Overview
Ferris Point Lighthouse sits on the eastern entrance to Lough Larne, at the northern tip of the Islandmagee peninsula in County Antrim. Though the light was decommissioned in 1994, the site remains a focal point for maritime navigation, now serving as the harbour control tower for the busy Port of Larne. Its stark, white square tower topped by a black‑glass control room is a striking contrast against the surrounding countryside and the industrial silhouette of the nearby power station.
Visitors can approach the lighthouse via Islandmagee Road, turning left at the bend where the road meets the coast. From the road, the tower is visible on the right, perched above the historic buoy depot and the former keeper’s dwellings.
History
The original lighthouse was commissioned after local shipowners petitioned for a beacon to guide vessels into Larne Harbour. Construction began in 1838 on land donated by Thomas Ferris, and the light was first exhibited on 1 February 1839, then known as the Larne Lough Lighthouse.
Keeper’s cottages followed a year later, and the site also functioned as a buoy depot and storage facility. In the 1890s, keepers and their families were temporarily based at the Maidens Lighthouse; new double‑storey houses were erected at Ferris Point around a decade later. From 1906 the Principal Keeper at Ferris Point also supervised the Maidens station, rotating assistants between the two sites and the nearby Barr Point fog‑signal.
The lighthouse was converted from oil to electricity in November 1957. A major modernisation in 1976 replaced the original stone tower with the present square, glass‑enclosed control tower, which also incorporated a lookout room beneath the lantern. The new structure became the operations centre for fog signals, buoys, and the Chaine Tower across the lough, and it even hosts a helipad for emergency and maintenance crews.
The original 1839 tower remained standing until 1991, when its lantern was removed with plans to relocate it to Carnlough Harbour – a plan that never materialised. Local accounts suggest the lantern was later placed on a stone plinth at Hurry Head in Carnlough, but it suffered vandalism and appears to be missing today.
The light was finally discontinued in 1994 after a directional light was installed at the Chaine Tower, rendering Ferris Point redundant. In 1996 a racon showing the Morse code “M” (—) was added, and the light’s nominal range was reduced in 2010 before the beacon was switched off.
Link to Maidens Lighthouse – In 1906 the Ferris Point keeper also became the Principal Keeper for the Maidens, and the two stations shared assistants on a rotating basis. Automation of the Maidens in 1977 transferred full control to Ferris Point, a relationship documented by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
Navigation & Control Role
Today Ferris Point functions as the harbour control tower for the Port of Larne. Its responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and operating the buoy network and fog‑signal at Barr Point.
- Managing the Chaine Tower directional light that replaced the original Ferris Point beacon.
- Hosting a racon (radar beacon) that transmits the Morse code “M”, helping vessels confirm their position on radar.
- Providing a helipad for emergency services and maintenance crews, a feature added during the 1976 modernisation.
Although the tower no longer emits a light, its black‑glass control room is illuminated at night and can be seen from passing ferries.
What to See & Do
- Control Tower and Lookout – The 1976 tower offers an excellent viewpoint for spotting the Barr Point fog‑signal, the twin Maidens Lighthouses, and the historic Chaine Tower across the water. The black‑glass control room gives the structure a futuristic feel, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the power station.
- Historic Keeper’s Buildings – The surrounding keeper’s cottages and the old buoy depot provide a tangible sense of 19th‑century lighthouse life.
- Panoramic Coastal Walks – Ferris Point marks the start of the Islandmagee coastal loop, a 7‑km walk that hugs the shoreline, passes Blackhead Lighthouse and returns via the scenic Bay Road. The route offers sweeping views of Lough Larne, the Port of Larne and the rolling hills of County Antrim. Spot seals, seabirds and, in good weather, the ferries that ply the Larne‑Scotland route.
- Photography – The juxtaposition of the sleek modern tower, the traditional stone structures, and the industrial skyline makes Ferris Point a favourite spot for photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light reflects off the water.
- Ferry Spotting – From the ferries that cross Lough Larne you can get a unique perspective of the lighthouse and the surrounding harbour.
Practical Information
Ferris Point Lighthouse is inactive and there is no admission fee; the site can be viewed freely from the public road and surrounding footpaths. The tower itself is not open to the public, as it functions as a control centre for the port. Parking is available on the roadside near the lighthouse, though visitors should verify availability during peak summer months as spaces can be limited. There are no known seasonal access restrictions, but checking with Larne Harbour Ltd before a visit is advisable.
The lighthouse is owned and operated by Larne Harbour Ltd, which manages the harbour’s navigation aids. For the most up‑to‑date details on access or any special events, check with Larne Harbour directly.
Coordinates: 54°51’04.5″ N, 5°47’23.7″ W (decimal 54.85125 N, ‑5.78992 W).
Getting there: From Larne, follow the signs for Islandmagee Road northwards. The turn‑off to the lighthouse is clearly marked; the road bends left and the tower appears on the right. Public transport options are limited, so a private car or taxi is recommended.
Nearby Attractions
While in the area, consider exploring other points of interest along the Antrim Coast and Glens:
- Maidens Lighthouse on the opposite side of the lough, a pair of historic towers dating from 1829.
- Chaine Tower, a 19th‑century Martello tower that now houses a museum.
- Barr Point Golf Club, offering additional coastal scenery and a chance to play a round with sea views.
- Blackhead Lighthouse further south on the Islandmagee peninsula, another iconic white tower.
Cultural References
Ferris Point Lighthouse has inspired a range of artistic works. The tower appears on a series of limited‑edition prints by Irish artist Roger O’Reilly, sold through Ireland Posters.ie, and is a popular subject for local photographers – a recent Flickr collection highlights its distinctive black‑glass control room against the grey sky. The lighthouse also features in short video clips on YouTube, underscoring its visual appeal to visitors and creators alike.