Douglas Head

Douglas Head Lighthouse was established in 1857, although the vicinity was under the control of the Isle of Man Harbour Board from 1832.

It was designed and built by the engineering brothers David and Thomas Stevenson with a total elevation of 32 metres. The white tower is 20 metres in height and its base is at an elevation of 12 metres. The lighthouse staircase has 71 steps and the light has an average range of 44 km. The lantern, built in 1831, is composed of eight brilliant reflectors made of pure silver The light flashes white every ten seconds. Because of structural problems the lighthouse had to be rebuilt in 1892. Almost 100 years later in 1986, the last keepers left and the light was automated.

The name Douglas Head means Blackstream, (Dubh – black and Glais – stream). Some manx men maintain it was derived from two rivers, the Dubh and Glas, the black and the green of Greu Rivers. Recently, a new public footpath was constructed by the Commissioners from the top of Port Skillion down to the Lighthouse for the benefit and enjoyment of tourists and sightseers.