" P@tH Im@ges "
" All along the Watchtower "
Dawn at the Hook Head Lighthouse, the Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford.
There has been a lighthouse here on this site from 1671.
Dubhan, a missionary here in the 5th century, was so horrified by the number of bodies he found washed up on the shore, he decided to light a warning beacon which he constantly tended.
It slowly developed into a timber watchtower and in 1172, a group of Welsh monks who had an abbey here, took on the official job of lighting warning beacons.
The original bottom 3 storeys date from 1670, and were just basic coal fired beacons lit on top of the structure. The coal dust is still visible, clinging to the stonework.
In 1720 a new light was installed and was operated on whale oil.
The top 2 storeys were added in the early 20th century and is now fully automated. It was opened to the public in 2002 and is an amazing place to visit much feted in The Lonely Planet Guide. I have been there 5 times in the last 10 years as its a fabulous place and its wonderful to walk the coastline.
The saying, " By Hook or by Crook " is said to have originated here. Crook head is on the opposite side of the Suir River estuary in Co. Waterford. Oliver Cromwell who caused much slaughter here in 1691, said he would take Waterford City by Hook or by Crook, referring to the headlands. However, it proved to be his undoing as he was driven off at Duncannon Fort and his troops died of dysentery and starvation in a failed siege. Unfortunately Oliver survived!
By the way, if I have to explain where the title comes from, well, "Man" you haven't lived!!!! Lol!
{Jimi Hendrix Experience, classic version[ 1968 ] of the Bob Dylan song! Check it out on uTube!}
Do hope you like my efforts and thank you for reading.
Pat.
" All along the Watchtower "
Dawn at the Hook Head Lighthouse, the Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford.
There has been a lighthouse here on this site from 1671.
Dubhan, a missionary here in the 5th century, was so horrified by the number of bodies he found washed up on the shore, he decided to light a warning beacon which he constantly tended.
It slowly developed into a timber watchtower and in 1172, a group of Welsh monks who had an abbey here, took on the official job of lighting warning beacons.
The original bottom 3 storeys date from 1670, and were just basic coal fired beacons lit on top of the structure. The coal dust is still visible, clinging to the stonework.
In 1720 a new light was installed and was operated on whale oil.
The top 2 storeys were added in the early 20th century and is now fully automated. It was opened to the public in 2002 and is an amazing place to visit much feted in The Lonely Planet Guide. I have been there 5 times in the last 10 years as its a fabulous place and its wonderful to walk the coastline.
The saying, " By Hook or by Crook " is said to have originated here. Crook head is on the opposite side of the Suir River estuary in Co. Waterford. Oliver Cromwell who caused much slaughter here in 1691, said he would take Waterford City by Hook or by Crook, referring to the headlands. However, it proved to be his undoing as he was driven off at Duncannon Fort and his troops died of dysentery and starvation in a failed siege. Unfortunately Oliver survived!
By the way, if I have to explain where the title comes from, well, "Man" you haven't lived!!!! Lol!
{Jimi Hendrix Experience, classic version[ 1968 ] of the Bob Dylan song! Check it out on uTube!}
Do hope you like my efforts and thank you for reading.
Pat.