david cleary

The 'Entrance to the Underworld' on Bull Rock Island in Cork, Ireland, is a striking sight. Situated 4km off Dursey Island and 9km from the mainland, Bull Rock's most remarkable feature is a narrow passage that pierces through the rock, connecting one side to the other. It occupies a strategic location at the tip of the Beara Peninsula, serving as the gateway to the Kenmare River. In 1889, a lighthouse was erected atop the rock to replace the earlier cast-iron lighthouse from 1866. Between 1901 and 1991, a varying number of "keepers" inhabited the island, responsible for tending to the lighthouse. Their duties included maintaining the lamp, ensuring it had sufficient kerosene, trimming the wick, and cleaning the lenses. They also performed essential upkeep tasks such as painting, brass polishing, and looking after the station's boats. Over time, their roles expanded to include operating two-way radios and, in some instances, providing weather forecasts. However, with the advancement of technology, the lighthouse transitioned to automatic operation in 1991, leading to the withdrawal of the Keepers from the station.