Commissioners of Irish Lights

17/07/2026

16/07/2026

Irish Lights and the General Lighthouse Authorities Research & Development team (GRAD) hosted a workshop last week on emerging maritime technologies and the future of safe, sustainable and resilient navigation. Discussions focused on strengthening Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in response to growing GNSS vulnerabilities, with insights on eLoran, Radar Absolute Position Fixing, VDES R‑Mode, inertial systems, quantum sensors, and AIS authentication.

IALA outlined the impact of the International Hydrographic Office S‑100 and S‑200 data standards for flag and coastal states in the context of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) responsibilities, highlighting the need for secure, interoperable maritime data and the potential role of SECOM and the Maritime Connectivity Platform in enabling trusted, cyber‑resilient information exchange.

Climate resilience was also central. Irish Lights shared findings from its climate risk assessment of 300 assets across nine climate hazards, while GRAD presented research on forecasting, infrastructure resilience, and adaptation planning. The workshop also explored modernising lighthouse lighting systems by combining advanced LEDs with traditional optics.

A productive session with plenty of engaging discussion on the future of maritime navigation.

https://www.irishlights.ie/who-we-are/news/irish-lights-and-grad-host-workshop.aspx

GLA Research & Development

01/07/2026

Today, on World Aids to Navigation Day, we mark the vital role that aids to navigation play in ensuring the safety of all at sea. This year, the day coincides with the 160th anniversary of Blacksod Lighthouse, built in 1866 to protect and guide mariners.

Congratulations to the Blacksod community, all at the Solas Visitor Centre and Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile (CFID) for a wonderful celebration, and sincere thanks to Minister Darragh Calleary, who recognised the important contribution of Blacksod Lighthouse to maritime safety and to local tourism and who shared a special video message to mark the occasion.

Blacksod is a 12‑nautical‑mile sectored light with its own distinctive character which mariners know and trust as a symbol of reliability in a place where weather and sea conditions can change in an instant.

Blacksod Lighthouse does not act alone. It is part of an important system of Aids to Navigation and a critical link in a wider safety chain. It operates in tandem with the lighthouses at Blackrock, Eagle Island and Broadhaven, the buoyage and electronic Aids to Navigation systems operated by Irish Lights, and the local aids managed by Mayo County Council.

All of this safety infrastructure which meets international IALA guidance is complemented by the critical emergency response services provided by the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI, underpinning the safety of mariners earning their livelihoods at sea, and of people enjoying themselves on the water.

01/07/2026

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30/06/2026

29/06/2026

Blacksod Lighthouse in Erris marks its 160th anniversary this weekend

27/06/2026

🎉⚓ 160 YEARS OF BLACKSOD LIGHTHOUSE ⚓🎉

Count down is on Join us on this Tuesday, 30 June 2026 as we celebrate the **160th Anniversary of Blacksod Lighthouse**, one of Ireland's most iconic maritime landmarks.

The day will include an open day at the lighthouse, historical displays, a Coast Guard helicopter visit, evening events at the SOLAS Visitor Centre and a special ceremony marking the anniversary of the first lighting of the beacon.

📍 **Programme of Events**

🕛 **12.00pm – 4.00pm**
**Lighthouse Open Day**
• Explore Blacksod Lighthouse
• Historical displays inside the lighthouse
• Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit in attendance

🚁 **Approx. 2.00pm**
**Coast Guard Helicopter Visit**

📍 **SOLAS Visitor Centre**

🍽 **7.30pm**
**Taste of the Atlantic**
A showcase of local seafood and maritime food heritage.

🎬 **8.30pm**
**Keepers of the Light**
Special anniversary film screening.

🎤 **8.50pm**
**Official Welcome Addresses**

📍 **Blacksod Lighthouse**

🕯 **Carrying the Light**
A special ceremony marking the exact anniversary of the lighthouse's first illumination.

🕤 **9.45pm**
Gathering at the Lighthouse

🕙 **10.00pm**
Anniversary Talks

💡 **10.25pm**
**Ceremonial Lighting of the Lighthouse Beacon**

We look forward to welcoming visitors, former lighthouse families, local communities and friends from near and far as we celebrate this important milestone in the history of Blacksod Lighthouse.



Great Lighthouses of Ireland
Mayo North Tourism, Ireland
Visitbelmullet.ie
North Mayo Heritage Centre