PICK OF THE DAY

GREAT LIGHTHOUSES OF IRELAND, 6.30PM, RTÉ ONE

THE third episode of this fascinating series looks at how lighthouse technology has changed down through the decades. It also focuses on Cromwell Point lighthouse on Valentia Island, Co. Kerry (pictured). A short distance off the lighthouse was the landing place for the first transatlantic cable: the most advanced communications technology in the world in the mid 19th century. The successful laying of the cable — which spans 4,000km — has been called the equivalent of the moon landings for that era. This episode also delves into the most challenging job of all within the lighthouse service — lightshipman, who were at the mercy of the sea.