Native name: Reachlainn Uí Bhirn | |
|---|---|
 Lighthouse on Rathlin O'Birne | |
  Rathlin O'Birne | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 54°39.816′N8°49.951′W / 54.663600°N 8.832517°W /54.663600; -8.832517 |
| Administration | |
| Province | Ulster |
| County | Donegal |
| Demographics | |
| Population | (1) |
Rathlin O'Birne (Irish:Reachlainn Uí Bhirn[1]) is an island located to the south west of the district ofGlencolumbkille,County Donegal, Ireland, and 2 km west ofMalin Beg.
Saint Assicus spent the last seven years of his life on Rathlin O'Birne. Assicus was the first Bishop (and subsequently the Patron Saint ofElphin, County Roscommon). Assicus was said to have been a favored follower of St Patrick and served as his goldsmith. The remains of Assicus's hermitage can be found on Rathlin O'Birne island.[2]
Rathlin O'Birnelighthouse went into operation on 14 April 1856. In 1974, aradioisotope thermoelectric generator was installed, making it home to Ireland's firstnuclear powered lighthouse.[3] However, by 1987, the power output of the RTG had dwindled to an insufficient level and the lighthouse was converted towind power, which was in use until 1991, at which point it was converted tosolar power.[4]
A road, with acut stone wall on both sides, runs from the beach to the lighthouse to protect the lighthouse keepers as they made their way across the island.[3]
