Covering the history of the lighthouses from the days of the medieval lighthouses in Youghal to the Tuskar Light tragedy of 1812 and the role of the lighthouses in relief operations in places like the Blasket Islands, this documentary looks at the development and function of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (Coimisinéirí Soilse na hÉireann) around the coast of Ireland.

With contributions from the Fastnet Lighthouse Keeper Jim Walshe and Bill Hamilton who talks about life in the lighthouses fifty years ago.

And a look at what changing technology means for the future for lighthouses and lightships...

Presented by John Skehan.

Produced by Paul Murray.

First broadcast 20th December 1980.

'Documentary on One - The home of Irish radio documentaries - The largest library of documentary podcasts available anywhere. We tell stories in sound, mostly Irish stories, with each documentary telling its own story'