Standing guard over the rugged Wexford coastline for nearly 800 years, Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world—and an absolute highlight of Ireland’s Ancient East. Perched at the tip of the Hook Peninsula, where the Celtic Sea meets the Atlantic, this medieval tower has guided ships to safety since the 13th century and continues to do so today.
A guided tour of the lighthouse takes you up its original stone steps—115 of them in a tightly winding spiral. It’s a moderate climb, but well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories of the monks who first tended the beacon, the Norman knights who fortified it, and the lighthouse keepers who lived and worked here through centuries of storms and solitude. The structure itself is remarkably intact, with thick walls, vaulted ceilings, and jaw-dropping views from the top.
Once you reach the lantern balcony, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas across the sea and the coastline you’ve been exploring. On a clear day, you can see for miles; on a misty one, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a legend. With the wind in your hair and waves crashing below, Hook Lighthouse offers one of the most atmospheric and unforgettable moments of the tour.
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