South Stack Lighthouse

South Stack's spectacular location

South Stack is set in a spectacular location to the north-west of Holyhead. The lighthouse acts as a waymark for coastal traffic and a landmark and orientation light for vessels crossing the Irish Sea to and from the ports of Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire.

History of the lighthouse

In 1645 when lighthouses were privately owned, King Charles II was petitioned for a patent to build a lighthouse on South Stack. The request was refused. However, 143 years after the original petition, Trinity House leased South Stack island and construction of the lighthouse commenced. On 9 February 1809, the station's oil lamps, designed by Daniel Alexander at a cost of £12,000, were first lit. In 1828 an iron suspension bridge was built to replace the rope catwalk that originally linked the lighthouse to the bottom of the 400 steps down the cliff face.

This was one of the many changes that have taken place at South Stack since 1809. The lights regularly became more efficient and in 1938 electric power replaced the oil that powered the lamps. In 1964 the iron bridge was taken down and a new one of aluminium was put up in its place.

The lighthouse was automated in 1984, and the keepers withdrawn. Today, the lighthouse is monitored and controlled by computer link from Trinity House Operations Centre in Harwich, Essex.

South Stack and nature

It is little wonder that South Stack attracts so many visitors.

They are not all lighthouse enthusiasts, willing to face the challenge of 400 steps down, and the same number on the return journey.

 

Far from it, South Stack offers a wealth of bird life from the RSPB's Ellin’s Tower.

Every summer 4000 birds visit the area, a variety of species, including puffins, and you could be lucky to see the odd seal or dolphin meandering through the Irish Sea. If not, watch the constant sea ferry traffic from Ireland to Holyhead and Liverpool. It is a great vantage point.

What we will guarantee, is that you will take a photograph of South Stack. It is that impressive.

Come and visit the lighthouse

• on the way down over 400 steps you will be able to view the geology of the surrounding vertical cliff faces
• once on the island, you will be able to see exhibitions on the history of the lighthouse
• visit the engine room before climbing to the top of the lighthouse as part of your lighthouse tour.
• discover the variety of natural habitats and complex rock formations

To avoid disappointment, please contact us before travelling. If weather conditions are unfavourable then the island will be closed to visitors for safety reasons.

A bilingual book has been published to celebrate the bi-centenary of South Stack Lighthouse, which is available to buy.