Rotten Island Lighthouse, County Donegal Travel Guide

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Guiding ships into Killybegs Harbour since 1838, Rotten Island Lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime history and engineering on Ireland's coast.

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Rotten Island Lighthouse

Rotten Island Lighthouse, standing tall in Killybegs Harbour, County Donegal, has been a vital navigational aid since 1838. Designed by George Halpin, this sturdy granite tower marks the passage from St. John's Point, guiding mariners through the inner channel to the safety of Killybegs Harbour. Though automated since the 1950s and not easily accessible, its presence continues to be a welcome sight for those at sea.

A brief summary to Rotten Island Lighthouse

Killybegs Harbour, Co. Donegal, IE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rotten Island Lighthouse.

Check the schedules for boat tours from Killybegs Harbour to see the lighthouse from the water.
Bring binoculars to spot local wildlife, including seabirds and marine life around the island.
Visit during sunset for stunning views of the lighthouse against the Atlantic sky.

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Getting There

Car

To reach Rotten Island Lighthouse, drive towards Killybegs Harbour. From Killybegs town, follow signs to the harbour area. Parking is available near the harbor. From the harbour, access to Rotten Island is by boat only. Check with local boat tour operators for schedules and availability. Boat trips typically cost between €10 and €30 per person.
Public Transport

To get to Rotten Island Lighthouse using public transport, take a bus to Killybegs from major towns like Donegal Town or Letterkenny. Bus Éireann and Local Link services operate in the area. From the bus stop in Killybegs, walk to Killybegs Harbour (approximately 10-15 minutes). At the harbour, arrange a boat trip to Rotten Island with a local operator. Boat tour prices range from €10 to €30 per person.

Discover more about Rotten Island Lighthouse

Perched on a 26-acre island at the entrance to Killybegs Harbour, the Rotten Island Lighthouse has a rich history of guiding ships through the waters of Donegal Bay. The need for a lighthouse was first identified in 1832, and after some deliberation, Rotten Island was chosen as the ideal location. Designed by George Halpin, Inspector of Lighthouses for the Dublin Ballast Board, construction commenced, and the light first shone on September 1, 1838. The original structure cost over £8,850, a significant sum at the time, and tragically, three workers lost their lives during its construction.The lighthouse itself is a 14-meter-tall conical tower built from cut granite and painted white. Over the years, the light source has been upgraded, from a fixed white light to a flashing light, and from vaporized paraffin to electricity in 1963. Today, the lighthouse is automated and operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. While the island is not easily accessible to the public, boat tours from Killybegs offer views of the lighthouse and the rugged coastline.Despite its somewhat ominous name, Rotten Island and its lighthouse stand as a testament to the skill and dedication of those who built and maintained it. It remains a crucial landmark for the fishing port of Killybegs, guiding mariners safely through the bay.