The lighthouse was built in 1968 on the very end of the Sheep's Head Peninsula to guide oil tankers into the Whiddy Island terminal. The lighthouse is 7 metres tall and the light is 84 metres above sea level. It flashes three times every 15 seconds and has a light range of 18 nautical miles. Originally maintained by the keepers at the Mizen Lighthouse, a local part-time attendant was appointed when that lighthouse was automated in 1993. There are no roads to the end of the peninsula, but a helicopter landing pad outlined by white stones is close by and used for rescue operations (Waymarker 293). The Eire sign, marked out in white stones during the Second World War to be visible from the air and sea, can be seen to the south.
External Links:
http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=CO®no=20913803