Hook Lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse
4.5
09:30 - 17:00
Monday
09:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:30 - 17:00
Thursday
09:30 - 17:00
Friday
09:30 - 17:00
Saturday
09:30 - 17:00
Sunday
09:30 - 17:00
About
Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. 800 Years of lighthouse keeping. The Visitor center at Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower, a 13th Century Norman structure, built by William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, as part of the development of his Lordship of Leinster, Guided tours of the lighthouse, culminating with the spectacular view from the balcony, operate every day, the visitor centre houses a first class gift shop and there is a cafe which has seafood specials and home baking. There is a free to view Maritime Exhibition centre with Coast Guard memorabilia and information on the Whales and Dolphins which are often spotted from the Coastline.Parking is free and The Lighthouse grounds have picnic tables and free games for all to enjoy and Relax by the Sea. In clear weather you can see for miles and in a storm the spray often reaches the top of the lighthouse! Social Enterprise Community Tourism Project Thank you for your reviews
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Fabio B3 contributionsEccellenteToday we've the lighthouse tour, the experience was amazing!!!!! Everything was perfect and Unforgettable, staff, view, tour and even the food was great. Something not to miss. A great thanks to our guide who was absolutely fantastic.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 January 2024
- Helen6 contributionsTour of the oldest operational Lighthouse in the world 🌎The tour was so well delivered and so interesting. Our tour guide was brilliant and passionate about his work. Actually, all the staff at the Lighthouse are very nice pleasant people and plenty of time for a chat. Well done 👏 everyone for making our day memorable and enjoyable. It's a beautiful part of the country, def will be back.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- AliceFurayHermitage, United Kingdom22 contributionsFabulous tour and stunning viewsStunning views (see photos) but what made this tour exceptional was our tour guide Paul who took us through the lighthouse while telling us about its 800 years of history. His deep knowledge, ability to create a narrative and his humour made it one of the best tours I have had. Also visit the restaurant afterwards -- the food is delicious and the views unbeatable!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 April 2024
- Ann RBewdley, United Kingdom77 contributionsAmazing lighthouse on Hook Head PeninsulaVisited here on our tour with our mitirhome of Hook Peninsula. So much history here. Found out it was the oldest working lighthouse in the world. Wished we had time to have done guided tour but only gad 2 days leftVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 May 2024
- Nicola PWestern Ireland, Ireland49 contributionsUnmissableThe trip to Hook Head lighthouse has been the highlight of our trip. The staff are so friendly and passionate about their building and its history. We had the pleasure of listening to Lisa sharing the wonderful stories of the building and its surroundings. I also recommend the restaurant for lunch, great food and lovely staffVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 July 2024
- Eva D2 contributionsAmazing tour!Visited on Tuesday just gone with my family. The lighthouse is such an impressive building but what really sold it to me was the guided tour. We had Jane as our guide and she was brilliant and so kind! My kids just loved the tour. Definitely worth a visit!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 August 2024
- Simon GChicago, Illinois1 contributionGreat trip to the lighthouseWent back in June on our trip around Ireland. The site is one of a kind. Our tour guide (Jane) made the trip to the lighthouse so memorable. The view at the top was worth the long climb!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 August 2024
- IvyVienna, Austria36 contributionsInteresting, relaxing trip for a sunny day to learn lighthouse trivia and view the crashing wavesThe lighthouse made for a great, uncomplicated sightseeing trip on a sunny day. Two hours were sufficient to watch the beautifully crashing waves and take the guided tour, which I pre-booked online. Our tour guide was cheerful and made an effort to include all the children on the tour, while providing interesting historical trivia to all adults. Parking is available immediately on site, very convenient.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 August 2024
- Yas12321 contributionsA must see in WexfordSuch a scenic beautiful place, a must see. Lots of bars and restaurants around with beautiful beaches. There are great walks around the light house with some caves. a great family day out.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 August 2024
- Mobile827188Quilty, Ireland63 contributionsTour, tea and talentsWe had a lovely lunch, followed by painting a slate for a 5 year old which she loved followed by tour, conducted by the lovely Tracey. Tour was great and interesting for the adults and older kids. Best of all, I have to admit, is the rough, crazy sea which is spectacular. I personally prefer it in the winter, stormy and aliveVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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C_and_H_11
Dublin, Ireland779 contributions
Feb 2020
We decided to take the guided tour to the top of Hook Lighthouse & our guide Noel, gave us some very interesting information. Noel is a natural, & he built up a great rapour with the children on the tour so they'd feel very included. There are lots of steps to reach the top but we stopped on each floor where Noel gave us much information & history, so it made the climb very easy. It was a very windy day so the seascape was fantastic & the tour is well worth a visit! We also dropped into the great local cafe next door (see seperate review under 'Fabulous Chowder') so we'd definitely recommend making time to drop in here too, as they go hand-in-hand!
