Hook Peninsula - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Hook Lighthouse is a building situated on Hook Head at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, in Ireland. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the world, after the Tower of Hercules in Spain. It is operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the Irish Lighthouse Authority, it marks the eastern entrance to Waterford Harbour. The current structure has stood for 848 years as of 2020.

The majestic Dunmore East woods comprise of 42 acres of woodland granted in a trust by the 7th Marquis of Waterford in 1924, for the recreational use of the people of Dunmore East along with the park in the centre of the village. The woods and park are administrated by a Trusteeship of villagers. The woodland is a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees. You can see Wild Cherry, Silver Birch, Common Lime. Scots Pine, Rowan and Yew which have been part of the recent Neighbourwood planting scheme.

Baginbun Beach is a secluded and sheltered beach located just outside Fethard in County Wexford. It is a family friendly beach that was good with white sands and there are so many opportunities for fun too.

Woodstown Beach is a long sandy beach surrounded by private woodlands. It is a tidal beach which extends out around a kilometre at low tide, exposing a large and flat beach. The water here is glorious and it’s a fine spot for a walk at any time of the day. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area, particularly with families. It is a great spot for kids and is ideal for picnics.

Duncannon Beach is located in the south west of County Wexford. It is a designated bathing area of approximately a mile long. There are great views from the beach of Hook Head and, across the river, the Waterford coastline. Its sheltered location protects it from the strongest waves and makes it a popular spot for swimming during the summer months.

This is an impressive presentation of a bastioned fortress perched on the side of the stunning Hook Peninsula, County Wexford, part of Ireland’s Ancient East. A fort was built on this site by Normans in the 12th century, and there may have been an earlier earthen fort built by Gaelic Irish. The present star fort was built in 1587–88 by Queen Elizabeth I to defend Waterford from possible invasion by the Spanish Armada.