Muglins Lighthouse – Dalkey

Product Description

The significance of Dalkey as a haven or perhaps more correctly the channel or sound between the rocks and islands which lie some 400m off Sorrento Point to Coliemore, was recognised by the early 8th and 9th century settlers right up until the 17th century due to the fact that Dublin was impeded by a sandbank in the bay coupled with frequent flooding from the rivers Liffey, Dodder and Tolka.

The Danish settlers traded with many European countries from Dalkey together with the ports of Chester, Chepstow, Gloucester and Bristol. The Normans continued the practice and built seven castles which also acted as fortified warehouses, principally to ward off the marauding mountain men from Wicklow!

As far as is known there was never a guiding lighted beacon either on Dalkey Island or Sorrento Point and once construction was commenced on quays in the city of Dublin from 1610, Dalkey became less important as the port for Dublin.

Protecting the haven is the large Dalkey Island with its Napoleonic Martello tower, ruined, circa 800 AD., St. Begnet’s Church, and a disused battery. The protecting chain is completed by Maiden or Carraig Rock, Clare Rock and Lamb Island all to the north west of Dalkey Island, for all intents and purposes all rocks and islands at low tide are one. The Muglins lie some 500m north east of Dalkey Island, are a danger to shipping and do not form a part of the protecting chain.