came for the elegant tapering but stayed for the amazing music.

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

Lovely video thank you for making. Greetings from Yorkshire. Headland light.

[@ibraheemkhan4323]

I wish to go there.

[@PaulSmith-pz9eq]

It would be nice to see the entire interior.

[@RkTumebikemechanic]

Wow so cute video i masi you 🥀

[@BillSikes.]

I'd like to have a look inside a rock lighthouse

[@jugomes44]

Me too

[@visitthingstodo]

Unfortunately public access is not available hence it was a privilege to film inside.

[@A_Normal_Guy5]

wow

[@albertafarmer8638]

Thank you! The music is pretty annoying.

[@tonipeters4543]

I was expecting to see the light itself, nope, all we got is some music by the lighthouse family, and info about a boat

[@tonipeters4543]

@@kylemalcomson5646 Yes, I had noticed the light was not there, I am saying this video is of no use as it just looking at a "hasbeen" with music by "The lighthouse family" I want a refund of my time I wasted on this video.

[@stefanpynappels7959]

You may need to go to Specsavers, the light is pretty clearly there from about 4:15 to 4:17 and again from 4:31 to 4:33. Feel free to pause the video there and stare at it 🙂

[@neilfoster814]

@@stefanpynappels7959 I think they were expecting to see the big rotating Freshnel lens and football sized bulb instead of the modern compact LED light. but yes, it's definitely there

[@redcruben]

Nice to see inside, I have been on it many times but never inside

[@andrewallen9993]

Why the balcony on the side? Anyone know?

[@lottietea]

Hi! I’m reading Seashaken Houses by Tom Nancollas & he says he was told that it was a “half-tide room” that could shine a light to signal the water depth was safe to cross Carlingford Bar. He describes the cast-iron it is made of as having relief mouldings of a harp, a globe, a sextant, a ship, a map & compass, and an anchor. He also mentions that the lighthouse was consecrated in 1958 because some believed it was haunted!

[@andrewallen9993]

@@lottietea Hmmmm, Thanks

[@stansmith-h2b]

It's a bit of an arty farty video with no real information. They actually panned under the technical drawing of the building just to show the name on a bit of uninteresting paper. How about some pictures of the actual plans. I'd love to know how they made the foundations.

[@visitthingstodo]

Hi - We were invited at our own cost to make a rare video inside which the public may/may not like. The fact you want more information shows that an interest has been created. If you pictures & plans we would be delighted to share this on the channel, if you can make it into a video or slide format. Maybe someone out there has this information and is wiling to share it, like us. Many thanks David