Lighthouses of Ireland News
Trinity House Awards 'Futures Afloat' Multi-Functional Vessels Contract to VARD
23rd July 2026 Lighthouses
A contract for two new multi-functional vessels to serve Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar, has been awarded to the VARD shipyard of Ålesund, Norway. The international shipbuilder VARD (Afloat adds, part…
Irish Lights Showcases Shannon Estuary Safety Work During Ministerial Visit
17th July 2026 Lighthouses
Marine Minister Timmy Dooley has visited the Irish Lights vessel ILV Granuaile during its annual programme of aids to navigation maintenance on the Shannon Estuary. The visit provided an opportunity to see at first hand the specialist work undertaken by…
Irish Lights to Mark RTÉ 100th with Special 'Solstice' Lighthouse Broadcasts
5th June 2026 Lighthouses
Irish Lights, the maritime and navigation services organisation, is to partner with RTÉ Radio 1 for a unique series of live broadcasts celebrating RTÉ’s centenary and the enduring power of late-night radio. For generations, radio has been intertwined with the…
The Royal College of Art (RCA) in London has announced the launch of a new transformative design initiative aimed at enhancing maritime safety in Small Islands and Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In a partnership with Hawkshill…
It won’t have escaped Ireland’s large Standing Army of amateur meteorologists that the notably high temperatures which have been achieved in recent days have not been matched in May since 1944, when – unlike 2026 - most of the month…
Dun Laoghaire RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon (25 April) to assist a yacht in difficulty near the Baily Lighthouse. The call came from the Irish Coast Guard after two sailors reported sail handling issues close to the traffic separation scheme.…
A new EPA‑funded research initiative, Leveraging Island LiGhthouses and Harnessing Technology to examine Heritage Opportunities in Unique offShore Environments (LIGHTHOUSE), has been launched at Irish Lights Headquarters in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. This is a unique project internationally, and its objective…
Blyth Tall Ship has hosted members of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers during a visit focused on maritime heritage and skills. The group, drawn from across the UK, toured the vessel’s workshops and met craftspeople maintaining traditional techniques. Shipwright and…
The conservation of the North Lighthouse at Mornington has been completed following a programme of works that began in 2016. The project was supervised by conservation architect Fergal McGirl and supported under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme administered by Meath…
Waterfront Lighthouse Home With Private Slipway Hits West Cork Market
18th February 2026 Waterfront Property
A historic waterfront residence with private sea access and panoramic Atlantic views is on the market in West Cork. Dursey Shore Lighthouse Residence sits high on rugged cliffs overlooking Dursey Sound, framed by Dursey Island and Crow Head. It features…
Trinity House has marked National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the role apprentices play in supporting its maritime operations. The General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar joined organisations nationwide to celebrate the annual initiative, held from…
The royal patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board has officially named their newest aids to navigation and buoy handling vessel, which Afloat reported on its delivery voyage to Scotland last month. At a ceremony, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal,…
A centuries-old maritime tradition is being revived today at Hook Lighthouse. The Arrow Ceremony takes place at 1pm on New Year’s Day at the 800-year-old landmark in County Wexford, recognised as the world’s oldest intact operational lighthouse. The event is…
Christmas Day 'Delivery' As Northern Lighthouse Board Welcome New Vessel to Scottish Homeport
27th December 2025 Lighthouses
A new aids to navigation vessel for the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) arrived in Oban, west Scotland, on Christmas Day, on completion of a three-day delivery from a shipyard in Spain. The £51.8 million newbuild NLV Pole Star had received…
The Northern Lighthouse Board's new build aids to navigation vessel, as Afloat previously reported, left its shipyard in Spain to carry out sea trials in the Bay of Biscay. The new vessel, to be named NLV Pole Star, is to…
€145 million Approved for Irish Coast Guard Building Programme and Replacement of Granuaile
27th November 2025 Coastguard
A sum of €145 million for the Irish Coast Guard building programme and proposed replacement of the Commissioners of Irish Lights vessel Granuaile is part of the Government’s sectoral investment plan for transport approved by Cabinet. Minister for Transport Darragh…
