Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo is marking its 160th anniversary with a special programme of events.
The anniversary sees coastal communities and maritime organisations come together for a day of remembrance and reflection.
It is an iconic Mayo lighthouse and one of Ireland’s most distinctive coastal landmarks.
Local people and visitors are being afforded a rare opportunity to explore Teach Solais an Fhóid Dhuibh and learn about its rich history and enduring role in maritime safety.
Historical exhibits are on display inside the lighthouse, allowing visitors to learn more about the people, events and maritime heritage associated with this important landmark across decades.
Watch: Teresa Mannion reports on events taking place at the lighthouse
CEO of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields O’Connor said: “This 160th anniversary is an important opportunity to recognise the generations of lighthouse keepers, attendants and local families whose dedication ensured Blacksod Lighthouse remained a trusted guide for mariners.”
Engineer with Irish Lights Barry Phelan said the lighthouse “continues to play a vital role in supporting safe navigation along Ireland’s Atlantic coast”.
“The lighthouse contributes to a modern, technology-enabled network that underpins maritime safety and the wider blue economy, while also connecting communities and visitors with its unique heritage through the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative,” he added.
A highlight was the arrival of the Sligo Coast Guard helicopter with members of the Ballyglass unit on hand to meet people and show them the aircraft.
Chairman of the co-op John Gallagher
A highlight was the arrival of the Sligo Coast Guard helicopter with members of the Ballyglass unit
They also honoured the four crew members of Rescue 116, who lost their lives in service almost ten years ago.
“This is a lovely day to show people this sophisticated new aircraft that can move so quickly to rescue people and save lives.
“It is important to raise awareness and let families see what we do. But we’re mindful of the four crew members of Rescue 116 who lost their lives in service almost a decade ago.
“There’s a fitting plaque on the wall of the lighthouse to commemorate them,” said coastguard Áine Gaughan.
Later, there will be an opportunity to showcase seafood produced along the west coast of Ireland.
Chairman of the information centre John Gallagher said it showcases the lighthouses in the area
Taste of the Atlantic is also inviting people to sample a range of seafoods in a collaboration with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) at the newly built SOLAS visitor centre.
Chairman of the co-op who got the information centre up and running John Gallagher said: “It was built two years ago and we are very proud of this centre. It showcases the four lighthouses in the area, Blacksod, Ballyglass, Eagle Island and Blackrock.
“These two offshore ones are virtually impossible to access so people can get all the information and technical detail about them at Solas,” he said.
The Solas centre showcases the four lighthouses in the area
The Sweeney family have run this lighthouse for generations, with Ted Sweeney taking charge in 1933, and his wife Maureen remembered for the D-Day severe weather warning that ultimately helped secure victory for the Allies during World War II.
Guests will attend a special screening of “Keepers of the Light”, a short film by Fergus Sweeney exploring the story, people and legacy of the lighthouse, featuring his grandfather Ted and his father Vincent, who is the current lighthouse keeper.
Listen: Fergus Sweeney discusses his grandmother’s legacy after her death in 2023
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The film reflects on the lighthouse’s significance to generations of local families, mariners and the wider community and the importance of preserving Ireland’s lighthouse heritage for future generations.
Speaking at the lighthouse, Vincent Sweeney said: “I look after the lighthouse and the main thing is to make sure our navigational leads are in working order and our main light is on when it’s supposed to be on.
“My father was lighthouse keeper here in Blacksod since 1933, so there was a strong tradition in the lighthouse service.
“He retired in 1980 and was one of the longest-serving lighthouse keepers.”
“Growing up in the lighthouse was just fascinating in more ways than one, meeting people, there was lot of people passing through lighthouse keepers, fishermen, boat contractors who had to go to Blackrock Lighthouse to exchange keepers.
“The radio would be on, you’d hear all the chatter and bad weather, good weather big influence, you would be pinned in the lighthouse, maybe for a week, you wouldn’t be able to go outside in storms,” Mr Sweeney added.
A special “Carrying the Light” ceremony will take place with 160 candles representing each year in the history of the lighthouse.
A short reflection will recall the night in 1866 when the lighthouse first illuminated the coastline of Iorras.
At 10.25pm, a single candle is being carried from the assembled community into the lighthouse tower by Vincent Sweeney.
Once in the lantern room, the main lighthouse light will be illuminated, recreating the moment the beacon first shone across the peninsula.
It is a moment to honour generations of lighthouse keepers and attendants who have safeguarded the challenging stretch of coastline.