The world’s oldest original operational lighthouse will join the National Culture Night celebrations on Friday, September 20th. The 800-year-old lighthouse will remain open extra late and offer free guided tours of the medieval tower at 5.30 pm, 6 pm, 6.30 pm and 7 pm – each of the free places on these tours must be booked in advance on www.hookheritage.ie to avoid disappointment.

Hook Lighthouse celebrates its ancient maritime heritage and culture and your tour guide will bring you on a journey of discovery during a 45-minute tour of the 800-year-old medieval tower, regaling fascinating insights and stories of times gone by with some help from a number of historical characters along the way. Having climbed the well-worn 115 steps of the tower visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the South East coast of Ireland from the balcony at the top of the Lighthouse.
Highlights of this guided tour include a visit to the medieval lighthouse tower, built by William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, dubbed ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’. As you climb the well-worn stone steps you will meet St. Dubhán from who kept watch for all those at sea here with his fellow monks in the 5th century, meet ‘the greatest knight that ever lived’ William Marshal and the man behind the construction of the ancient tower, (he also built Tintern Abbey and Kilkenny Castle). Then hear the real-life stories from the Tower’s light keepers and learn what life was like at a lonely old lighthouse.
The tour will end on a high, as you step out onto the balcony where they will experience panoramic views of the South East of Ireland and the Celtic Sea.

To book your tour place, see the website ticketing page on www.hookheritage.ie