Kintyre, Mull of

A headland located at the southwestern extremity of the Kintyre peninsula, the Mull of Kintyre offers wonderful views to the Irish mainland. A site of interesting flora and fauna, it is a breeding ground for golden eagles. A lighthouse has stood here since 1788, built by Thomas Smith (1752 - 1815). What we see today is the result of a renovation by Smith's step-son, the great lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson (1772 - 1850). Near to the lighthouse a cairn has been erected in memory of the 29 people killed in a military Chinook helicopter which crashed en route from Ireland on the 2nd June, 1994 and has subsequently been subject to considerable controversy. The Mull of Kintyre famously featured in the hit song by former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.

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