Hook Lighthouse

Welcome to the seventh installment of the Serious Sites in the South East series. This week we visit the wonderful Hook Lighthouse in Hook Head, County Wexford! 

What is Hook Lighthouse?
Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the world. The current structure has stood there for over 800 years. In the fifth century a monk built a monastery on the Hook peninsula, it is said that the monks were the first to light a fire beacon to warn passers by of the dangerous rocks. 

Price:
Adult €9
Senior / Student €7
Child under 5 yrs free 
Family 1 + 1  €12
Family 1 + 2 €15
Family 2 + 1 €20
Family 2 + 2 €22
Family 2 + 3 €24  

Facilities:
Cafe/Restaurant
Car Park
Toilets
Gift shop 
Guided Tours
Whale watching 
Family events over holidays

Wheelchair/Buggies:
Not suitable for wheelchairs and buggies as it is a steep stairs all the way to the top.

Family Friendly:
The lighthouse is definitely family friendly but maybe for kids over five as they will have little interest in the history of the lighthouse and it is a climb to the top.

Aisling's Advice:
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Hook Lighthouse, I was skeptical as to how interesting it would be but our tour guide Noel captivated you with how he spoke about the lighthouse. It was great to see someone enjoying their job so much and there wasn't a single question he couldn't answer! Guided tours leave every 30 minutes and it seems the earlier ones are the least busy if you want a more personal tour. When you've finished your tour of the lighthouse you can go to the gift shop and have a look around or you can grab a bite to eat from the cafe/restaurant tha

t has a full menu and everything sounds delicious! If you have the time you could also visit all the other sites the Hook Peninsula has to offer such as Loftus Hall (Ireland's most haunted house), Tintern Abbey, Duncannon Fort and Ballyhack Castle. 

Ratings: A great place to visit!
Historical Factors:     4/5 - Great history.
Aesthetic Factors:      3.5/5 - Lighthouse tower and views great, would be better on a clear day.
Overall Experience:   4/5 - Very enjoyable but tour is only 45 minutes need to fill day with other sites as well.

Check out my YouTube video of Hook Lighthouse:
CLICK HERE
For more info:
CLICK HERE