Ep 3. Witnesses to History

In season 1 episode 3 of Great Lighthouses of Ireland titled "Witnesses to History," viewers are taken on a journey through some of Ireland's most historic lighthouses. The episode explores the unique stories and challenges faced by the lighthouse keepers who have worked at these landmarks over the years.

The episode begins with an exploration of Hook Lighthouse, which is believed to be the oldest working lighthouse in the world. Located in County Wexford, this lighthouse has been in operation for over 800 years. Viewers are given a closer look at the history of the lighthouse and the important role it played in protecting ships from wrecking on the treacherous rocks off the Irish coast.

Next, viewers are transported to the Wicklow Head Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1781. The crew of the show meet with former lighthouse keeper John Brittain, who shares his insights into what it was like to work at this lighthouse in the mid-twentieth century. He recounts the challenges he faced with daily maintenance, including the arduous task of carrying oil up the tower's many stairs to keep the light burning brightly.

The episode then moves on to explore the iconic features of the Ballycotton Lighthouse. Located on a dramatic cliff edge in County Cork, this lighthouse has been used in many movie and television productions over the years, including the 1996 movie The English Patient. Viewers are given a glimpse of the dramatic landscape and hear from current lighthouse keeper Richard Buttimer, who discusses the importance of the lighthouse in keeping seafarers safe.

The final lighthouse featured in the episode is the Tory Island Lighthouse, located on a remote island off the coast of County Donegal. Here, viewers learn about the challenges of living and working in such a remote location. In the past, supplies had to be rowed ashore by a local community member risking their life on the waves.

Overall, "Witnesses to History" is an engaging and informative episode of Great Lighthouses of Ireland. Viewers get a sense of the history and importance of these iconic landmarks, and gain a deeper appreciation of the work done by the lighthouse keepers who have helped protect ships and enhance the economy of the surrounding communities.