Hook Head, Ireland

Hook Head, located in Wexford, is a beautiful scenic location for a day trip or a weekend vacation.  To enjoy all of the wondrous sites of Hook Head, I suggest taking the Ring of Hook Drive. The drive will take you right by all of these great visitors attractions.  The drive is signposted

The coastline is one of the most popular attractions of the area.  There is so much area to be covered, it is said there is enough beach for a “fortnight”. Besides the beautiful beaches, you can enjoy windsurfing, scuba diving, swimming, and canoeing.

The lighthouse is also very popular with visitors.  This is one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world.   The lighthouse is open March through October and has tours available daily from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm.  There is also a quaint little café that offers some wonderful food.  Before you leave, make sure you visit the craft shop, which offers a variety of unique souvenirs and gifts.

The Duncannon Fort is a star shaped fortress in Waterford Harbour.  It was built in 1558 with anticipation of an attack by the Spanish Armada and features one of the lighthouses with its uniqueness in Ireland.  In 2002 a Maritime Museum was added.  The museum charts the history of one of the most treacherous coastlines in Ireland.

The Tintern Abbey is a beautiful Cistercian Abbey. It is located in a woodland area and beside an estuary.  It is considered to be the sister abbey of Wordsworth’s Tintern Abbey, which is located in Wales.  Guided tours are available. Call 051 562650 for a complete schedule.

The Dunbrody Abbey is an amazing Cistercian remain.  The Abbey dates back to 1210 A.D.  You can also visit the museum and enjoy the tearooms while visiting the Abbey.  There is also a little craft gallery and a putt course. Be sure to check out one of two of Ireland’s hedge maze.  Guided tours are available and the Abbey is open daily April through September.

There are numerous pubs and restaurants that offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  You can find a fancy hotel for a night out without the kids or kid-friendly restaurants everyone can enjoy.  When staying in Hook Head, rather than staying in a hotel, consider staying at a cozy little bed and breakfast. What better way to learn about the area and meet some of the locals?

The people of Hook Head are equally enthralling as the surroundings.  Sit and listen as they tell you of the culture and the history of the area.  Listen to them tell of the days gone by and how things once were.  The people here were so enchanting, it was hard to leave.

Come for the coastline stay for the culture.

For more information and activities held throughout the year, visit

http://www.thehook-wexford.com/

Shannon Guess