Point of Ayre Lighthouse, Coastal lighthouse in Point of Ayre, Isle of Man.
Point of Ayre Lighthouse is a 30-meter white cylindrical tower with two red bands at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Man. The lighthouse stands on a gravel expanse near the shoreline and sends light signals across a distance reaching 19 nautical miles.
Robert Stevenson designed the lighthouse and oversaw its construction in 1818 as the first maritime navigation aid on the Isle of Man. The original Fresnel lens was installed in 1890 by the French firm Barbier, Benard, et Turenne of Paris and remains in operation today.
The lighthouse takes its name from the northernmost cape of the island, where the Irish Sea meets the North Channel. Seabirds often circle the tower while fishermen and walkers watch the surf, noticing the regular flash of light as a familiar marker on the horizon.
The tower can be seen from the road running along the northern tip, with visitors walking just a short distance across the gravel beach to reach the entrance area. Wind and salt spray mark the site, so weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended for a walk around the outside.
Coastal erosion and gravel deposits shifted the shoreline so much over decades that a second smaller lighthouse called Winkie was positioned about 230 meters seaward from the 1930s onward. This additional aid remained active until 2010 and was then retired as the coastline changed again.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
