The Metal Man, Tramore, County Waterford

The Metal Man stands on one of three pillars near Newtown Cove near Tramore. Designed by Corkman, Thomas Kirk, the maritime beacons were erected at the behest of the Admiralty after the tragic loss of 360 lives when HMS Seahorse sank in 1816.

The Metal Man stands today, dressed in British sailors clothes of blue jacket, red top and white trousers. At twice life size, he points to Hook Head and the entrance to Waterford Harbour. There were originally four statues cast. One stands here, one as an aid to navigation at Rosses Point in Sligo and two others have mysteriously  disappeared over the years, though one was rumoured to have found its way to Sydney, Australia.

Legend also has it that any young woman who succeeds in hopping three times around the white pillar on which he stands will have a marriage proposal within a year. Access to the tower however, is currently restricted, so other means will need to be considered in the meantime!