Rue Point Lighthouse, Rathlin Island

Situated at the southern tip of Rathlin, only 2 kilometres from Fair Head,  an unwatched light at Rue point was recommended as far back as July 1914. The following year, a temporary white double flashing light was erected for the Admiralty, without issuing a notice to mariners and Rue point came into operation. Because of the high cost of operating the light, a more permanent structure was proposed, but with a world war in progress, the board of trade were unwilling to consider such expenditure. An acetylene fog gun had also been recommended and this went into operation in 1917. Later that year a severe storm destroyed the temporary light and its replacement was transferred to the fog gun trestle.

It wasn’t until 1920-21, that the six sided tower we see today was eventually built, incorporating the fog gun on its roof.

In its early days, two keepers had been assigned to the station, living in a nearby wooden hut when on duty. After the fog gun once more broke down, plan were afoot to replace it with a more reliable model and withdraw the keepers. It was another three years before this was achieved and the fog gun was overhauled and it then replaced the old fog bell at Barr Point by the entrance to Larne Lough.

In 1965, Rue point was converted from acetylene to electric and is now monitored from Rathlin East.

Location:     55°15.533′ North, 06°11.474′ West.

Elevation:    16 m

Character:   Fl (2) W 5s

Range:          26 km