Situated at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, Hook Lighthouse, or as it is locally known “the Tower of Hook“, marks the entrance to Waterford Harbour. The headland is called Rinn Dubháin in Irish which means St.Dubhán’s Head, but the word is so similar to the Irish word ‘duán’ which means fish hook, hence the English name.
Want to save this for later? Click the Pinterest button on the left for a pinnable image!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here.
The first beacon in the area, used to warn sailors of the shipwreck dangers of this rocky headland, was kept by the monks that lived in the area monastery from around the years 500-1000 AD. By the 1100s the Anglo-Normans moved in and a knight by the name of William Marshal founded the town of Ross and began to develop the area with towns and castles. To help guide ships into his port of Ross he built the Tower of Hook to provide the light in the early 1200s.
HIGHLIGHTS OF HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
As the oldest operating lighthouse in the world, Hook Lighthouse is a worthy addition to an Ireland itinerary. The stunning coastline looks all the more impressive from atop the lighthouse and the information the guides provide about this historic lighthouse are interesting and informative.
THE LIGHTHOUSE
The lighthouse is considered to be a great example of medieval architecture with its four-metre thick walls reaching four stories in height. Inside are three rib-vaulted chambers made of local limestone, complete with 13th-century fireplaces in each, and even a couple of garderobes (toilets)!
THE HISTORY
The light for William Marshal’s lighthouse was provided by a coal fire beacon and the historical records show the monks continued on as the custodians (light keepers) during this time, and for several more centuries (likely until the dissolution of monasteries of Henry VIII).
By the 17th century, with the light no longer attended, there had been numerous shipwrecks and the people called for the lighthouse to be restored. It was improved with a glass lantern to protect the coal fire beacon from the weather, and then in the late 1700s that beacon was replaced by a lamp burning whale oil that provided better light to the sailors.
Over the next hundred years advances to the light continued- from gas lights to paraffin oil, and finally electricity. In this time a mechanism was installed that changed the beacon from fixed to flashing- the only thing was the mechanism (at the top of the lighthouse) had to be wound every 25 minutes! The lightkeeper would run from his home at the base, up the 115 steps to wind the mechanism, in only three minutes! Wind it up, return home, and then do it all again in 25 minutes.
In 1996 the light was automated and the last of the lightkeepers, after 800 years, departed.
READ MORE: List of Light Keepers since the 1800s
THE TOUR
Today the lighthouse is open year round to visit on guided tours. The tours start in the first chamber at the base where you can see one of the past beacons and learn about the history. They continue up into each chamber, with more stories, from what is likely to be a very lively and knowledgeable guide (our guide was Jason and he was great!). Finally, you reach the red balcony and…
THE VIEW
Oh my…the views! Out to sea, or back on to the peninsula itself. You’ll be taking photos the whole way around the balcony we’re sure, especially if you are there on a day as beautiful as we were. The rugged rocky coastline looks spectacularly as it is buffeted by crashing waves coming ashore. Definitely made the climb worthwhile.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
Information last updated December 2019
HOW TO GET THERE
Hook Lighthouse can be found at Churchtown, Hook Head, Co. Wexford.
If using satellite navigation, the co-ordinates 52°07’30″N 6°55’48″W will take you to the lighthouse car park.
Free parking is available on site.
HELPFUL LINK:
- If you need an app that will navigate you around whether walking, driving or using public transport and even works offline then click for a guide about how to use Here WeGo.
OPENING HOURS
Opening hours are 0930-1700 from September to June and 0930-1900 in July and August. The lighthouse is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please check the Hook Lighthouse website for full opening times.
Except for the interior of the lighthouse, the site, as well as the top of the lighthouse, are exposed to the elements. It can get windy and cold even on a warm looking day when out at the top of the lighthouse or exploring the pensinsula. It may, therefore, be advisable to visit during more pleasant weather if possible.
We would recommend you aim to spend at least an hour and a half at the lighthouse, the tours last 30 minutes.
Guided tours run half-hourly during peak season and hourly at other times.
HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION
Basic admission prices are €10 for adults, €6 for children 5-18 years and €9 for concessions. One carer per disabled visitor can visit for free. Family tickets for between 1 adult and 1 child and 2 adults and 3 children range from €14 to €30.
Tickets do sell out, so it is advisable to book in advance online to secure your place on the tour you wish to attend.
Hook Lighthouse offers events year-round including concerts, sunrise/sunset packages and fish and chip supper experiences, click here for full details.
ACCESSIBILITY
The visitor centre, cafe, exhibition and gift shop are all accessible. The lighthouse itself is not accessible and the only way up is to climb 115 steps.
IS HOOK LIGHTHOUSE WORTH THE VISIT?
For the history of visiting the oldest operating lighthouse in the world as well as the spectacular views across the peninsula, Hook Lighthouse is worth a visit. When you add in the information provided by the guides, a visit to the lighthouse becomes a great value activity on an Ireland road-trip.
See what others think of this attraction on Trip Advisor.
ADD TO YOUR IRELAND ITINERARY
Céad míle fáilte… a hundred thousand welcomes is something you’ll see plenty in Ireland. And it’s true, visit the Emerald Isle for its history, rugged coastline and friendly people.
-
Watch expert craftsmen creating beautiful crystal from molten glass to the finished masterpiece on a Waterford Crystal factory tour.
- The reputed site of the conversion of King Aenghus by St Patrick, the Rock of Cashel offers visitors centuries of history and intrigue to explore.
- Experience what life would have been like for emigrants crossing from Ireland to the New World to escape the famine at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience.
- A three-walled castle wouldn’t offer much defence to attackers. Learn what happened to the missing fourth wall at Kilkenny Castle.
Want to save this for later? Click the Pinterest button on the left for a pinnable image!
RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO IRELAND
To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites.
These are a few tours that we would recommend for your trip to Ireland.
Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our full disclosure policy here.
