Fastnet, Lambay and Newman
On 1 January, a lighthouse was established on Fastnet Rock, some 6.5 kilometres south-west of Cape Clear. It replaced the older Cape Clear light, whose elevated position was too often defeated by mist. The decision had acquired added urgency after the loss of the American packet ship Stephen Whitney near Crookhaven in December 1847. Fastnet lay on a major Atlantic approach, familiar to vessels carrying emigrants, imported goods and passengers between Ireland, Britain and the wider world.