Stretching over 1,680 miles, the rugged Welsh coast is home to countless lighthouses, each with its own story. Some still shine their light for sailors, while others stand abandoned, their weathered facades adding to Wales’ hauntingly beautiful maritime legacy.
One of Wales’ oldest, Point of Ayr Lighthouse, known locally as Talacre Lighthouse, appears marooned on its own island off the Flintshire coast when viewed on Google Maps.
The map is deceptive, though, as the 60ft structure is surprisingly accessible at low tide, when the waters recede, clearing a footpath to the historic tower.
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Built in 1776, this Grade II listed lighthouse guided ships entering the Dee estuary for over a century before its closure in 1883.
Back when Chester was a thriving port—long before Liverpool stole the spotlight—navigation relied on lights at Whitford Garn in Flintshire and Hillbre Island on the Wirral, funded by the Earl of Chester.
However, the tragic loss of two Dublin-bound vessels in 1776 sparked calls for better coastal lighting, paving the way for the construction of Point of Ayr.
Designed by Henry Turner, the lighthouse was ingeniously built on sand, supported by screw piles drilled deep below the surface. The sturdy tower featured three floors and even a coal store tucked away in its basement.
Originally, the lighthouse displayed two lights. The main light, perched 63 feet high, cast its beam towards Llandudno while a lower light guided vessels navigating the River Dee. Together, they made the lighthouse a vital guardian of the North Wales coast.
A haunting secret
View of Talacre Lighthouse otherwise known as Point of Ayr Lighthouse on the Dee Estuary -Credit:North Wales Daily Post
Point of Ayr Lighthouse was sold in 1922 to private ownership and is currently owned by the nearby holiday park. While long deserted by keepers, it remains a commanding figure overlooking the Irish Sea and has a haunting secret.
According to Go North Wales, the historic Lighthouse holds a chilling reputation as one of the most haunted places in North Wales.
Visitors and locals have reported eerie sightings of a figure resembling a keeper standing atop the lighthouse.
Some mediums and paranormal professionals also claim to have made contact with a lingering spirit of a man tormented by heartbreak, while others describe the presence of someone who succumbed to a fever—a fate said to have befallen the lighthouse’s former keeper, Raymond.
One woman who saw the ghostly figure told BBC Wales: “My husband and I were on Talacre beach a couple of years ago and saw a lighthouse keeper at the top of the lighthouse, in front of the glass dome.
“He was wearing an old-fashioned dark worsted lighthouse keeper’s coat and hat. The lighthouse was locked and chained.”
She added: “My husband and I can’t see how anyone could get there unless they were dropped by helicopter and we would have heard that.”
Tribute to the ghost
Some mediums and paranormal professionals also claim to have made contact with a lingering spirit of a man tormented by heartbreak -Credit:Ian Cooper/North Wales Live
So strong is the ghostly legend surrounding Point of Ayr Lighthouse that its owners sought permission to install a sculpture inspired by tales of a spectral figure in an old-fashioned keeper’s coat, often seen near the lighthouse.
Created by Talacre-based artist Angela Smith, the 7ft sculpture, named The Keeper, was installed in 2010 on the lighthouse balcony as a tribute to the tales of the ghostly figure seen there.
Crafted from about 120 separate stainless steel pieces, the sculpture is more than just a silhouette of a man—it’s a celebration of the sea.
Each piece is inspired by coastal elements, including starfish, dolphins, and ripples in the sand, reflecting the lighthouse’s deep connection to its maritime surroundings.
The result is a stunning, shimmering figure that adds an extra layer of intrigue to this iconic landmark.
Lighthouse owner James McAllister, who bought the lighthouse along with two acres of the beach in 1983, wanted the statue to honour the ghost rumoured to be haunting Point of Ayr.
He said: “There have always been sightings of a ghost on the balcony here.
“No one is sure who he is, but people say they see him wearing a sailor’s cap and uniform.
“I wanted a sculpture to represent him.”
These days, Point of Ayr Lighthouse remains a fascinating spot for a coastal walk and a bit of mystery.
At low tide, you can wander right up to the old tower, take in the sweeping views of Talacre Beach, and see The Keeper sculpture standing watch on the balcony.
Whether you’re here for the history, the eerie ghost stories, or just a chance to explore, it’s worth visiting. And who knows—you might even spot the famous ghost yourself.