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The Signal Stations
The construction, survival and historical context of the Signal Defensible Guard Houses in Connacht and Ulster is a post graduate research project being undertaken at IT Sligo by Stuart Rathbone and Dr James Bonsall. This site presents some of the early … Continue reading The Signal Stations
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The Project Team
The Irish Signal Stations Project is carried out at the Centre for Environmental Research Innovation and Sustainability (CERIS), an innovative and expert research cluster at IT Sligo. Stuart Rathbone has worked all over Ireland and Britain in a variety of … Continue reading The Project Team
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The Signal Masts
Although not visible at any of the sites today, arguably the most important element of the signal stations was the signal mast itself. These were 50ft (15.25m) tall masts that supported rigging from which would be suspended a series of … Continue reading The Signal Masts
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Recording the Signal Stations
During this project comprehensive surveys have been made of each of the signal stations in Connacht and Ulster. A variety of methods were used to record plans, elevations and 3D models. The project has produced a vital record of what … Continue reading Recording the Signal Stations
Malin Head Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at Malin Head is a complicated site with a particularly interesting history. The site consists of a much altered signal tower surrounded by a number of smaller buildings constructed through the late 19th century into the mid … Continue reading Malin Head Signal Station, County Donegal
Fanad Head, County Donegal
The signal station at Fanad Head has been completely destroyed and its location is now occupied by a large lighthouse complex that was constructed in 1886 and expanded in 1906. However this lighthouse complex replaced an earlier lighthouse constructed in … Continue reading Fanad Head, County Donegal
Melmore Head, County Donegal
The enclosed signature station at Melmore Head is located at the very end of the headland. It is a very ruinous site featuring the low remains of a rectangular enclosure within which is the base of a collapsed signal tower. … Continue reading Melmore Head, County Donegal
Horn Head, County Donegal
The enclosed signal station at Horn Head is an impressive site to visit despite its ruinous condition. The signal station consists of a square shaped enclosure which is about 30m across and defined by a dry stone wall that is … Continue reading Horn Head, County Donegal
Bloody Foreland, County Donegal
The signal station at Bloody Foreland has been entirely removed and no traces of it could be identified on the ground. It is an important location marking the point that allowed the signal stations on the west coast of Donegal … Continue reading Bloody Foreland, County Donegal
Kincaslough Signal Station, County Donegal
This unenclosed signal station consists of a moderately well preserved signal tower located on very rough open bog at the southern end of a low flat topped hill over looking the coast. The signal tower features a badly collapsed first … Continue reading Kincaslough Signal Station, County Donegal
Crohy Head, County Donegal
The unenclosed signal station at Crohy Head consists of a well preserved signal tower standing within enclosed farmland. The signal tower survives to close to its full height and is sited with its first floor door on the north west … Continue reading Crohy Head, County Donegal
