Rathlin O'Birne


Rathlin O'Birne is an island located to the south west of the district of Glencolumbkille, County Donegal, Ireland, and 2 km west of Malin Beg.

Lighthouse

Rathlin O'Birne lighthouse went into operation on 14 April 1856. In 1974, a Radioisotope thermoelectric generator was installed, making it home to Ireland's first nuclear powered lighthouse.
However, by 1987, the power output of the RTG had dwindled to an insufficient level and the lighthouse was converted to wind power, which was in use until 1991, at which point it was converted to solar power
A road, with a cut stone wall on both sides, runs from the beach to the lighthouse to protect the lighthouse keepers as they made their way across the island.

Accidents