Ep 2. Feats of Engineering

The second episode of Great Lighthouses of Ireland season 1, titled "Feats of Engineering," takes viewers on a journey to explore the remarkable engineering feats that went into building some of Ireland's most iconic lighthouses.

The episode begins with a visit to Hook Head Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, which has been guiding ships safely to shore for over 800 years. Viewers will learn about the challenges faced by those who built the lighthouse, including the difficulty of working in treacherous conditions and the need to transport building materials by boat. They will also discover how the lighthouse's innovative architecture, which includes a spiral staircase and a series of impressive vaulted chambers, allowed it to withstand fierce storms and provide an unobstructed view of the sea.

Next, viewers will travel to the remote and windswept Fastnet Rock, which has been a vital landmark for sailors for over 150 years. They will learn about the incredible engineering effort that went into building the lighthouse on this treacherous outcrop, which involved using specially designed ships to transport over 2,000 tons of granite to the site. They will also hear about the heroic efforts of the lighthouse keepers who manned the tower, including the tragic tale of when a huge wave swept away the entire crew in 1979.

The episode then moves on to explore the dramatic history of Skellig Michael, a rugged island off the coast of County Kerry that was home to a community of monks over a thousand years ago. Viewers will discover how the monks built a series of "beehive" huts on the island's steep cliffs, using a remarkable system of corbelling that allowed them to construct structures with no need for mortar. They will also hear about the role that Skellig Michael played as a navigational aid for sailors, and about the arduous process of building a lighthouse on the island in the 1820s.

Finally, the episode visits the stunningly beautiful Fanad Head Lighthouse, which sits on an exposed promontory overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. Viewers will hear about the incredible engineering feats that went into building the lighthouse, including the need to transport building materials across the rugged landscape using horse-drawn carts. They will also learn about the unique role that Fanad Head played during World War II, when it acted as a vital coastal defense post, watching out for German U-boats and aircraft.

Overall, "Feats of Engineering" is a fascinating episode that showcases some of the remarkable architecture and engineering that went into building Ireland's most iconic lighthouses. With its stunning scenic vistas, gripping stories of heroism and tragedy, and insights into the challenges faced by those who built these fascinating structures, this is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in the history of engineering and architecture.