[1] The lighthouse is maintained by the Commissioners of Irish Lights[2] and is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as "a significant addition to the historical record and maritime heritage of Ireland".

[3] Distinctively, it is one of only a handful of lighthouses in the world painted black, which was chosen to distinguish it from Capel Island's (unlit) beacon.

[8] It is also one of few examples of lighthouses featuring some of the lower panes made of red glass with the consequence that ships approaching too close to land may be warned by an apparent change of colour.

[9] The lighthouse was built in response to a number of sinkings in the area,[10] most notably that of the SS Sirius in January 1847.

[2] In 1975 the light was converted to electricity, and after introducing automation in 1991[12] the keepers were withdrawn on March 28, 1992.