Killantringan Lighthouse

Killantringan Lighthouse is a stone tower painted white that rises 22 meters above Black Head and was built to guide maritime traffic safely through these waters. Inside, 63 steps lead up to the lantern room where light signals were sent across the Irish Sea to help ships navigate.

Construction began in 1897 under the direction of engineer David Alan Stevenson for the Northern Lighthouse Board and was completed in 1900. The lighthouse operated for over 100 years before being decommissioned in the early 2000s.

The name Killantringan comes from Cill shaint Ringain and refers to Saint Ninian, an important figure in early Scottish Christianity. This connection to local religious history remains visible to visitors through the surrounding landscape and area heritage.

The lighthouse sits on a rocky headland with steep cliffs and can be reached by a walking path from Portpatrick that requires a reasonable level of fitness. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and check the weather beforehand, as the area is very exposed to wind.

The building holds category B listed status in Scotland, making it an officially protected structure of historic interest. When in operation, it also broadcast fog signals using a distinctive three-blast pattern that ships could easily recognize in poor visibility.

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

Location: Portpatrick

Inception: 1900

Height: 22 m

GPS coordinates: 54.86180,-5.14692

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08