ONE OF Ireland’s most iconic tourist attractions is reopening to visitors later this month.
First constructed by Knight William Marshal as a landmark and light tower to guide ships into the port of Ross some 800 years ago, Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world.
The history of the scenic coastline dates back even further to 500 to 1000 AD and the Early Christian Period, when it served as the site of a Monastery founded by St.Dubhan at Churchtown.
The peninsula became known as Rinn Dubhain (Dubhan’s headland) where, according to tradition, monks kept a warning beacon to warn sailors of the dangers of shipwreck on the rocky headland.
Rightly regarded as one of Ireland’s must-see stop-offs for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle, the lighthouse offers spectacular views of the surrounding sea and coastline alongside a fascinating glimpse of almost a thousand years of Irish history.
However, the lighthouse has been decidedly quiet in recent months, with Ireland’s coronavirus restrictions forcing the tourist attraction to close its doors to the public.
GOOD NEWS - June 29th is the day we have been waiting for!
We are delighted to announce that Hook Lighthouse, the Lightkeepers Café & the outdoor dining option the Seahorse will all open 7 days per
ALL visitors must pre-book a FREE grounds access pass at https://t.co/pfPTsRdjtr pic.twitter.com/dbbegX5zwp— Hook Lighthouse (@hooklighthouse) June 18, 2020
Now, three months on, the lighthouse is preparing to reopen its doors as part of the government’s accelerated road map for reopening businesses across the country.
Hook Lighthouse is set to reopen from June 29th, albeit with limited capacity in line with the social distancing requirements in place while coronavirus remains a threat on the island of Ireland.
However, every person coming to the tourist hot spot will be required to pre-book their space.
Whatever the circumstances, restrictions or requirements in place, the return of normality to this treasured bit of iconic Irish coastland is much welcome.
See More: Co. Wexford, Hook Lighthouse, Tourism, Travel
