Mew Island Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Ards and North Down, Northern Ireland
Mew Island Lighthouse is a 37 meter tall structure standing on an island off Northern Ireland's coast, guiding ships through the North Channel with white light flashing every 30 seconds. The building dates from the Victorian era and carries Grade B+ listed status.
This lighthouse was built in 1884 to replace an earlier structure that stood on a neighboring island. It has served continuously as a navigational aid for ship traffic in the region.
The lighthouse represents an important part of Northern Ireland's connection to maritime life and seafaring traditions that shaped the region. Its presence on the island marks a point of navigation that generations of sailors have relied upon.
The lighthouse has operated automatically since 1996 and uses modern LED technology installed in 2015. Visitors should know that access to the island depends on weather and sea conditions, and sturdy footwear is advisable.
The structure houses a hyperradiant Fresnel lens from 1928 that floats on a mercury system to minimize friction and rotate smoothly. This ingenious design allows the light to project far across the water even before modern automation took over.
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