Hook Lighthouse — Attraction in The Municipal District of New Ross

Great experience - the lady who gave us our tour (3pm on 4th Jan) was excellent- loads of enthusiasm and made our visit most interesting. She told us as below. Thank you.

Hook Lighthouse, located on the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, Ireland, is the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.

Built in the 12th century, it is believed to have been constructed around 1172 under the guidance of William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke. Check out his and his wifes heritage - stunning in itself (wife was daughter of Strongbow) It has been in continuous operation for over 800 years.

It is believed that monks from the nearby Church of St. Dubhán maintained the original beacon fire on the peninsula before the construction of the lighthouse. They then built this lighthouse- and extraordinary achievement at the time.

St. Dubhán, a 5th-century Welsh monk, is credited with establishing a monastic settlement on the Hook Peninsula. The monks lit warning fires on the headland to guide sailors and prevent shipwrecks. When William Marshal developed the lighthouse, with the monks, this continued this tradition by ensuring it served as a navigational aid for maritime traffic in the area.

St Dubhan arrived in Ireland from Wales, the same time as St Patrick did the same trip. St Patrick obviously had the letter social media promotion.

Hook Lighthouse is not only a remarkable piece of medieval engineering but also a continuation of the monastic community's work in aiding sailors.

The lighthouse is a massive, cylindrical tower made of limestone. It is approximately 36 meters (118 feet) tall. Its walls are up to 4 meters thick at the base, designed to withstand the harsh coastal conditions.

Today, it continues to guide ships and boats navigating the waters of the southeastern Irish coast.

Hook Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction, featuring guided tours that take visitors through its history and architecture.

Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the balcony for panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and sea. The visitor center includes a café and gift shop.

It is a popular spot for whale and dolphin watching

The Hook Peninsula is part of Ireland's "Ancient East," showcasing the country's...

A fantastic place to visit on both bright & dull days. IF you plan to visit you really need to remember that The Hook Lighthouse is based on a peninsula in South Wexford which experiences a variety of weather (sometimes in the 1 day) so if its sunny bring a coat, if it's cold & rainy bring your sunglasses and if it's dry & bright put a hat & coat in the car. The carpark remains free & due to the weather had a good few spots free but we chose to park in the gravel viewing area with views of the open water & the massive tumbling waves- I'm sure the fish were feeling a bit seasick! There is something for everyone here from the pirate boat for children to play in, the lighthouse that's steeped in history, the surrounding area for hikers, photographers and the elevated spot to the rear where you can whale & dolphin watch. On our visit we got talking to one of the staff in the gift shop who confirmed that a few days prior to our visit they'd had some calm seas & some fin whales & spotted dolphins had been spotted. You can keep up to date with these sightings on iwdg.ie. We were delighted to see that the restaurant was open with hot food, sandwiches and cakes were on offer. We opted for some pre-packed, bronze award winning locally produced sandwiches, hot chocolates, mocha's, an apple crumble & a pavlova (well we earned it after all the walking in the wind & rain) and sat in the extended part of the restaurant overlooking the coastline. The new container coffee dock was also open with takeaway hot & cold drinks available. We're planning another visit on a better day so will be keeping a close eye on...

Standing sentinel at the edge of Ireland, Hook Head Lighthouse is a place where time seems to fold in on itself. This iconic structure, nestled on the rugged Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, boasts an incredible distinction – it's the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. With medieval origins tracing back over 800 years, it's a monument to Ireland's rich coastal heritage.

Stepping inside Hook Head Lighthouse feels like uncovering a hidden world. The guided tour is a must, whisking you through winding staircases and echoing chambers. Knowledgeable guides regale you with tales of monks, knights, and the lives of dedicated lighthouse keepers. As you climb, stories seep from the very stones, painting a vivid picture of the lighthouse's centuries-long role.

Reaching the balcony is a breathtaking reward. The panorama unfolds: crashing waves sculpting the coastline, seabirds gliding effortlessly, and perhaps even a glimpse of a whale or dolphin. The raw power of nature feels invigorating.

Beyond its practical role, Hook Head Lighthouse has a certain mystique. Locals say the phrase "by hook or by crook" originated here. Whether this is fact or folklore, it's easy to understand why this dramatic spot inspires legends.

While steeped in history, Hook Head Lighthouse doesn't feel frozen in time. The visitor center offers engaging exhibits, and the café serves up delicious treats showcasing local produce. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a unique Irish experience, Hook Head Lighthouse leaves a...