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duv_9
Cork, Ireland164 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Beautiful views of the sea. We were not allowed into the lighthouse itself as numbers are restricted due to Covid 19. However we walked around the grounds and read about the history of the lighthouse which was originally built in the 1300s. We also saw the weather station which is interesting as we often hear Hook Head mentioned in the weather forecast here in Ireland.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheCatShouter
Cork, Ireland12 contributions
Aug 2021
We had booked to see the lighthouse at 2pm although we knew tours of the actual inside of the lighthouse were not happening due to Covid. We arrived far earlier then that and mentioned this to the guy organising parking and he had no problem letting us for a walk around etc.
The lighthouse itself is very impressive and dominates the landscape. Below it is a wide open green space for people to walk around, have a picnic or for kids to play on the playground with pirate ship.
After taking in the views we decided to walk around the outside and onto the rocks around the lighthouse. This was a highlight as while quite safe to walk on the views were dramatic and interesting with a number of blow holes (which we stayed away from) shooting up spray.
Considering the whole thing was free and entailed a really pleasant drive to get to Hook Head is well worth a trip.
The lighthouse itself is very impressive and dominates the landscape. Below it is a wide open green space for people to walk around, have a picnic or for kids to play on the playground with pirate ship.
After taking in the views we decided to walk around the outside and onto the rocks around the lighthouse. This was a highlight as while quite safe to walk on the views were dramatic and interesting with a number of blow holes (which we stayed away from) shooting up spray.
Considering the whole thing was free and entailed a really pleasant drive to get to Hook Head is well worth a trip.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Beautiful location and fabulous scenery however certain staff members employed by the lighthouse were not very plesant to say the least and communication between staff members was poor.
I arrived at the car park along with my husband, 2 children and an elderly relative at 1.30pm, the man working at the gate proceeded to inform my husband the next available tour of the lighthouse was at 4.30pm. My husband asked for our party to be booked onto the 4.30pm tour and the man took our details and said we had been booked in. We had lunch in the cafe which was lovely and hung around the area for 3 hours as my 5 year old son really wanted to see inside the lighthouse.
At 4.20pm we approached the ticket office to pay for the tour only to be told we had not been booked in. I explained to the woman on the desk that we had in fact booked in and there must be some confusion. The woman said 'the man on the gate does not take bookings', despite the fact we went back previously to check if we were booked and confimed it with this employee (who was also rude and a fellow employee commented 'there is no need to be so rude'). I found the womans response to be very abrupt and dismissive. She basically called me a liar and said the employee on the gate would not have booked us in despite myself, my husand and my relative all hearing the employee say we were booked in for the 4.30 tour. I asked could she make any allowance as my 5 year old was very upset and we had waited 3 hours and she said no. She processed to get very defensive and i felt quite uncomfortable and upset with her response. She put a very dark cloud over our day and i feel she could have handled the situation in a much more sympathetic manner rather than being confrontational.
I arrived at the car park along with my husband, 2 children and an elderly relative at 1.30pm, the man working at the gate proceeded to inform my husband the next available tour of the lighthouse was at 4.30pm. My husband asked for our party to be booked onto the 4.30pm tour and the man took our details and said we had been booked in. We had lunch in the cafe which was lovely and hung around the area for 3 hours as my 5 year old son really wanted to see inside the lighthouse.
At 4.20pm we approached the ticket office to pay for the tour only to be told we had not been booked in. I explained to the woman on the desk that we had in fact booked in and there must be some confusion. The woman said 'the man on the gate does not take bookings', despite the fact we went back previously to check if we were booked and confimed it with this employee (who was also rude and a fellow employee commented 'there is no need to be so rude'). I found the womans response to be very abrupt and dismissive. She basically called me a liar and said the employee on the gate would not have booked us in despite myself, my husand and my relative all hearing the employee say we were booked in for the 4.30 tour. I asked could she make any allowance as my 5 year old was very upset and we had waited 3 hours and she said no. She processed to get very defensive and i felt quite uncomfortable and upset with her response. She put a very dark cloud over our day and i feel she could have handled the situation in a much more sympathetic manner rather than being confrontational.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conor M
Cork, Ireland15 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We visited Hook Head lighthouse today, we had fantastic weather for the day.
