Fastnet Lighthouse, Lighthouse on Fastnet Rock, County Cork, Ireland
Fastnet Lighthouse is a granite tower rising from a small rocky outcrop in the Celtic Sea, marking the most southerly point of Ireland. The structure reaches 54 meters above sea level and is anchored on a tiny islet exposed to strong ocean currents.
Construction of the current tower began in 1897 after an earlier cast iron version proved unable to withstand the harsh sea conditions. The new granite design was intended to offer greater durability and improve safety for vessels navigating this dangerous coastline.
Fastnet Rock is called Carraig Aonair in Irish, meaning "lone rock", and is nicknamed "Ireland's Teardrop" because 19th-century emigrants sailing to North America saw it as the last part of Ireland. The rock also gives its name to the sea area used in the BBC Shipping Forecast.
Boat tours leave from several harbours in County Cork during the summer season and provide the chance to see the tower from the water. The crossing can be rough, so visitors should be prepared for changing sea conditions.
The Fastnet Race's first edition, in 1925, was won by Jolie Brise, a French-built pilot cutter from Le Havre bought by a British yachtsman. The 1979 race, sailed in storm conditions, caused 18 deaths and led to a re-evaluation of safety procedures for racing yachts. Since 2021 the race has finished at Cherbourg-en-Cotentin instead of Plymouth.
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