Location: Ballycroy Visitor Centre, Ballycroy, Co. Mayo F28 RX77
Standing on the exposed southern tip of the Mullet Peninsula, Blacksod Lighthouse has witnessed more than 160 years of maritime history. Fergus Sweeney takes us through the story of this distinctive Mayo landmark, the people who lived and worked there, and the generations whose lives have been shaped by the surrounding Atlantic.
Along the way, he will explore stories of seafaring, weather and life on this remote coastline, including Blacksod’s remarkable place in world history. In June 1944, weather observations from Blacksod provided vital information to Allied meteorologists preparing for D-Day. Reports of deteriorating Atlantic weather helped inform the decision to postpone the Normandy landings, while subsequent observations contributed to identifying the brief weather window that allowed the invasion to proceed on 6 June.
From local maritime heritage to events of global significance, this is the story of a lighthouse at the edge of Mayo that has seen far more than ships passing in the night.
Explore the programme to discover talks, night-time events and experiences inspired by Mayo’s dark skies.