Inishowen Lighthouse

Lough Foyle has always been a busy channel for sailors and fishermen. During the mid-1800's, it was used extensively by oceanliners carrying immigrants to America and Australia. The coast along Inishowen is very rocky and rugged resulting in numerous shipwrecks. To prevent further wrecks, on the 1st December, 1837, two lighthouses were built at Dunagree Point in Shrove. They were constructed of stone; the East Tower being 49 feet high and the West Tower 74 feet high. However, in 1870, the West Tower had 25 feet added to it bringing it to a height of 99 feet. The lamps were originally oil-powered but in 1961, the oil light was replaced by an electric one in the West Tower and the East Tower was discontinued. The new light was able to create an arc of 180. The lighthouse was originally manned by three keepers, but with the advent of modern technology, the light became automatically-controlled and now only one caretaker remains at the attached quarters.

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