Mutton Island Lighthouse, Galway

Mutton Island Lighthouse, Galway

Mutton Island Lighthouse is situated in Galway Harbor, on a tiny two-acre island that was home to a lighthouse keeper and his family for over a century. The lighthouse was built in 1815, and two years later, on 25th October 1817, it was first exhibited. This historic structure was one of the last landmarks of the city seen by emigrants leaving on the 'coffin ships' bound for the United States during the Great Famine.

The lighthouse is characterized by a domed lantern on a polygonal plan, which has corbelled stone supports to walkway with a painted cast-iron handrail. The lantern also features a copper ogee dome with a finial.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the Scanlan Family manned the lighthouse, and they recounted how another family, the Flemings, was contracted to provide relief to Mutton Island in their púcan boat. A series of flags were used to illustrate the island's requirements to the mainland.

The last keepers left the island in 1958 when the light became automated. In December 1977, after 160 years of service, the light was turned off and replaced by a candlestick-like lighthouse close to nearby Hare Island and a light buoy off Mutton Island itself.

The lighthouse complex is currently being restored by Galway Civic Trust, preserving the island's rich history and maintaining its visual appeal.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Galway. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Mutton Island Lighthouse on Map

Sight Name: Mutton Island Lighthouse
Sight Location: Galway, Ireland (See walking tours in Galway)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Galway, Ireland

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