East Lighthouse, Rathlin Island

East Lighthouse (Rathlin East, Altacarry Head) stands on Rathlin Island off the County Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, within the Causeway Coast and Glens District. It has guided ships through the North Channel, the strait between Ireland and Scotland, since the middle of the 19th century.

How do you get to East Lighthouse?

Take the ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin. The light sits at the island's eastern tip, well away from the harbour, so plan to walk or use local transport once you land. A day trip is enough to see it at an easy pace.

What is its history?

Construction began in May 1849. George Halpin, Inspector of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, designed the buildings; he also designed the lighthouses at St John's Point and Haulbowline. Workmen employed by the Commissioners carried out the build.

The station was lit on 1 November 1856 with two lights: an upper occulting light and a lower fixed one. This pairing made it distinct from other lights that ships meet when approaching or passing through the channel. The lower light was discontinued in 1894.

The tower was first natural stone with a red band, then painted white. In 1934 the red band was changed to black, which is how it looks today.

How did the station change over time?

It was electrified in 1981. On 31 March 1995 it went automatic and the keepers left. A caretaker now looks after the site, and the light is monitored by telemetry from the Commissioners' depot in Dún Laoghaire. It remains an active aid to navigation.

Is it a protected building?

Yes. Northern Ireland's Department for Communities listed three lighthouse complexes on Rathlin, the earliest dating from 1856. The listings cover the towers and associated structures such as the rocket house and engine rooms. The keepers' houses are valued too, as evidence of how lighthouse families lived on the island.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an operational light and is not open to visitors. One database notes that the grounds can be viewed from outside.

Who designed it? George Halpin, who also designed the lighthouses at St John's Point and Haulbowline.

When was the light first lit? On 1 November 1856.

Is this the same as the West Light? No. Rathlin has three lighthouse complexes, and East Lighthouse lies at the opposite end of the island from the west one.