Spit Bank Lighthouse

Spit Bank Lighthouse is an octagonal tower sitting on nine cast-iron screw piles driven into a shallow bank in Cork Harbour, allowing it to stand clear above the water. The structure features a white house section and a red platform base, making it visible to passing ships in all weather conditions.

Built between 1851 and 1853, this lighthouse employed Alexander Mitchell's revolutionary screw-pile technology under the direction of engineer George Halpin. The innovation allowed lighthouses to be constructed on unstable ground for the first time, transforming how vessels could be guided safely through shallow waters.

The lighthouse stands as a symbol of Cork Harbour's working maritime heritage, where it has guided generations of fishing and trading vessels safely through dangerous waters. The red and white coloring remains instantly recognizable to anyone approaching the harbor from the sea.

The lighthouse emits a white light at night that is visible from considerable distance, with a red warning light providing additional safety guidance to vessels. Access to the structure itself is restricted since it stands in open water, so viewing is best done from nearby boat tours or harbor viewpoints.

The lighthouse rests on nine independent screw piles that were twisted individually into the seabed rather than relying on conventional foundations. This design allows the structure to sway slightly during storms rather than resist force rigidly.

Location: County Cork

Architects: Alexander Mitchell

GPS coordinates: 51.84528,-8.27389

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20