#Illuminated - Haulbowline Lighthouse tower off Carlingford Lough, will be illuminated from today, beginning at dusk until 11:00pm tonight.

The illumination according to the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) will continue during the month of August and at the same times. This is to commemorate the centenary of a shipping disaster that happened near the lighthouse.

The tower will be lit across the ‘inland’ arc and the effect will be visible from the shore at Cranfield West (postcode BT34 4LJ) around to Greenore.

Partners on this project include; Irish Lights, Newry Maritime Association, Kilkeel Development Association, and the Loughs Agency.

In November 1916, a collier (plying between the Lancashire coal port of Garston and the port of Newry) collided with a passenger ferry bound for Holyhead out of Greenore.

There was considerable loss of life as 94 people drowned; crew and passengers. There was only one survivor. The sinkings affected the entire coast and hinterland of Carlingford Lough.