Holyhead Breakwater and Lighthouse

The Holyhead Breakwater is a massive stone structure that extends far out into the sea and supports a square lighthouse tower with steep sides. The entire construction remains walkable today for pedestrians and offers views of open water and the surrounding coastline.

Construction began in 1845 as a project supervised by J M Rendel to create a harbor of refuge. Seven million tonnes of stone were transported from local quarries to build this massive structure over more than two decades.

The lighthouse once housed keepers and their families, turning this remote structure into a lived-in outpost on the water. Walking across the breakwater today, you get a sense of how demanding that isolated existence must have been.

The breakwater features a pedestrian promenade that can be walked, though access is safest during calm weather conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change quickly on the water.

Workers used diving equipment and explosive blasting to drive foundations into the rocky seabed during underwater construction. This dangerous and grueling method was needed to create a stable base for the structure to withstand the sea.

Location: Holyhead

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

GPS coordinates: 53.32500,-4.63000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46