Hook Lighthouse
A lighthouse over 800 years old at the tip of the Hook Peninsula, one of the oldest lighthouses in the world still in use, with guided climbs to the top.
The Hook Lighthouse stands at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, across the water from Waterford Harbour. It was ordered built in the early 13th century by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke. Inside its 4-meter-thick stone walls are vaulted chambers. It still guides ships today and is considered one of the oldest lighthouses in the world still in operation. A guided tour of about 30 to 45 minutes takes visitors up 115 steps to the top, with views over the Celtic Sea and the coast. The limestone shoreline around the lighthouse is rich in fossils and is good for watching waves and seabirds. The visitor centre has a café. To get there from Waterford, take the Passage East–Ballyhack car ferry (about 5 minutes). The whole trip takes about 45 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–17:30 (tours by timed session)
Nearby sights
- Dunmore East
- Tintern Abbey (Wexford)
- Tramore Beach
- Reginald's Tower
- House of Waterford Crystal
- Medieval Museum
- Bishop's Palace
- Christ Church Cathedral