Cromwell Point Lighthouse
Cromwell Point Lighthouse, also known as Valentia Lighthouse, is an active lighthouse on Cromwell Point at Valentia Island in County Kerry, Ireland. It helps ships entering Valentia Harbour from the north.
The site has a long history. It sits where Cromwell Fleetwood Fort once stood, probably built in the 16th century. The fort’s outline is still visible inside the lighthouse grounds, and some cannons from the fort are preserved. Locally the promontory is called Seithe, even though the name Cromwell Point comes from the fort.
The idea for a lighthouse was first pursued in March 1828, and construction began in 1837 based on designs by George Halpin. The first light was lit on February 1, 1841, and the finishing work completed in 1842. The total cost was about £11,000. Originally, a single lightkeeper and their family lived at the site; after automation, staff was reduced.
Today the lighthouse is part of a heritage centre. It opened to visitors on June 2, 2013, and by 2022 around 50,000 people had visited in about nine years. The site now hosts lighthouse tours and other exhibits.
The tower is made of cut stone and painted white, and it uses the old fort walls with only small alterations. The lantern sits about 16 meters above sea level. When it first started, the light was fixed white with about 2,000 candlepower and could be seen up to about 19 kilometers.
In 1947, a carbide–water acetylene system was installed and the light was automated, showing white and red sections with a flashing pattern. Electrification in 1966 increased the white light to about 34,500 candlepower and changed the flash pattern. A standby generator helps if the main power fails. Nearby, the site is linked to the history of the first transatlantic cable between Ireland and Newfoundland.
Today the lighthouse is operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. It continues to guide ships and serves as a popular visitor attraction.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 09:52 (CET).