When we arrived we were an hour or so early for our tour so we took a walk along the cliff walk around the lighthouse which was great to see.
Normally with some tours they can be a bit drawn out and you find yourself looking forward to the end, However our tour with Gillian was very informative and interesting at the same time. We didn’t find ourselves looking at the time and would highly recommend it for a activity.
On a side note with everything going on with Covid-19 the staff were great in directing everyone around with the one way system in the reception and cafe areas.
Thanks for a great day.
Thanks Gilian
When we arrived we were an hour or so early for our tour so we took a walk along the cliff walk around the lighthouse which was great to see.
Normally with some tours they can be a bit drawn out and you find yourself looking forward to the end, However our tour with Gillian was very informative and interesting at the same time. We didn’t find ourselves looking at the time and would highly recommend it for a activity.
On a side note with everything going on with Covid-19 the staff were great in directing everyone around with the one way system in the reception and cafe areas.
Thanks for a great day.
Thanks Gilian
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl C
Bray, Ireland648 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We went here as we were in Cork for two nights then Waterford for one night so we went into here on the way back up to Wicklow. We got a burger and a can of coke at the small food place near the carpark. The food was very nice and the staff were lovely, can't fault them.
We did the tour of the lighthouse which was €10 each i think.
Special shoutout to Gillian who was our tour guide. She told us all about the history of the lighthouse as she brought us up the three diff floors of the lighthouse. She first brought us to the small building behind the lighthouse. It's a very interesting tour. There is 115 steps in the lighthouse so keep that in mind if you are doing the tour.
We did the tour of the lighthouse which was €10 each i think.
Special shoutout to Gillian who was our tour guide. She told us all about the history of the lighthouse as she brought us up the three diff floors of the lighthouse. She first brought us to the small building behind the lighthouse. It's a very interesting tour. There is 115 steps in the lighthouse so keep that in mind if you are doing the tour.
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bernadette48Ireland
Clashmore, Ireland143 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Had booked a visit for 1500hrs last Sunday but arrived much earlier, I didn't book the lighthouse itself on account of the 115 steps, I just booked the grounds. I spoke to the chap on the gate and informed him he could give our slot to someone else as we weren't going to stay too long and he was so kind he said we were welcome to come into the grounds immediately as we were kind enough to let him know. We had a lovely visit and had a lovely lunch in the cafe. Even without going into the lighthouse we enjoyed the scenery and would recommend a visit.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamisonmark05
Lisburn, UK172 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Visited the Lighthouse during a trip to Wexford. A lot more at the site than I expected including a pirate ship which kids can play in, cafe and small gift shop. Guide was very enthusiastic and very engaging with the kids especially around theneed for recycling and the environment. Soent a good 1-2 hours exploring the site. A great stop, but just be careful on the rocks as there are a few big drops, which really should be fenced off but aren't. If you bring the kids onto the rocks, keep a hold of them!!!
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ros1943
Castlebar, Ireland1,094 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Wonderful resource and so good to see the amenity run and staffed by a team that have such a passion for the lighthouse, it’s history and educating the public.
The tour was definitely one of the highlights of our staycation as a result of the enthusiasm that Noel brings to the role. It’s the oldest working lighthouse in the world and Noel could share stories going back the decades in terms of the people who staffed the lighthouse and the challenges they faced.
Views are spectacular from this south easterly tip of Ireland. There are some lovely amenities for all the family around the lighthouse with a play area for younger kids and coffee shops with the option to eat both inside and outside.
Given the current pandemic restrictions the tour is very safe and well organised.
Well done Noel and a great option for anyone taking the staycation option this year.
Highly recommended and an important part of Ireland’s history.
The tour was definitely one of the highlights of our staycation as a result of the enthusiasm that Noel brings to the role. It’s the oldest working lighthouse in the world and Noel could share stories going back the decades in terms of the people who staffed the lighthouse and the challenges they faced.
