From Mauritius To Morocco: The Modern Allure Of Lighthouses

Everything in Ireland, I am told, always begins with “a pint of gat,” that literally translates to “a pint of Guinness.” Even in a quaint fishing town, such as Howth, just outside of Dublin. "You'll need a little liquid courage to weather the cliffs, my friend," a bartender said cheekily as I set off to my next stop, The Baily Lighthouse, built in 1814 and perched on the rocky cliff of Howth Head. The uphill walk, passing the bustling harbour with seabirds hovering over you, seems easy at first—until the warning signs of a "jackal alert" begin to appear. It is at this moment you realise that you are trespassing on nature's restricted terrain. You continue to trudge up, braving the unforgiving Irish gusts—until the stark view of the lighthouse from a narrow cliffside path emerges. A stoic white tower stands, looking like a miniature from the cliffs, almost indifferent to its surrounding mayhem. But on close observation, it reminds you of the centuries of maritime history it holds—one that has witnessed stories of shipwrecks, storms and sailors.