Inishowen Lighthouse – Dunagree Point History

The Inishowen Lighthouse was built in 1837 on Dunagree Point to guide ships safely into Lough Foyle. It also helped vessels avoid the dangerous Tuns Bank, one of the most hazardous sandbanks along the Inishowen coastline.

The lighthouse is made up of twin granite towers, which originally displayed fixed white lights. Over time, changes were made to improve visibility and navigation for passing ships.

Early Design and Navigation Improvements

The rear tower was later raised by 7.6 metres to make the light more visible at sea. In 1851, an auxiliary light was added to the front tower. This helped sailors distinguish between the two beacons and improved safe navigation along the coast.

These upgrades made the lighthouse an essential aid for maritime traffic entering and leaving Lough Foyle.

Upgrades in the 20th Century

The lighthouse continued to evolve throughout the 1900s. In 1900, a fog siren was installed to help ships navigate in poor visibility.

Later, in 1942, the siren was replaced with a diaphone fog signal. In 1962, the station received a modern electric light system with white, red, and green sectors, improving accuracy for passing vessels.

At this stage, the front tower lantern was removed.

The lighthouse was fully automated in 1979, ending nearly 150 years of manned operation.

Life at Inishowen Lighthouse

Life at the lighthouse was once a full-time, year-round responsibility. Lighthouse keepers and their families lived on-site and worked in rotating shifts, ensuring the light remained operational at all times.

Supplies such as oil, carbide, and provisions were delivered by ship and cart. Materials were often reused and repurposed, showing the practical resourcefulness of lighthouse life in Inishowen.

Local stories also highlight the human side of the station. In one well-known tale, geese belonging to a lighthouse keeper escaped to Greencastle and were later found by a local family—becoming part of a memorable Christmas meal.

A Landmark of Maritime Heritage

Today, the Inishowen Lighthouse at Dunagree Point remains an important symbol of maritime heritage along the Wild Atlantic Way. It reflects centuries of navigation, coastal safety, and the working life of lighthouse keepers in Donegal.