Fastnet Rock is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean on the southernmost point off Ireland’s coast. It is located 6.5 km southwest of the Cape Clear island and about 20 km off the coast of the County of Cork in the Celtic Sea.
The islet is divided between Fastnet rock and Little Fastnet which are separated by a channel about ten meters wide. It was called Ireland’s Teardrop, as it was the last piece of land to be seen by the Irish leaving the island to emigrate to the United States in the nineteenth century.
The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse is the second to have been built. The first was built in 1853 and was activated on 1 January 1854. It replaced a lighthouse built in nearby Clear Island in 1818. One of the reasons that caused the lighthouse to move was the sinking of the American ship Stephen Whitney, due to the fog, in the near Calf Island, which caused the death of 92 of the 110 people on board.
The island and the lighthouse are now famous because they are a major crossing point of the Fastnet Race, a well-known sailing race, as well as for its equivalent for 6.50 m boats, the Mini-Fastnet. It also serves as a beacon for many other races, such as the Solitaire du Figaro.
From Fastnet Rock the last photo was taken at the Titanic, 12 April 1912, two days before his collision with an iceberg and his tragic shipwreck.
Access : Coordinates: 51.3893, -9.602967 / The Fastnet Rock is 4.5 miles southwest of Cape Clear and southwest of Mizen Head.
LightHouse Specifications :1854 (first) , 1904 (current) , Construction: granite tower ,Tower shape: tapered cylindrical tower with lantern and double gallery , Tower height : 54 metres (177 ft) , Focal height : 49 metres (161 ft) , range : 27 miles (43 km)
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities / trekking / Fastnet Rock Lighthouse Tour / spotting whales and dolphins
Go next : County Cork / Kerry / Waterford / Limerick / Tipperary.
