HOOK LIGHTHOUSE has formally announced a flagship event for this year’s Gathering programme of activities.
‘The Gathering of Lighthouse Keepers’ will take place at the famous Wexford landmark from September 13 to 15. The world’s oldest operational facility of its type Hook Lighthouse is synonymous with the Wexford coastline and is known all over the world.
As a tourist attraction it ranks with the finest anywhere in the country but the forthcoming event could well and truly put it on the world map.
For the official launch last weekend a small group of past lighthouse keepers met at the Hook to discuss plans for the upcoming event.
The 800-year-old lighthouse has a marvellous history. It was built by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, in the early 13th Century to guide ships safely around Hook Peninsula. Throughout its history is has been attended by over 100 lighthouse keepers with the last keeper, T.P. (Tux) Tweedy, keeping watch from 1990 to 1996.
The watchtower is now automated and shines its beacon 24 hours-per-day all year around.
The Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre Manager, Ann Waters, commented on the forthcoming event to The Echo and said: “We are really excited about this event. It is something we have been working on for sometime with the Commissioners of Irish Lights.”
Having commented on the fact that Hook Lighthouse is described as ‘the grand-daddy of all lighthouses’ Ms. Waters said: “Where else could you hold a gathering for lighthouse keepers, their families, enthusiasts and societies from all over the world.”
To-date the lighthouse attracts visitors from all over the world with American visitors being particularly interested in it.
“It will be wonderful to have everyone here and we are very excited by the stories that will be told over the weekend,” said Ms. Waters.
There will be wide range of events planned for that weekend with many family orientated activities taking place.
The social weekend will begin on Friday, September 13, and will include talks and information sessions as well as entertainment.
