Hook Lighthouse

The Hook Lighthouse is the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world! It is a 13th Century building that still stands and still operates to this day!

It is made of limestone and has 4 stories.  It stands 36 meters high and the stairway has 115 steps. 

Inside they used the crossing beams and the inside part is the Keystone.  The lighthouse was built by William Marshall, a son-in-law to Strongbow and Aoife. He was responsible for the building of many other castles and buildings in Ireland.  The lighthouse originally used a fire to serve as the beacon to ships at sea.  It was kept lit by monks who lived in the lighthouse and worked to keep the fire burning in the top, by carrying the coal up the steps to the top.  Now it is lit by electricity.

Views from the top of the lighthouse.  It was a very windy day so it was a little scary!  Steve did not venture too far out from the doorway at the top.