Special event in Greenore to mark bicentenary of Haulbowline lighthouse
September 2024 marks the bicentenary of Haulbowline Lighthouse which, after two centuries, still stands guard at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, which stretches 10 miles from the entrance up to Victoria Lough Gates.
Designed by George Halpin and completed in 1824, this lighthouse today still guides mariners in and out of Carlingford Lough.
When one considers that over the centuries prior to the Industrial Revolution / Mechanisation, the Oceans of the World were the main avenues of transport, Haulbowline – like the other 80 lighthouses dotted around the Irish coastline - would have witnessed many high seas, ship traffic & tragedy.
George Halpin was involved in the construction of 53 lighthouses around the Irish coastline.
Haulbowline stands 34 metres tall with the main light 32 metres above sea level.
These lighthouses were originally constructed to aid ships travelling on dangerous waters and are still used today by mariners to determine position and safe courses.
George Halpin also designed a second Lighthouse in Greenore on Greenore Point as a navigational aid for marine traffic travelling on up the Lough towards Carlingford, Warrenpoint & Newry.
Greenore Lighthouse / Carlingford Light was constructed in 1830 under the watchful eye off Haulbowline, it stands 36ft tall and 29ft above the high water level.
It was changed over from oil to electric in 1949 and retired gracefully on August 1, 1986, having guided many mariners home safely for over 150 years.
To mark the bicentenary of Haulbowline lighthouse in Carlingford Lough, an event will be held in Greenore on Sunday, September 22 at 3.30pm.
Carlingford Pipe Band will perform at Greenore Point Lighthouse, adjacent to Greenore Port entrance gate, following which they will parade up into Euston Street where an exhibition will be on display in Greenore Maritime Museum with photographic presentations from Ann Bruen Photography, Grange Primary School, Greencastle and Muchgrange School, Boher.
On this memorable occasion with thanks to Greenore Port, Greenore Point lighthouse will once again be illuminated for the occasion. We welcome any other items or artefacts to add to the display.
We invite you all to come along and share in the celebrations.