Photography Exhibition to mark 200 years of Haulbowline Lighthouse

Newry Maritime Association launched their Haulbowline Lighthouse Bi-Centennial Project yesterday 29 May on the Waverley Paddle Steamer in Carlingford Lough. ‘The Light of the Lough Cruise’ is just one of many events to be held in the run up to the anniversary in September.

A photography exhibition showcasing the photographs of the Carlingford Lough area by local photographer Ann Bruen will open on Tuesday 4 June at Newry Library.

Haulbowline Lighthouse shone its first light in September 1824. The request for its construction came following complaints that the existing shore-based Cranfield Point Lighthouse did not mark the channel and dangerous rocks at the entrance to Carlingford Lough in an adequate way. Cranfield Point lighthouse later became a victim of coastal erosion in the early 1860s. Building Haulbowline Lighthouse on a semi-submerged rock with fast currents running around it was a remarkable achievement at the time. It has 8 floors and at one time had accommodation for 3 lighthouse keepers. There is also a secondary lantern halfway up the tower which up until 1922 displayed a ‘half tide’ light to inform mariners that the tide was high enough to enter the lough. The lighthouse stands at 34 metres and cost £28,242 to build which equates to over £300 million today.

The photography exhibition will showcase Haulbowline Lighthouse and the Carlingford Lough area and exhibitions will take place from June – August in venues from Kilkeel to Greenore. The first exhibition will start on Tuesday 4th June in Newry Library. This exhibition will be on the 1st floor beside the Heritage Collection. This will stay in Newry until Saturday 15th June. It will then head to Warrenpoint Library from the 20th – 29th June and onwards to Kilkeel Library from Wednesday 3rd July – Tuesday 9th July. It will then travel to the other side of the lough with exhibitions planned for Omeath, Carlingford and Greenore.

Due to the layout of the different venues, each exhibition will be a little different but will aim to celebrate Haulbowline’s 200th birthday in style.