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Pladdy Lug Lighthouse

🇬🇧Ards and North Down District Council, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pladdy Lug Lighthouse

This cylindrical stone tower, standing 10 meters tall, was constructed in 1926. It features an octagonal base with a stepped pyramidal top and is faced with white-glazed brick. The lighthouse displays a red color. Located on the Pladdy Lug reef in the Irish Sea, it is situated off the coast of Northern Ireland. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself remains closed. The nearest port, Kircubbin, is 3.8 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns mariners of the dangerous Pladdy Lug reef, a significant underwater hazard. Its strategic placement aids safe passage through this challenging stretch of coastline.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
stone, brick

Structure: octagonal cylindrical stone tower with a stepped pyramidal top, faced with white-glazed brick

Location

City
Ards and North Down District Council
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Northern Ireland
Sea Region
Pladdy Lug reef in the Irish Sea, off the coast of Northern Ireland, Great Britain.
Latitude
54.4909°
Longitude
-5.6493°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kircubbin(3.8 km)
ARLHS No.
NTI-010

Construction & History

Year Built
1926

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Pladdy Lug Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pladdy Lug Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ballydorn at 0.7 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Kircubbin (4.1 NM E), Killyleagh (5.9 NM S), Ardkeen (6.4 NM SE), Ballywalter (6.7 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pladdy Lug Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pladdy Lug 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 Pladdy Lug Lighthouse?+
Pladdy Lug 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 Pladdy Lug Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pladdy Lug 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.