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Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse

🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse

Also known as: Irish Lightship Albatross (?)

Built in 1925, the Irish Lightship Albatross is a steel vessel standing 31 meters tall. Its function as a reference point involved displaying a light from a lantern situated on a slender mast amidships. After ceasing operations in 1970, the Albatross was transferred to the Scout Association of Ireland for sea cadet training. In 1999, the vessel was adorned with luminous paint as part of an art project. It subsequently moved to Arklow in 2000, where its light tower underwent restoration. By 2011, the ship had been relocated to Hoo on the Medway and was subsequently offered for sale on several occasions.

Why it matters: The Albatross offered maritime safety, marking the Arklow area. Its former light tower remains on the Arklow waterfront, preserving a connection to its past function.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with luminous paint as part of an art installation
Material
steel

Structure: steel lightship; the light was shown from a round lantern on a slender mast amidships

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
last assignment off Arklow, County Wicklow; moored in Dún Laoghaire Harbour; moved to Arklow; returned to Dublin; towed to Hoo on the Medway; moored at Hoo near the Nore and the Orwell
Latitude
51.4110°
Longitude
0.5560°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1925

Significant events: Decommissioned 1970, sold to Scout Association of Ireland 1970, moored in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, high maintenance costs ended career in 1990s, painted with luminous paint as art installation 1999, sold to James Tyrrell 2000, moved to Arklow 2000, light tower removed and restored, rest of ship painted black and returned to Dublin, set for 2002 movie Reign of Fire, towed to Hoo on the Medway 2011, for sale for £75,000 2011, sold for conversion to bed and breakfast (plan failed), for sale again for £70,000 2016

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hoo(0.2 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is HOO at 0.1 NM to the E. Other ports served include Chatham (0.8 NM SW), Gillingham (0.9 NM S), Upnor (1.6 NM WSW), Rochester (1.9 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse?+
Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Irish Lightship Albatross Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.