Ballynagard Lighthouse, West Bank, River Foyle, Londonderry

Ballynagard Lighthouse, situated on the west bank of the River Foyle near Londonderry, is a good example of a smaller lighthouse type similar to Culmore. Constructed between 1860 and 1879, it lies approximately 1500 metres upstream from Culmore Lighthouse. The lighthouse shares similar construction and shape with Culmore, but it features a distinctive protuberance at its base on the landward side. This projecting element is roughly half the height of the tower, extends approximately 1500mm, and is capped with a segmental roof that is plastered over. A door on the south side of the tower leads directly into this protuberance, likely serving as a small storage area, as it would be located to the left upon entry. The protuberance terminates in a squared end. The tower itself rises from a wider stone base.

The lighthouse was commissioned by the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners, established in 1854, who engaged the Edinburgh firm of engineers D & T Stevenson to improve the river and quayage, following their prior survey work for the Belfast Office Committee. It is one of several lighthouses constructed by the Commissioners during the 1860s along the River Foyle, alongside Culmore and Coneyburrow. The light was initially a white light in 1907, evolving to a revolving light by 1948; prior to the use of electricity, the lamps were powered by acetylene, and previously by oil, housed within projecting oriel windows. Ruins of a lightkeeper’s house stand adjacent to the lighthouse. The lighthouse holds industrial archaeological interest and is of local importance reflecting social, cultural, and economic significance due to its navigational role.