Light Houses Galore

lighthouses irish sea
One for the Irish - Why is there a lighthouse in Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland?

Its 30 miles or so from the sea, so whats the story? There appears to be a lighthouse on the hill above this town, and I cant figure out why.
I thought at first it might be a control tower for an airfield, but its too hilly, so there's no airstrip there.

Very interesting question - this is the Tower of Lloyd, a folly built in the late eighteenth century to observe horse racing and hunting. It is now a listed building and a most unusual one at that!

For more unusual buildings and facts (mainly about Dublin but some Meath stuff also), please visit my site:
http://www.hidden-dublin.com/metro/metro01.html

Across the Irish Sea by Ferry

The dark mounds on the far horizon gradually grow in size and emerge in a combination of black and green. The wind is blowing in my hair as I watch our progress from the front railing of the upper deck. The sun is warm on my body. The details of the crashing waves on a rocky shore materialize with greater clarity as we approach.

My first glimpse of Ireland reveals gently rolling lush green hills highlighted by a pattern of shadow and sunshine. The fluffy clouds thicken as we near the shore. A stark white lighthouse sitting atop a stone base sits alone in the middle of the sea. It marks the entrance of a channel that directs us into the Rosslare Harbour. I snap a few pictures. My excitement is rising.

A red lighthouse sits on the end of the dock. It grows in size as we approach.

Seamen are working below preparing the ropes to fasten us on our arrival.

Intent on watching the churning water and ever-increasing detail on the shore, I am surprised when our tour guide calls my name and tells me to hurry back to the van ready for departure. I do not want to leave the railing and miss the moment when we touch land. This is my first arrival in Ireland. I don’t want to miss it!

I also do not want to cause a problem with our group. I quickly choose based on the outcome I hope to achieve and reluctantly turn away from the action. No point in incurring criticism unnecessarily.

I carefully make my way down the very steep narrow stairway to the lower level where the van is parked. There is a steady stream of people and for a moment I am claustrophobic, fearing that if we bump the docks and there is a sudden jolt, I will be cast headlong down the stairs and end up in a heap of people at the bottom. I block this negative thinking, concentrating on my footing. Leaving a space of several steps ahead of me, I use both hands to hold a firm grip on the handrail and cautiously descend. Thank heaven for shoulder straps on my purse and camera.

The others are all there when I arrive. I climb into the last seat and close the door. After the fresh sea air and the freedom of wandering about the ship, I feel even closer and more confined than ever before.

I can feel the vibration of the ship’s engines suddenly thrust into reverse. I imagine the churning water foaming as the propellers work to slow us. My right hand instinctively clutches the air in memory of using the throttle on my own power boat. Slowly back, then forward, I would carefully adjust the speed and direction for a gentle landing.

Engines start to rumble all around us and in less time than I would ever have imagined, our van is moving forward. The offloading is efficiently and quickly done. I would have been left on deck if I had stayed to watch the landing. For a moment in my mind's eye, I can see the green van pulling away and leaving me stranded before I even set foot on Irish soil. Suddenly, I am thankful to be exactly where I am.

About the Author

Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem, author Questing Marilyn: In Search of My Holy Grail and Questing France: Deepening the Search for My Holy Grail. Quest Publishing Canada Books On Personal Growth Through Travel

	Photographic Prints of Bailey Lighthouse - Howth County, Dublin from Mary Evans Sale Price: $15.99
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	WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies...

	Framed Prints of Bailey Lighthouse - Howth County, Dublin from Mary Evans Sale Price: $49.99
	14x11 Framed Print, Black Satin Frame White Digital Mat. , Bailey Lighthouse - Howth County, Dublin. Bailey Lighthouse - Howth County, Dublin, Ireland. Chosen by Mary Evans. 14x11 wooden frame with digital mat and RA4 print...

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	This is a beautiful stretched-canvas print wrapped on 1.5" thick stretcher bars. The print is professionally printed, assembled, and shipped within 2 - 3 business days from our production facility in North Carolina and arrives ready-to-hang on your wall...

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	This is a beautiful stretched-canvas print wrapped on 1.5" thick stretcher bars. The print is professionally printed, assembled, and shipped within 2 - 3 business days from our production facility in North Carolina and arrives ready-to-hang on your wall...