Hook Lighthouse Wexford
Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford has been voted the number one lighthouse in the world and is an enduringly popular attraction in south east Ireland. Described by Lonely Planet Guide as a “little plump lighthouse, the granddaddy of all lighthouses”, it has been marking the entrance to Waterford Harbour for at least 2,000 years.
One of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, the present structure dates back 800 years to the medieval tower of Hook. Today there is a visitor centre, a café serving light meals, a gift shop and the tower itself to discover. Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower all year round—one of the top things to do in Wexford and Waterford. Climb the 115 steps to enjoy the spectacular view of the county coastline from the balcony.
Hook Lighthouse, constructed with local limestone, is one of the most fascinating examples of medieval architecture in Ireland. The tower stands four stories high, with walls of up to 4m thick. The tower itself consists of three rib-vaulted chambers in the lower tier, while the upper narrower section carried the warning beacon in times gone by.
A range of festivals and family events take place at Hook Lighthouse, including the Maritime Matters Festival on the May bank holiday weekend, the Pirate Festival in July, a series of Summer Lectures and Heritage Week Vintage Day. Themed cookery demonstrations, historical re-enactments, charity fundraisers and themed art workshops are other unique ways to enjoy the atmosphere of Hook Lighthouse
The Visitor Centre is open all year round. June/July/August, 9:30am-6:00pm | May/September, 9:30am-5:30pm | Rest of the year, 9:30am-5:00pm Guided tours of Hook Lighthouse tower: June/July/August—Every half-hour from 10:00am-5:30pm | Rest of the year—Every hour from 11:00am-5:00pm | Group bookings by prior arrangement | Access to lighthouse by guided tour only.
Guided tour rates: Adult: €6.00 | Concession: €5.00 | Child (5-16 years): €3.50 | Child (under 5): Free | Family (2+1): €15.00 | Family (2+2): €18.00 | Family (2+3+): €20.00 | Pre-booked group (20+): Receive a 10% discount when paying as a group.
