Hook Head to shine a light on centuries-old archery tradition

The 800-year-old Hook Head lighthouse, on the south-east coast, will host a centuries-old custom on New Year’s Day, when expert and amateur archers will take part in a traditional arrow ceremony.

The Dunbrody Archers, from New Ross, and the chairman of New Ross municipal council will oversee the ceremony, which harks back to 1687. Back then, the mayor and corporation of the town claimed their authority over the area, and over its waters, by travelling to the point of the Hook and shooting an arrow into the sea from the lighthouse.

This New Year’s Day, the mayor will cast an arrow — helped by the archers — into the sea to symbolise the port’s authority over the estuary.