“Here in the great natural harbour of Berehaven in West Cork, a cutter is on its way to join the lighthouse tender ‘Ierne’, due to relieve the Fastnet Light with the next duty keeper and fresh stores and provisions…”

In this 1964 RTÉ Archive footage, watch the Commissioners of Irish Lights’ light tender vessel ‘Ierne’ depart Berehaven Harbour for its relieving duties at Fastnet.

In the fascinating four-minute film, Master of the ‘Ierne’, Captain O’Shiel explains the tricky fortnightly task of getting the men from the tender to the cutter and eventually onto the offshore rock itself.

Watch: ‘Getting On and Off the Rocks’ 

Discover Fastnet and many more lighthouses for yourself, on an unforgettable visit or overnight stay.