Inisheer Lighthouse, Aran Islands, County Galway

Inisheer is a sea light on the southernmost extremity of the chain of Aran Islands and guides vessels into the southern entrance of Galway Bay. Originally a light was established on Inishmore near Dun Oghil at a height of 400 feet along side the Signal Tower. The light was first lit on 1 May 1818 with a revolving optic giving it a flashing character so as not to be confused with either Loop head to the south or Clare Island to the north, both of which were fixed or non-flashing lights. By 31 March 1978 Inisheer was converted to unwatched electric with three diesel generator sets and a mercury vapour lamp as the light source in the 1913 optic - driven by small electric motors. A standby lantern on the main lantern balcony operates from a battery if there is a complete electric breakdown. There is a monitoring radio link between the station and the attendant's house a distance of 2 km away.

This is one of just over sixty coastal lighthouses and many more harbour and estuary lights I've illustrated. I'll be posting them up each day.
The A2 poster of 16 of the most iconic lighthouses is up and ready to ship. If you're interested in a particular lighthouse they're available in A4 or A3 size.
www.irelandposters.ie