

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

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 different … Continue reading The Project Team

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

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 Signal Station, 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 Signal Station, County Donegal

Melmore Head Signal Station, 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 Signal Station, County Donegal

Horn Head Signal Station, 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 Signal Station, County Donegal

Bloody Foreland Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at Bloody Foreland has been entirely removed and no traces of it can 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 Signal Station, County Donegal

Mullaghderg 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 site has expansive views in all directions … Continue reading Mullaghderg Signal Station, County Donegal

Crohy Head Signal Station, 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 Signal Station, County Donegal

Dawros Head Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at Dawros Head consists of only the low ruins of a signal tower on the foreshore. The exposed part of the surviving foundation is the lower part of the ground floor. If the tower had a semi-basement … Continue reading Dawros Head Signal Station, County Donegal

Glen Head Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at Glen Head is located on a cliff edge site that is accessed via a long lane that leads out of Glencolumbkille, which begins at the important early monastic site. The site has extensive views to the … Continue reading Glen Head Signal Station, County Donegal

Malin Beg Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at Malin Beg is located at the south western tip of Donegal and provides the key link in the chain that allowed the stations on the southern coast of Donegal with those on the west coast. The … Continue reading Malin Beg Signal Station, County Donegal

Carrigan Head Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at Carrigan Head is located to the south of the road that leads to the main viewing point at the Slieve League cliffs. It is accessed via a grassy track that has steep slopes to one side … Continue reading Carrigan Head Signal Station, County Donegal

John’s Point Signal Station, County Donegal
The signal station at John’s Point in County Donegal is located close to the end of a long thin peninsula that extends out into Donegal Bay. The signal station is located about half way between a large lighthouse complex and … Continue reading John’s Point Signal Station, County Donegal