Hook Lighthouse to celebrate maritime heritage
May Bank Holiday, 'Shine A Light Festival' will take place at Hook Lighthouse. Pictured are Ryan Lynch (age 7), Molly Lynch (age 9) and Ava Lynch (age 6) at Ireland's Ancient East tour. Picture: Patrick Browne.
On May 3, the iconic Hook Lighthouse will once again open its historic grounds for the May Bank Holiday, 'Shine A Light Festival', in association with Great Lighthouses of Ireland.
The event will offer a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s maritime heritage in a setting that blends breathtaking coastal views over the Wexford and Waterford coastlines along with centuries of history.
The world’s oldest operational lighthouse, Hook Lighthouse, will come alive with a free, family-friendly programme designed to spark curiosity and adventure for visitors of all ages. Running from 10am to 4pm, the festival will encourage guests to explore the world of the sea through interactive demonstrations from Irish Coast Services, lively family games, hands-on activities, and a range of delicious food offerings throughout the day.
The festival atmosphere will extend across the grounds, where picnic benches and children’s play areas create a relaxed, welcoming space for families.
A highlight for younger visitors will be the ever-popular pirate ship, ensuring imaginative play is firmly anchored in the day’s maritime theme. Alongside the outdoor activities, the maritime museum and sustainability centre will be open all weekend, offering further insight into Ireland’s rich nautical story and the evolving importance of ocean conservation.
A spokesperson said visitors will also get to enjoy the full experience of the lighthouse throughout the weekend, with guided tours running daily from 10am to 4pm.
Creative workshops will add another dimension to the programme, with children’s art sessions with Rose available from €10 per person and beginner adult art classes from €15, taking place Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm.
Food and refreshment are well catered for, with the on-site café alongside an outdoor catering unit, ensuring visitors can spend the day comfortably immersed in the festival atmosphere.
As a free event supported by Great Lighthouses of Ireland, the Shine A Light Festival will celebrate accessibility, heritage, and community spirit in one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal settings. For further details, see www.hookheritage.ie
