Chaine Memorial Tower

Chaine Memorial Tower has become an iconic image for Larne (you can see it on our logo on the visit Larne website!). ‘The Pencil’ as it is otherwise known is an impressive beacon tower created from Irish granite and built in 1887 as a memorial for James Chaine, the developer of Larne Harbour. It stands proudly on the western side of Larne Lough at the entrance to the harbour and can be seen by visitors coming in by sea.

The Chaine Memorial tower is an accurate replica of an Irish Round Tower standing 27m high and 7.5m wide at its base (www.discovernorthernireland.com). In March 1999, after a request from Mariners, the tower was converted into a lighthouse and acted as such for well over 100 years.

Nearby is a Sandy beach called Sandy Bay, and rock pools when the tide goes out. A grassy section in front of the Memorial and beach with benches is the perfect place to sit and take in the view, soak up the sounds of the sea and watch the world go by. Nearby you can call in for a bite to eat in the Prom Café or walk along the Promenade. Parking is available nearby at Larne Promenade carpark and the Leisure Centre.

Over the doorway the inscription reads

‘This tower was erected and road leading to it made by the contribution of every class in this mixed community irrespective of creed or of party. All cordially united in esteem and affected for the memory of the late James Chain of BallyCraigy and Cairncastle, Co.Antrim who represented the County in the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland from February 1874 until May 1885, and who was founder of the sea route from Larne to the Scottish Mainland.

Photos by Colum Mackle, Michelle Montomgery & Warren Blair.