Blue skies above and warm wind blowing my hair in every direction. Purple flowers hang off cliffs that overlook the ocean. Waves crashing into black rocky ledges quickly turn into white foam upon impact. My husband standing by my side and my baby snuggled close to my chest, what a beautiful moment, what a beautiful memory.


In the distance stands one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world. Hook lighthouse is a medieval tower that dates back to the 12th century and is still in use today, in fact it is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. With its freshly painted white and black walls I would have never guessed its age. Noel, Isaac, and I enjoyed strolling around the Lighthouse and surrounding grounds with their spectacular ocean view and unique history.

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There is a little café and restaurant along with a gift shop, but what caught my eye was the artist workshop. A local artist set up shop with beautiful ocean and lighthouse paintings on display. She also makes it available for those who want to chance their arm and give painting a go. For a fiver (€5) you can paint a picture on a slate board or for €3 on paper. The aprons, paints, brushes and slate board are all provided along with painting picture books and an amazing view. Tables are set up along the windows and anyone can grab a brush and paint alongside the friendly artist entrepreneur. What a neat way to make a memory and a souvenir.

- They had fun outdoor toys set up in the grass for kids to play on.
- If you are taking a walk outside the walls of the lighthouse compound be extremely careful to watch your kids, lots of dangerous cliffs and blow holes.
- Check out the window view in the cafe, it is absolutely beautiful.