One of the most famous and probably the first lighthouses.
If your going onward to the West or Cork, Waterford; then you should factor in the time to take in a trip to the famous Hook light house. Hook head is a fascinating place with blow holes fossils wild waters. You can often see whales from the shore and the visitor centre for the lighthouse has many useful attractions and amenities. Click here for their pages.
If you like fossils click here for a great page that will tell you all about the geology of this famous place. Have a fossil hunting holiday in Wexford.
The original lighthouse at Hook Head was built in the 5th century. According to tradition, it was established by a Welsh monk named Dubhad whose church still exists at nearby Churchtown. His successors continued to keep the light until 1641. The tower built in 1172 was later enclosed by a larger structure; a spiral stairway was installed between the outer wall of the 1172 tower and the inner wall of the new tower. The present lantern dates from 1864.
Tower Height: 115
Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world in Hook Peninsula, Co.Wexford.
Operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Irish Lighthouse Authority, the Hook marks the eastern entrance to Waterford Harbour. Its is often referenced in weather forecasts for the sea area.
In 2001 the lighthouse was opened to the public as a tourist attraction after construction of an attached visitor's centre.
In January 2011, .
Purpose built as a lighthouse, it has served sailors and shipping for 800 years, . It is thought to be one of the oldest functioning lighthouses. it was decided to celebrate its uniqueness by opening it to the public.
By "Hooke or by Crooke" you can discover the wonders of the medieval tower of hook.
A fascinating local flora and fauna can be enjoyed with blow holes and fossils eve the odd whale can be seen from the peninsulas. Dolphins are often spotted near by.
Worth the journey ona wet and windy day it can be very dramatic perhaps better enjoyed then the sunny day trip.
there is a cafe on site with toilets and changing facilities, adequate car park but get there early as in high season the traffic can build up at this popular destination. gift shop also on site. Follow safety warning and keep an eye on children as this is wild coastline its not a play ground.
While you at the Hook check out, Tintern Abbey
recently Restored with wonderfully woodland walk ways
and dramatics views of this imposing abbey.
Situated on the west shore of Bannow Bay in Co. Wexford, Tintern Abbey was one of the most powerful Cistercian foundations in the South East until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536.
Conservation and consolidation works started at Tintern in the early 1980s and archeological excavations between 1982 and 1994 exposed many of the features of the original Cistercian abbey.
The abbey is now open for visitors and has a great walk throught the woodland gardens. Constructed to the standard Cistercian plan, the abbey church was located to the north of an enclosed cloister garth which was surrounded on all sides by covered walks and a sequence of domestic buildings.
| Abbey/Friary/Monastic Site/Church |
| Address |
Saltmills New Ross, Co Wexford |
| Directions |
16 km south of New Ross of the R734 or 29 km from Wexford off the R733. |
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| Opening Times |
|
| Date |
Day |
Time |
| Mid June - Late September |
Daily |
09:30-18:30 |
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|
Last admission 45 mins. before closing. Bookings from September - Mid June under 056-24623. |
| Visit Length |
1hr |
|
| Admission |
| Adult |
€2.00 |
Child |
€0.75 |
| Student |
€0.75 |
Senior |
€1.25 |
| Family |
€5.50 |
Group |
€1.25 |
*Pay direct |
|
| Information |
|
|
|
| Leaflets: Yes |
Guided Tours: Yes |
Audio Visual: Yes |
Exhibition: Yes |
| Facilities |
@ |
@ |
@ |
| Restaurant: Yes |
Car Park: Yes |
Coach Park: Yes |
Disabled Access: Yes |
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