Hook Lighthouse facts for kids

The Hook Lighthouse (also known as Hook Head Lighthouse) is a very old building in County Wexford, Ireland. It stands on Hook Head, a point of land sticking out into the sea. This lighthouse helps guide ships into Waterford Harbour. It is one of the oldest lighthouses still working today, over 800 years old! Only the Tower of Hercules in Spain is older. The Commissioners of Irish Lights manage it now.

The Story of Hook Lighthouse

The Hook Lighthouse appears on the coat of arms of County Wexford.

The Hook Lighthouse you see today was built in the 12th century. But people say that even earlier, around the 5th century, a missionary named Dubhán used to light warning fires here. This headland is called Rinn Dubháin in Irish, which means St. Dubhán's Head. The English name "Hook" comes from a similar-sounding Irish word, 'duán', meaning a fish hook. Locals often just call it "the Hook."

Building the Tower

The tower was built by William Marshall, who was a powerful leader in Ireland. He took over from his father-in-law, Strongbow. William Marshall wanted to make his new port in New Ross successful. This port was about 30 kilometers up the river. To help ships reach New Ross safely, he ordered a tall tower to be built. This tower was 36 meters (118 feet) high.

We don't know the exact year the lighthouse was built. William Marshall arrived in the area in 1201. The first map showing the lighthouse working is from 1240. So, the lighthouse must have been built sometime between these years.

The First Light-Keepers

The first people to look after the light were a small group of monks. They lived in a monastery on the peninsula. For many years, these monks lit warning fires and beacons. This helped warn sailors about the dangerous rocks nearby. In the 13th century, these monks became the first official light-keepers. They are also thought to have helped build the tower itself.

The Tower's Design

Hook Lighthouse is an amazing example of medieval building design in Ireland. The tower is four stories tall. Its walls are very thick, up to 4 meters (13 feet) wide. The lower part of the tower has three rooms with arched stone ceilings. The narrower top section held the warning beacon.

A spiral staircase, built inside the wall, connects the two parts. It has 115 steps. The tower was made from local limestone. The original building is still standing strong today. The bottom part is 13 meters (43 feet) wide at its base. It has three floors, each with its original 13th-century stone fireplace. There are also small rooms built into the thick walls, including two old toilets. The upper part is 6 meters (20 feet) wide. It originally held the beacon fire, which was later replaced by a modern lantern.

Warning Ships in Fog

In the past, fog signals were very important for sailors. They warned ships during thick fog, which can appear suddenly. Before radar and radio, these signals were essential. At first, fog guns were fired every 10 minutes from the cliff edge. Later, explosive charges were set off from the top of the tower. Finally, a loud air horn (hooter) blasted every 45 seconds during foggy weather. In January 2011, the Hook's fog horn was heard for the last time. Modern ships have advanced technology, so fog horns are no longer needed.

How the Light Changed Over Time

The monks left the tower in the mid-17th century. The first official lighthouse keepers then took over. In 1671, a new lantern was put on top of the tower. It still burned coal, but it was an improvement. The coal fire was stopped in 1791. A new lantern, 12 feet wide with 12 lamps, was installed. This one burned whale oil.

In 1871, gas lights were installed. The gas was made right there in a special area called 'the gas yard'. Around the 1860s, three houses were built for the lighthouse keepers to live in. In 1911, paraffin oil became the power source. A clockwork machine made the light flash instead of staying steady. A keeper had to wind this machine every 25 minutes.

Finally, in 1972, electricity became the power source. Light-sensitive switches were added to control the lantern automatically. In March 1996, the Hook Lighthouse became fully automatic. The last light-keepers, who had climbed the stairs and looked after the light for so long, left the station. Now, the lighthouse is controlled from Dún Laoghaire by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

A Tourist Attraction

In 2001, the lighthouse opened to the public as a place to visit. The old keepers' houses were turned into a visitor center. In June 2011, a travel guide called Lonely Planet named Hook Lighthouse the "great granddaddy of lighthouses." They listed it as one of the "Top 10 Flashiest Lighthouses."

See also

In Spanish: Faro de Cabo de Hook para niños

• List of lighthouses in Ireland