Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse

Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse is a disused lighthouse at the end of Admiralty Pier in Holyhead harbour, on Anglesey in north Wales. It stands on Salt Island, in the part of the port that handled the mail and passenger crossings to Ireland from the early 1800s. Cadw lists it as a Grade II building.

Who designed it and why was it built?

The engineer John Rennie drew up the design in 1821. He died later that year and never saw it built. The tower belongs to the harbour works authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1810, when Holyhead was chosen as the main link with Ireland. Post Office steam packets needed a safe approach to the new harbour, and a light at the pier head marked the way in.

The tower rises three storeys, tapers slightly and is faced in dressed stone, reaching roughly 15 metres. It was the last of three lighthouses to occupy Salt Island in turn. You may also see it called Admiralty Pier Lighthouse or Salt Island Lighthouse.

Why does it no longer shine?

When the much larger harbour, sheltered by a long breakwater, opened in 1873, the Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse took over. The pier light lost its navigational role but remains a surviving piece of Rennie's harbour scheme. Do not confuse it with the Breakwater light or with South Stack, which sits on a rocky islet on the other side of the peninsula.

Can you visit it?

The lighthouse is inside the working ferry port, in a restricted area. You cannot go inside, and the site is fenced off. The tower can be seen from nearby streets along the waterfront, such as Turkey Shore Road. Daytime is best, when the whole harbour is visible. If you want closer access, ask the port authority or the ferry operator, Stena Line, in advance.

How do you get to Holyhead?

The town sits on Holy Island at the western end of Anglesey, linked to the mainland coast by two bridges. From England, drive the A55 along the north Wales coast, or take the train via Chester. The railway station is beside the harbour, a short walk from the waterfront. Ferries leave from here for Dublin.

What else is nearby?

Admiralty Pier carries the George IV Arch, a monument to the king's 1821 visit. Further out on the island, Holyhead Mountain rises above sea cliffs, and the South Stack lighthouse is reached by a stairway down the cliff.

Frequently asked questions

Is Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse still working? No. It stopped serving shipping after the new harbour opened in 1873 and the breakwater light replaced it.

Who designed the lighthouse? John Rennie, in 1821. He did not live to see the work completed.

Can I go inside? No. It stands in a restricted part of the port, so it is viewed from outside, from the public spots along the waterfront.

Is this the same as South Stack Lighthouse? No. South Stack is a separate lighthouse on an islet a few kilometres from the town centre, while Mail Pier stands in the harbour.