Cranfield Point facts for kids
Cranfield Point is a special place in Northern Ireland. It's the very tip of the country, pointing south into the sea! You can find it right where the Carlingford Lough meets the big ocean. This spot is in a small area called Cranfield, which is part of County Down.
Cranfield Point: Northern Ireland's Southern Tip
Cranfield Point is the most southern part of Northern Ireland. It sits at the entrance of Carlingford Lough. This is a beautiful sea inlet that separates County Down in Northern Ireland from County Louth in the Republic of Ireland. The point itself is in a small area called Cranfield, within County Down.
The Story of the Lighthouses
Long ago, Cranfield Point was home to a lighthouse. This lighthouse helped ships find their way into Carlingford Lough. But its location wasn't the best. It was hard for ships to see it clearly from all directions.
Because of this, a new lighthouse was built. This one is called the Haulbowline Lighthouse. It was placed right in the middle of the entrance to Carlingford Lough. This made it much easier for ships to navigate safely.
What Happened to the Old Lighthouse?
After the Haulbowline Lighthouse was built, the old Cranfield Point Lighthouse was no longer needed. Over time, the sea began to wear away the land around it. This process is called coastal erosion. During the 1860s, the old lighthouse finally collapsed into the sea because of this erosion.
However, the house where the lighthouse keeper lived remained standing. This cottage was later turned into a private home. You can still see it today, recognized by its tall, dark chimneys. It's a reminder of the area's history and its connection to the sea.
