History
Hook Lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse which is located near Fethard-on-Sea in County Wexford
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor CentreHook Lighthouse
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre
Hook Lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse which is located near Fethard-on-Sea in County Wexford
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor CentreHook Lighthouse is a medieval lighthouse off the south coast of County Wexford. It is thought to be one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. When the lighthouse at Hook became fully automated in 1996, there was no longer any need for resident keepers. It was decided then to open it up to the public. The former keeper's houses now play host to the visitor centre.
The lighthouse was built in the 13th century and was a major feat of construction at that time. It has been helping sailors for roughly 800 years, apart from a short period in the 17th century when it closed.
It was William Marshal, the Earl of Pembrokeshire, who organised the building of the lighthouse. He wanted to offer his ships some navigational help as they made their way to Waterford Harbour.
Construction
Hook Lighthouse ground floor
Hook Lighthouse became fully automated in 1996, after which it no longer needed resident keepers.
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor CentreHook Lighthouse ground floor
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre
Hook Lighthouse ground floor
Hook Lighthouse became fully automated in 1996, after which it no longer needed resident keepers.
Image courtesy of the Hook Lighthouse Visitor CentreThe design of the lighthouse was apparently based on cylindrical stone towers called 'Juliets' which were very popular in France and Wales at that time.
The tower was made of local limestone and the building survives almost intact to this day. It is just under 36.6 metres high.
The lighthouse has 2 tiers which are linked by a stairway with 115 steps. The lower tier is 13 metres in diameter while the upper tier is smaller at 6.3 metres in diameter. The coal beacon was kept in the upper tier. This was of course replaced by a lantern in later times.
Hook Lighthouse today
When the lighthouse at Hook became fully automated in 1996, there was no longer any need for resident keepers. It was decided then to open it up to the public. The former keeper's houses now play host to the visitor centre.