Rotten Island Lighthouse: A Beacon of Donegal Bay

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.