Ancient beacon that led seafarers safely to Ireland's south-east coast

Hook Lighthouse (Irish: Teach Solais Rinn Duáin) was recently voted as one of the top ten places to visit in Ireland. It is one of the two oldest operational lighthouse in the world (the other being the Tower of Hercules in Corunna, Galicia). The existing tower is thought to date from the 12th century. However, tradition states that a monk named Dubhán established a monastery on the Hook Peninsula (Rinn Duáin) in the 5th century. It is thought that the monks from Dubhán’s monastery erected the first fire beacon to warn seafarers of the nearby dangerous rocks. The monks from the monastery are also thought to have helped in the construction of the tower in the 12th century and became the first light-keepers. A time line of the Tower of Hook can be seen on the Hook Lighthouse & Heritage Centre website.

The current structure, which has stood for over 800 years, is operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights (Coimisinéirí Soilse na hÉireann) the Irish Lighthouse Authority. It marks the eastern entrance to Waterford Harbour (Loch Dá Chaoch / Cuan Phort Láirge), into which the rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir flow and is known in Irish as Comar na dtrí nUisce (the confluence of three waters). The importance of the site, which has been described as a world-class attraction, is a recommended place to visit within Ireland’s Ancient East. This points out particular historical attractions in the area outside of Dublin and east of the River Shannon, extending from Carlingford to Cavan and south to Cork City, including East County Cork and East County Limerick. More information can be seen on the Ireland’s Ancient East website.