Point of Ayr Lighthouse

What is it? 

The Point of Ayr Lighthouse, also known as the Talacre Lighthouse, is a Grade II listed building situated on the north coast of Wales 

Where is it? 

Dee Rd, Talacre, Holywell CH8 9RS 

What’s there? 

The lighthouse is a privately owned property but is visible from Talacre beach 

Facts - 

▪ It was built in 1776 by a Trust of the Major, Recorder and Aldermen of Chester to warn ships entering between the Dee and the Mersey Estuary. This was in response to shipwrecks in the area, particularly the loss of two Dublin ferries on which more than 200 people died 

▪ The lighthouse has stood disused for over 2.5 times longer than it was in use. It is Wales’ oldest lighthouse 

▪ The original lighthouse has a slight lean but has withstood countless storms in this exposed location. It was restored in the 1990s. 

▪ In August 2009, planning permission had been sought to erect a "human sculpture" inspired by the reported ghostly sightings on the lighthouse balcony. This application was made by then owner James McAllister who intended it to serve as a "serious art installation". Local artist Angela Smith was contracted to design the 7-foot stainless steel ‘lighthouse keeper’ with the initial planning permission being approved for a three-year period. Permission was not sought to retain the structure after this point and the sculpture was relocated