The Metal Man

“There is no place like the beach…where the land meets the sea, and the sea meets the sky.” – Umair Siddiqui Standing fast since 1823, The Metal Man; dressed in the finest British sailors clothing; a blue jacket, red top and white trousers – is a lonely figure on top of one of three pillars overlooking the rugged coastline of County Waterford. Pointing out to Hook Head, in the Celtic Sea sea, The Metal Man was erected after the loss of 360 lives at Brownstown Head in County Waterford. The tragedy occurred in 1816 when HMS Seahorse (first-batch S-class submarine) sank after it became grounded on the rocks in a severe storm – by miracle, 31 sailors survived this tragic event. The three maritime beacons (pillars), located near Newtown Cove, were constructed through Lloyds of London at the behest (command) of the Admiralty. The Metal Man is currently on private land and entry has been blocked as the cliffs around the three pillars are dangerous and unprotected. The historical iron figure was cast by Thomas Kirk. Only two of the four figures originally planned to make, were cast from the mould, and the other figure sits in the waters of Sligo Bay at Ross Harbour. Information from the Inspectorate of Irish Lights mentions that George Halpin Snr. was responsible for their design. Did you know? The Metal Man is said to be a ‘twice life-sized’ cast of a British Naval Petty Officer – his name, unknown. Amenities and Facilities Car parking – short walk Nearest toilets at the Pier Cáfe and Coastguard Cultural Centre Additional Info Located on non-accessible private land (view from a distance) Restrictions may apply – please contact Waterford Chamber for further info. Nearby