Fastnet Lighthouse is one of Ireland's most famous lighthouses and an essential maritime landmark for navigation off the south-west coast of the country. It stands on Fastnet Rock, a rocky islet 6.5km south-west of Cape Clear in County Cork, and is the highest lighthouse in Ireland!

Exposed to the storms of the Atlantic, this lighthouse is not only an indispensable guide for sailors, but also a powerful symbol in the world of sailing, not least because of the famous Fastnet Race.

The first lighthouse....

The first lighthouse was built in 1818 under the direction of Robert Stirling. Standing 19 metres high, it was made of granite and was powered by an oil-fired lantern. However, due to its poor visibility and exposure to the elements, it was decided to replace it with a larger, more resistant structure.

The second lighthouse will make all the difference

Construction of the current lighthouse, which began in 1897 and was completed in 1904, was designed by engineer William Douglass. It was built from 2,074 granite blocks weighing a total of 4,300 tonnes, shipped from Cornwall. At 54 metres high, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in Ireland. Its construction was designed to withstand the onslaught of the Atlantic thanks to the precise interlocking of the stone blocks.

Originally, its lighting was provided by a first-rate Fresnel lens, emitting a flash of white light every 5 seconds. Fuelled by oil, it was electrified in 1969 before being automated in 1989. Its light is visible for 27 nautical miles (50 km), and it also has an audible signal for foggy periods.

A legendary lighthouse in ocean racing

The Fastnet lighthouse is world-famous as an emblematic crossing point for the Fastnet Race, one of the most demanding regattas on the high seas. Created in 1925, this race links Cowes (UK) to Plymouth via the Fastnet. The 1979 edition is infamous for the storm that claimed the lives of 15 sailors, making sailing history.

The Fast Net lighthouse, hit by a 48m high wave!

The lighthouse has weathered some of the worst storms on record in the North Atlantic. In 1985, waves of over 48 metres hit it, demonstrating the ingenuity of its design. Today, although its operation is automated, it remains under the supervision of Irish Lights.

The site is inaccessible to the public, but is often seen from afar during tourist cruises or sailing races. Its isolation and exposure to the elements make it one of the most impressive lighthouses in the world.

The Fastnet lighthouse is more than just a guide for sailors: it is an iconic monument to Irish maritime history, a major landmark in the Fastnet Race, and a symbol of resilience in the face of the elements. Its design, which enables it to withstand the most violent storms, makes it a true feat of engineering. Even today, it remains an essential landmark for all sailors cruising off the Irish coast.