Hook Lighthouse today (January 1, 2020) held an ‘Arrow Ceremony’ ceremony dating back to the 1600s is reenacted on the rocks at the foot of the world’s oldest original operational lighthouse.
Archers both expert and amateur from Dunbrody Archers joined together with Cllr John Fleming An Cathaoirleach to participate in the arrow ceremony. The ancient tradition dates back to 1687 when the Mayor and the corporation of New Ross Town Council claimed their authority over the Tower and waters by travelling to the point of the Hook and shooting an arrow into the sea from Hook Head Lighthouse.
The Mayor casting the arrow into the sea symbolises the Ports authority over the estuary. Members of the public were invited to watch the free historical event.
Hook is renowned as the oldest intact working lighthouse in the world, from the 5th-century monks lit fires to keep the ships at sea safe. The Hook Lighthouse tour incorporates 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse tower featuring holograms illustrating the ancient history of the tower and the Hook area and spectacular views of the southern coast.
The Lighthouse was built by the Knight William Marshal and he also built the Port town of New Ross along with Kilkenny Castle, Ferns Castle, Tintern Abbey and many other historical gems, he could be referred to as a medieval property developer, but he was more than this, he was knighted and titled the greatest knight that ever lived by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He married Isabel De Clare the daughter of Strongbow and Aoife and they became quite the medieval ‘power couple’. It is thought that he built Hook Lighthouse to guide ships safely to his Port town of New Ross.
