Hook Lighthouse

Hook Lighthouse

Features

Hook Lighthouse is a 13th century lighthouse on the Hook Peninsula in south west County Wexford.

The medieval lighthouse may be an ideal filming location for scenes that need an ancient but operating lighthouse, or for scenes that need a rugged coastal setting. Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse was built between 1200 and 1240, and although it has been modernized for the operational benefit of the lantern, the tower still has ancient qualities.

The location has 115 spiraling steps that lead up 4 stories to the top of the tower, the walls of the tower are up to 4 metres thick, and the lower storeys have cross-vaulted ceilings. Each floor has its original 13th century fireplace.

On the exterior, the tower has a unique white and black stripe pattern that differentiates it from other lighthouses. The building is located on the tip of the Hook Peninsula and has great views of the coastal features along the Hook Coast. The top of the tower has a viewing balcony which is ideal for seeing the coast and the sea. The area is known for experiencing frequent fog and mist.

The lantern was has been electric-powered since the 1970s, and the operation of the lighthouse is automated, with the light being controlled from Dublin. The former keepers’ houses were converted into a visitor centre. The lighthouse is popular with tourists and is considered a symbol of County Wexford.

More Info

Located on Hook Head.

Dimensions: 46m tall. 13m wide at the base, and 6m at the top.

Parking: ~60 cars on the lighthouse grounds, with around another 60 spaces on rough ground by the coast.

Nearest town: New Ross, 35km away.

Download Hook Head info pack here

Photographer: Celtic Routes, Gordon Wycherly