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Lightship Albatross Lighthouse

F 6s🇮🇪IEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Lightship Albatross Lighthouse

Also known as: Lightship Albatross (light tower and lantern)

The Albatross is a steel lightship, constructed in 1925 and measuring 31 meters in length. It features a cylindrical tower painted red with white trim, standing 31 meters high and exhibiting a focal height of 15 meters. This vessel was designed to mark shipping lanes and warn of dangers, showing a fixed orange rectangular light. Originally positioned near Arklow, the lightship served until its decommissioning in 1970. After a period of ownership changes, its light tower was restored and is now displayed on the North Quay in Arklow. The ship itself has since moved locations and is currently for sale.

Why it matters: The restored light tower of the Albatross, now a land-based exhibit, provides a direct connection to Ireland's maritime history and the role of lightships in safeguarding navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F 6s
Flash Type
Fixed
Interval
6s
Raw Code
F.Bu. Orange rectangular
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1925

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red with white trim
Material
steel

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

Location

Country
🇮🇪Ireland
Region
County Wicklow
Latitude
52.7955°
Longitude
-6.1458°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Arklow(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
A5847
NGA No.
6560
ARLHS No.
IRE-064
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Lightship Albatross Lighthouse at night?+
Lightship Albatross displays the characteristic F 6s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Lightship Albatross Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Lightship Albatross Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Arklow at 0 NM to the S. Other ports served include Rathdrum (7.9 NM NNW), COURTOWN (9.6 NM SSW), Wicklow (11.9 NM NNE), GREYSTONES (21.5 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Lightship Albatross Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, 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.
How can I track vessels near Lightship Albatross Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near 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.