Landmark lighthouse closed as unearthed detonator is exploded

One of Ireland’s best known landmarks was shut down today while Army bomb experts exploded an old lighthouse detonator.

The device used before 1972 to charge rockets to light up the sea during dense fog was unearthed at Hook Head, Co Wexford.

A lighthouse keeper discovered the yellow-coloured detonator cartridge – which had ’explosive’ printed on it, and wires sticking out of it – yesterday evening.

Gardaí were called to the scene to keep it safe overnight until the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team arrived from Cork this morning to carry out a controlled explosion.

Ann Waters, manager of the Hook Head lighthouse visitors’ centre, said the incident sparked a flurry of excitement at the popular attraction.

“It was very exciting. We have a lot of people around because of the mid-term break so when the Garda were here stopping traffic, everybody wanted to know what was going on,” she said.

“Then the Army arrived with guns and everything, so we were all outside watching the controlled explosion from behind the wall. It was great.”

It is believed the device was unearthed during work on a new treatment plant at the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world still in operation, in December and January.

The detonators were used before fog horns were brought in more than 30 years ago to set off rockets or flares as often as every four minutes when visibility was poor.

“Although it had been lying there since at least 1972, the fact that it was disturbed meant it was still potentially very dangerous,” said Ms Waters.

“The older they are the more volatile they get.”

The visitors centre opened again in the afternoon when the area had been declared safe by the EOD.

Hook Head lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse tower in Ireland, dates from the 13th century and was first operated by monks for around 300 years.

After it was automated the former lighthouse keepers’ dwellings were converted into a visitor and exhibition centre.