Views are spectacular from this south easterly tip of Ireland. There are some lovely amenities for all the family around the lighthouse with a play area for younger kids and coffee shops with the option to eat both inside and outside.
Given the current pandemic restrictions the tour is very safe and well organised.
Well done Noel and a great option for anyone taking the staycation option this year.
Highly recommended and an important part of Ireland’s history.
Written 14 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fobl11
Birmingham, UK718 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
I took my family here last week and it was the first time in about 15+ years that id visited here.
It was a nice sunny day when we arrived, but it was also really windy and the waves were epic. It was great just to sit and watch this for a while.
We were hoping to go up the lighthouse, however there were only 30 places per tour and were running hourly, so it didn't work for us to wait for the next one.
We ended up eating in the cafe which had a great selection of cakes and baked goods, plus other hot and cold food and drinks to choose from.
There was also a large wooden ship for the kids to play in. On a nice day in the summer you could easily chill here for a while when the kids are running around.
We'll definitely be back again next time we're in Wexford.
It was a nice sunny day when we arrived, but it was also really windy and the waves were epic. It was great just to sit and watch this for a while.
We were hoping to go up the lighthouse, however there were only 30 places per tour and were running hourly, so it didn't work for us to wait for the next one.
We ended up eating in the cafe which had a great selection of cakes and baked goods, plus other hot and cold food and drinks to choose from.
There was also a large wooden ship for the kids to play in. On a nice day in the summer you could easily chill here for a while when the kids are running around.
We'll definitely be back again next time we're in Wexford.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs permitted in the grounds of the lighthouse?
Written 21 August 2019
Yes dogs are permitted to be on the grounds but can’t go inside the actual light house. We had our friends golden retriever with us and we saw loads of other dogs on lead hanging out near the grassy area.
Written 22 August 2019
Do you need to book tickets (family of 4) in advance or can they be bought at the door? Just not sure of our arrival time so don't want to be under pressure to make a dedicated time slot - thanks!
Written 4 June 2019
No need to book in advance unless there is a special function/event on that day.
Written 6 June 2019
It's there a place near the lighthouse that you can have a picnic?
Written 1 May 2019
There are picnic benches on the grounds of the Lighthouse and I think you can have a picnic there. I dont think they allow you to bring your own food inside the cafe which is fair enough
Written 2 May 2019
YES dogs are welcome but not in Cafe area ,, due to food and health restrictions .. be careful if you go walking on the rocks at the back of the Lighthouse as rocks are slippy and the sea comes gushing through various cracks and might catch you out.
Written 5 September 2018
We had our 17 month old son with us tour lasts an hour and you climb steps up in light house , children are more than welcome
Written 27 July 2018
cristinavanni1
Kilkenny, Ireland
Is there any bus from wexford to the lighthouse?
Written 10 November 2017
No unfortunately. You would need to take a taxi.
Public transport is not available.
Written 15 November 2017
How much dos it cost? Is it suitable for family's with autistic children - is ther a lot of cuing and noise?
Is there picnic places where you can have lunch with toilet's. ?
Written 15 July 2017
I cannot remember the cost but it did not stand out as expensive.
My Mum Iin law changed her mind about the lighthouse tour because of the steps and her money was refunded without us even asking.
Thère is lots of outside space & picnic tables for your children including the autistic child.
You will have to judge whether the internal lighthoyse space is too close proximity for your autistic child as it depends in what cause their sensory arousal
I hope your whole family get to enjoy an outing there as muchbas we did.
Written 27 July 2017
Hi we are visiting at the end of August - are you dog friendly? We are not sure whether we are able to bring our boy or not
Written 17 July 2016
I'd venture to say dogs would be fine. It's more or less a park. I believe I had seen someone when a dog there when I visited. The lighthouse is historic and the views are great. It's a small gift shop and Cafe. The rest is outdoors. I say take him.
Written 18 July 2016
Don't want any answers. Having been there recently I want to review the lighthouse. Not sure if I did a review before but now want to do it through the eyes of my grandchildren who had a super time.
Written 22 November 2015
Liam C
Wexford, Ireland
Thanks Pat for the lovely review, we dont respond to public reviews as we feel its best to let people judge for themselves, but we do pay very close attention to all our reviews
I am glad the Grandchildren enjoyed, Rose is a Gem, come next season we will be having lots of family fun days so keep an eye on facebook and website for details
Have a great Christmas
Written 1 December 2015
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