Sunrise at Hook Lighthouse. Photo by Paul Holmes Hook Lighthouse. Photo: Tourism Ireland Proud: Ann Waters is general manager at Hook Lighthouse. Photo: Patrick Browne
What does it take to be nominated for a British Guild of Travel Writers’ Tourism Award?
“Some projects have cost millions and are well-publicised; others are simpler community projects that take just as much effort and love,” the UK’s leading organisation of travel media professionals explains.
And this year, Wexford’s Hook Lighthouse has made the cut, along with several other nominees from destinations ranging from Dominica to France.
It was nominated by Independent.ie Travel contributor, Isabel Conway, herself an award-winning travel writer. Guild members are currently voting to decide the winner in each category, with results to be announced at a glittering black-tie dinner at London’s Savoy Hotel on November 4.
The full shortlists will be revealed after voting ends on October 1.
Hook Lighthouse. Photo: Tourism Ireland
“As an attraction Hook Lighthouse is world-class and unique,” Conway says.
“A Republic of Ireland project has not been a finalist for these awards for many years, and Hook Lighthouse very much merits a place in the 2018 final line up.”
Hook Lighthouse has developed its visitor offering hugely in recent years, adding hi-tech elements such as holograms as well as new food, arts and festival experiences.
It’s also drawing increasing numbers of marriage proposals.
The visitor attraction is no stranger to awards, of course – having been named Ireland’s Hidden Gem in our Reader Travel Awards 2018, and one of the world’s ‘flashiest’ lighthouses by Lonely Planet.
Proud: Ann Waters is general manager at Hook Lighthouse. Photo: Patrick Browne
Hook Lighthouse manager, Ann Waters, described the nod as “a great honour”.
“The British Guild of Travel Writers awards are nominated and voted on by the industry’s best travel writers, therefore, the benefit to us of reaching this stage alone in the awards is incredible,” she said.
“We are also delighted to showcase what we have to offer here on the Hook Peninsula as part of Ireland’s Ancient East to a world stage audience at the London awards event.”
The Lighthouse will soon start a three-year development plan with Fáilte Ireland and Wexford County Council, further building out its visitor offering.
See hookheritage.ie for more.
Read more:
Hook, Line and Sinker: How an 800-year-old lighthouse became Ireland’s No.1 hidden gem
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