Baily Lighthouse is a second lighthouse belonging to the village of Howth. Magnificently set on a rocky, verdant outcrop (the Howth Head peninsula), its mission is to watch over Dublin Bay and its ships.
The Baily Lighthouse – © Peter Krocka
Baily Lighthouse is believed to have been built in 1814, replacing an earlier lighthouse deemed obsolete and poorly positioned on the Howth coast.
Standing 41 metres high, it is easily recognized by its white rendering and red ring.
The lighthouse also has 1 large house for the main keeper, plus 2 separate houses for the assistant keepers. Built in 1892, they were an opportunity for the guards to rest before taking turns.
Since 1996, the lighthouse has been fully automated, and the last keeper left in March 1997. Nevertheless, an attendant still lives on site, in the lighthouse’s main residence, to be on hand in the event of any technical problems.
Since 2000, you can visit some of the lighthouse buildings, now refurbished as a museum. This museum is not open on a regular basis, but it gives visitors the chance to discover the history of the lighthouse, the way it operates, and the precarious daily lives of the lighthouse keepers…
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
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