Ireland: Valentia Island Lighthouse

One of the main attractions on the Valentia Island is the Valentia Island Lighthouse that sits at the northern entrance to Valentia Harbor, guarding the narrow channel between the island and the mainland. The lighthouse was built directly over the ruins of a 16th century fort constructed by Oliver Cromwell’s forces to defend the harbor against pirates and Spanish invaders – the outline of the original bastion wall is clearly visible surrounding the lighthouse structure. The lighthouse was built in 1841 and became fully automated in 1947.