Hook Lighthouse extends opening hours for summer 2024

The world's oldest operating lighthouse has announced that visiting hours will be extended for the summer months. 

Visitors at Hook Lighthouse in Churchtown, Waterford will now be able to enjoy access to the ancient landmark from July 1 to September 1. 

People can currently visit the site between 10am and 5pm, with the lighthouse remaining open until 6pm 7 days a week from July until the end of the summer. 

A ticketed tour enables visitors to explore the fascinating history of the world’s oldest working lighthouse established from a beacon in the 6th century to a grand tower built by the ‘greatest knight that ever lived’ William Marshall to generations of devoted light keepers protecting lives at sea. 

The award-winning tour sees visitors guided up the 115 well-worn spiral steps of the tower and explore the thick-walled chamber, with each ascending step they can trail the daily and nightly ritual of every light keeper who served at Hook Lighthouse.

Visitors can enjoy views of the steely blue seas and the graveyard of 1,000 ships from the top of the lighthouse, including the great Cromwell flagship ‘Great Lewis’ in the 17th century.

A number of free exhibitions and attractions are also part of the Hook Lighthouse site, including a maritime exhibition, an Eco Education station and a pirate ship playground for children all alongside the on-site outdoor catering service.

Guided tours will run every half hour from 10am with the last tour of the day on offer at 5pm.

Online pre-booking is essential.