Hook Lighthouse Wexford
Hook Lighthouse in Wexford is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in Ireland as it dates back as far as the 13th century. When the Tower of Hook became fully automated in 1996 and no longer needed resident keepers, it was decided to celebrate its uniqueness by opening the lighthouse to the public.
Hook Head is wild yet serene, violent and yet gentle and you can witness every elements of this as you climb the 115 steps of the lighthouse. It consists of two tiers – the first tier at thirteen metres in diameter has three vaulted ceilings each with an original fireplace, the upper tier is nearly six and a half metres in diameter and originally supported the coal beacon, which in modern times was replaced by a lantern.
Tours of Hook Lighthouse
As you climb Hook Head Lighthouse the audio tour will recount the local legends as you discover the chambers of the lighthouse and marvel at the extreme beauty of the scenery around the peninsula. The legends include that of the monks, who are thought to have been the easrliest “keepers of the light” and the Welsh monk in particular who established the very first light at Hook Head after discovering the bodies of shipwrecked sailors.
The guided tours are every half hour from 9.30am to 6pm from June until August. The tours only run at weekends and holidays from November to February and all other months of the year they run every half hour from 11am to 5pm. They are happy to cater for group bookings by prior arrangements with Hook Lighthouse.
Access to the lighthouse is strictly by guided tour.
Hook Head Lighthouse Cafe
After your tour you should relax and have a bite to eat in the cafe which serves hot coffee to warm you up, soup, sandwiches and of course seafood.
Visitor Centre at Hook Lighthouse
The visitor centre is located in the former Keeper’s House which while adapted to suit the needs of the visiotro centre still retains its Victorian feel. Hook Lighthouse also has a craft shop with reasonably priced gifts with a nautical theme.
Art Classes and Family Garden
Art classes are held at the lighthouse all year round with local artist Rose Finn. These classes are suitable for adults and kids alike.
The family garden has a kids play area, a mural wall, a mosaic maze and their very own specially designed Hook Head snakes and ladders game.
Hook Head Lighthouse hosts several events throughout the year. Please contact them for details of these events.
Admission Rates
- Adults: €6
- Seniors: €4.50
- Students: €4.50
- Child (under 16): €3.50
- Child (under 5): Free
- Family (of four): €18
- Family (of five): €20
Discounts:
Prebooked groups (20+): receive 10% discount when paying as a group
Directions:
Hook lighthouse is situated on the R734, 50 km from Wexford, 29 km from Waterford via the Passage East Car Ferry and 38km from New Ross.
