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Do you like headlights? Don’t miss Hook Lighthouse, a magnificent, sturdy Irish lighthouse on the Hook Head Peninsula in County Wexford.
White with black stripes, it’s Ireland’s oldest lighthouse and stands impassive against the unpredictable fury of the ocean.
Still in operation, it silently watches over the Waterford Habour, offering exceptional views of the wild Irish coastline and tumultuous waters. It’s the perfect place to take a breath of iodine, while enjoying the lush green scenery!
The Hook Head Lighthouse – © pgaborphotos
The structure of the current lighthouse dates back over 800 years.
The lighthouse was built in the 13th century by William Marshall Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, making it one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world!
In those days, the lighthouse was maintained by the monks, who lit warning lights throughout the year to warn approaching sailors of the dangers of the coast.
They occupied the lighthouse until 1600, when it was taken over by keepers.
The lighthouse was automated in 1996, and is now controlled remotely from Dun Laoghaire by Irish lighthouse commissioners. Since 2001, the lighthouse has been open to the public as a tourist attraction on the peninsula. The janitors’ houses were then transformed into a museum, open all year round.
Structurally speaking, the tower has 4 storeys and limestone walls 4 metres thick. A 115-step staircase leads to the top. In perfect condition, the lighthouse is one of the area’s greatest attractions. Magnificent, we appreciate its charm facing the ocean.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
52.123739, -6.929368
1h30
