Hook Lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse has a focal height of 46 metres, a tower height of 35 metres and a range of 23 nautical miles. It was built in 1172.
- Focal height
- 46 metres
- Tower height
- 35 metres
- Range
- 23 nautical miles
- Built
- 1172
- Automated
- 1996
- Light characteristic
- Fl W 3s.
- Coordinates
- 52.124, -6.93
Hook Lighthouse, located on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, Ireland, is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse globally. Built in 1172, the current structure has stood for over 800 years. The lighthouse is owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Irish lighthouse authority, and marks the eastern entrance to Waterford Harbour.
The lighthouse is a broad cylindrical tower with a double balcony and lantern, constructed from limestone. It stands at a height of 35 meters and has a focal height of 47 meters. The tower features a distinctive white color with two black bands and is equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, with a range of 23 nautical miles. Hook Lighthouse is operated by Hook Heritage Ltd. and is a significant tourist attraction.
The lighthouse has a rich history, dating back to the 5th century when a beacon was established by missionary Dubhán. The existing tower was built by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, in the 12th century, who had a port in New Ross and wanted to ensure safe passage for ships. The monks at a nearby monastery lit warning fires and beacons before becoming the first light-keepers in the 13th century. Today, Hook Lighthouse is an iconic example of medieval architecture, with walls up to 4 meters thick and three rib-vaulted chambers in the lower tier.
Light and tower
It lies on the Celtic Sea. It has a broad cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern tower. The tower is built of limestone. Its daymark is white tower with two black bands. The light has a focal height of 46 metres. The light has a range of 23 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Fl W 3s. It carries a third order [[Fresnel lens]] lens. It was automated in 1996. It is managed by Hook Heritage Ltd.
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Details
- Name
- Hook Lighthouse
- Marking
- white tower with two black bands
- Range Nm
- 23
- Lens Type
- third order [[Fresnel lens]]
- Year Built
- 1172
- Description
- The '''Hook Lighthouse''' (; also known as '''Hook Head Lighthouse''') is a building situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, in Ireland. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world, after the Tower of Hercules in Spain. It is operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Irish lighthouse authority, and marks the eastern entrance to Waterford Harbour. The current structure has stood for over 800 years.
- Tower Shape
- broad cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern
- Body Of Water
- Celtic Sea
- Image Caption
- Hook Head Lighthouse, which was built approximately 800 years ago.
- Location Text
- Wexford
- Focal Height M
- 46
- Managing Agent
- Hook Heritage Ltd.
- Tower Height M
- 35
- Year Automated
- 1996
- Light Characteristic
- Fl W 3s.
- Construction Material
- limestone tower