County Wexford, Ireland
Hook Lighthouse is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world. Built in the 13th century, it has guarded Waterford Harbour for over 800 years.
4.9 from 546 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided tower climbs and boat tours.
Most bookedLocated at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford in Ireland's Ancient East, the Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and has...
Top ratedTake a boat tour to see Hook Lighthouse from the Sea! We will take you on a breath-taking guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford Coastline, where you will enjoy...
Best valueThe most comprehensive tour of Portland! Hop on board a trolley and relax as we show you around. The tour covers all of our most famous sights on the Portland peninsula....
Explore
Discover the medieval keep and the visitor facilities.
The lighthouse flashes white once every 3 seconds.
Focal height of 47 meters.
Plan your visit
The standard tower tour takes 45 minutes. Leave time for the cafe and coastal paths.
July and August offer half-hourly tours. The site is open all year round.
Drive 40 minutes from New Ross or 50 minutes from Wexford. Parking is free.
Tower tours are paid and run by Hook Heritage; check hookheritage.ie for current prices. Access to the grounds and visitor centre is free.
Constructed between 1210 and 1230 by the knight William Marshal, the lighthouse was designed to guide ships safely to New Ross. The thick limestone walls of Inside the Tower hold a medieval stone staircase with 115 steps.
Today, the site is fully automated and controlled remotely from Dublin. The former lightkeepers' dwellings now serve as the Centre & Grounds, offering a cafe, gift shop, and historical exhibits.
Read our guide on Tickets & Prices to find the right entry option. If you plan to climb to the balcony, see Packing Guide for practical packing tips.
We check times, prices, and inclusions directly.
We write plain advice without exaggerations.
We summarize warnings from actual traveler reviews.
From Viator
546 reviews of the guided tour ticket on Viator
Fascinating. Our guide Paul was wonderful and very interesting. I highly recommend this trip even if there is a mist.
Great experience! Our guide John was fun and knowledgeable. This is the oldest working lighthouse in the world and it was impressive. Highly recommend this tour but must be able to climb 100+ steps. There is also a nice coffee shop and bookstore. We were there on a beautiful day and the views were stunning.
Best excursion we had our whole trip! Our guide was phenomenal. So much fun!
Excellent experience. My girls loved it. Rupert was an exceptional guide.
This was a first class tour, the guide/driver was very knowledgeable and great fun. It ran exactly to time, was easy to find the meeting point, a great short tour
This was friendly fun and a good time. Loved the lighthouse and all the information on Portland. I would definitely go
Super nice tour guides and funny! Enjoyable ride. Got to see all the lighthouses and islands. Bonus, a seal!
Very cool experience! The guides are great and their dog Nani was a big plus. Would definitely recommend going if you’re in the area- it’s a great way to learn a little bit about the history of Maine!
This is a lovely chance to not only see inside the beautiful (almost 200-y.o.) lighthouse, but to learn about its history, how it worked, and all the things it’s been through in its lifetime. The tour guide Wayne was so warm and lovely and passionate about the history and the place. It was a total delight! Wonderful views also!
Travel tips
Best time to goFind the best season and time of day to visit Hook Lighthouse.Read 
Tickets & PricesAdmission costs and booking rules for Hook Lighthouse.Read 
Getting ThereFind the best driving routes and transport options for Hook Lighthouse.Read 
Kids and FamiliesPlan your family visit to Hook Lighthouse with ticket tips.Read 
Packing GuideKnow what to wear to climb the 115 stone steps.Read 
Which is Older?Compare Hook Lighthouse and Spain's Tower of Hercules.Read Hook Lighthouse is over 800 years old. It was constructed between 1210 and 1230 by William Marshal.
There are 115 well-worn spiral steps inside the tower. You must wear appropriate footwear to climb them.
The 13th-century knight William Marshal built the tower to guide ships safely to New Ross.
It is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world, and the oldest with its original intact tower. For more context, see Which is Older?.
Tower tours are paid and run by Hook Heritage; check hookheritage.ie for current prices. Toddlers aged 0-4 are free. For full pricing, check Tickets.
No. Access to the tower is strictly by guided tour. Pre-booking is highly recommended.
Book your tickets early for peak summer months.
