Hook Head (Irish: Rinn Duáin), historically called Rindowan,[2] is a headland in County Wexford, Ireland, on the east side of the estuary of The Three Sisters (Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow). It is part of the Hook peninsula and is adjacent to the historic townland of Loftus Hall. It is situated on the R734 road, 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Wexford town.

Hook Head
Rinn Duáin[1]
Hook Lighthouse
Hook Head is located in Ireland
Hook Head
Hook Head
Coordinates: 52°07′25.68″N 6°55′44.76″W / 52.1238000°N 6.9291000°W / 52.1238000; -6.9291000

In Irish its name was originally Rinn Dubháin, Dubhán's point, named for a 5th-century Brittonic saint of that name (literally "little black [haired] one").[3][4] The English name is possibly a calque of his name, incorrectly read as being dubán, "fishing-hook".[5][6]

Lighthouse

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This area is the location of Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the world. Access to the lighthouse is by guided tours only which are available all year around. At the foot of the light house there is a cafe, gift shop and a maritime exhibition. The lighthouse is a destination on the Ireland's Ancient East tourist route.[7]

Notable events

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In October 2007 it was reported that a significant amount of oil had been found off the coast of Hook head, in the north Celtic Sea. An Irish company, Providence Resources had drilled test holes and were said to have discovered good quality oil.[8]

The annual "Hook Conference" antiques festival showcases local and international hooks.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Rinn Duáin/Hook Head". Placenames Database of Ireland.
  2. ^ "Rinn Duáin/Hook". Placenames Database of Ireland.
  3. ^ Colfer, Billy (1 August 2004). The Hook Peninsula: County Wexford. Cork University Press. ISBN 9781859183786 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Ireland, Royal Society of Antiquaries of (1 August 1856). "Journal" – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "eDIL - Irish Language Dictionary". www.dil.ie.
  6. ^ "The Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland". 1 August 1873 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ "Hook Head". yourdaysout.com.
  8. ^ RTÉ News. "Oil found off Hook Head", RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Limited, 2009-10-10. Accessed 2009-04-28.

Further reading

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