A group of Irish amateur radio operators will mark the 170th anniversary of Loop Head Lighthouse this weekend in Co Clare.
The "Ham" radio operators, a nickname for amateurs in the profession, will be communicating from the West Clare landmark via radio with hundreds of radio clubs and individuals worldwide using voice, Morse code, and data systems.
During the operation from midnight on Friday, August 16. to midnight on Sunday, August 18, visitors to the popular tourism landmark will be able to listen in to communications with some of the other participating radio operators broadcasting from 500 other lighthouses and lightships in 65 countries.
Loop Head Lighthouse in County Clare. Credit: AirSwing Media / Visit Clare.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity once again to establish an amateur radio station at the lighthouse on the edge of the Loop Head Peninsula in an effort to achieve long-distance communications with regions in Asia, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe” commented Dermot Gleeson, Chairman of the Limerick Clare Amateur Radio Club.
Gleeson pointed out that Loop Head Lighthouse is particularly suitable for long-distance radio communications attempts due to its isolated location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and, critically, the lack of radio interference in the general area.
The Club will operate two stations, one of which will be at the entrance to the Lighthouse so that members of the public can listen to some of the transmissions.
The call sign used will be E I 0 L H L and the broadcast also will coincide with of the 27th annual International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.
The upcoming anniversary itinerary includes talks on the Lighthouse, Lighthouse Keepers, and a talk about the dolphins and whales that can be regularly seen around the Loop Head Peninsula. There will also be traditional Irish music, a scything exhibition, yoga, and much more.
Loop Head Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s.
The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound. In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation.
The Lighthouse recently marked the completion of upgrade works, including the restoration and conservation of the historic lighthouse keeper's cottages and a new visitor hub with interpretation panels featuring stories from the local area,
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