Hook Heritage
The Lighthouse at Hook Head, Co Wexford, which was automated
in April 1996, was built under charter by William Marshal, Earl of
Pembroke, in 1245. This magnificent edifice which has stood, a
benign sentinel over the tumultuous seas, for over 700 years will
continue to aid mariners while assuming a new lease of life when
the wonders of its rib-vaulted ceilings and the extra-mural
chambers will be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
Hook Heritage Ltd, a company established to develop the site
as a heritage/visitor centre, has recently secured funding under
the Bord Failte administered EU Operational Programme for Tourism.
Plans are currently being finalised and it is the intention of the
company to open the centre for Easter 1999.
The company will operate the centre under a lease/licence arrangement from the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Irish Lights have played a central role in progressing the project to this stage and the promoters recognise the vital role they will continue to play. The visitor facilities, which will be sited in the two former Keepers' houses, will include café, craft shop, interpretation, and a guided tour of the medieval Tower of Hook.
Medieval fireplace in Hook Tower (photo: Nikki Woodruff)
The story to be relayed is, quintessentially, one of lightkeeping past and present. The tradition of lightkeeping is a long and proud one, nowhere more so than on Hook Head, with the tradition of the establishment of a light on the Hook by the Welsh monk Dubhan in the 5th century. Advances in technology have radically changed lightkeeping, but the essence remains intact from time immemorial.
Hook Head Lighthouse (photo: Nikki Woodruff)
The people of the Hook peninsula are privileged to live in an area with an abundance of built and natural heritage. The lighthouse at Hook Head is the jewel in the crown and will be a delight to visit, to take from it memories and echoes of the past.
The promoters of Hook Heritage Ltd are launching a world-wide appeal to raise funds for this endeavour. If you wish to become a member of the Shining Lights or if you want further information about the project, please contact--
Derville Killian, Project Manager,
Duncannon Fort,
Duncannon,
Co. Wexford,
Ireland.
Tel/Fax: + 353 51 389454;
email: hookinfo@iol.ie;
website: www.thehook-wexford.com
The company will operate the centre under a lease/licence arrangement from the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Irish Lights have played a central role in progressing the project to this stage and the promoters recognise the vital role they will continue to play. The visitor facilities, which will be sited in the two former Keepers' houses, will include café, craft shop, interpretation, and a guided tour of the medieval Tower of Hook.
Medieval fireplace in Hook Tower (photo: Nikki Woodruff)
The story to be relayed is, quintessentially, one of lightkeeping past and present. The tradition of lightkeeping is a long and proud one, nowhere more so than on Hook Head, with the tradition of the establishment of a light on the Hook by the Welsh monk Dubhan in the 5th century. Advances in technology have radically changed lightkeeping, but the essence remains intact from time immemorial.
Hook Head Lighthouse (photo: Nikki Woodruff)
The people of the Hook peninsula are privileged to live in an area with an abundance of built and natural heritage. The lighthouse at Hook Head is the jewel in the crown and will be a delight to visit, to take from it memories and echoes of the past.
The promoters of Hook Heritage Ltd are launching a world-wide appeal to raise funds for this endeavour. If you wish to become a member of the Shining Lights or if you want further information about the project, please contact--
Derville Killian, Project Manager,
Duncannon Fort,
Duncannon,
Co. Wexford,
Ireland.
Tel/Fax: + 353 51 389454;
email: hookinfo@iol.ie;
website: www.thehook-wexford.com