New Year’s Day Arrow Ceremony

A centuries-old tradition will take place on New Year’s Day at the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse as the Dunbrody archers, will take part in a traditional “arrow ceremony”.

At 1.00pm The Dunbrody Archers and the Chairman of the New Ross Council will participate in the ceremony. The age-old 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.

On New Year’s Day 2025, The Dunbrody Archers will assist the Mayor of New Ross in an ‘arrow ceremony’. The Mayor will cast an arrow into the sea symbolising the Ports’ authority over the estuary.

Members of the public are invited to come and watch the free historical event on New Year’s Day.

Please ensure you arrive early as parking is limited on the Lighthouse grounds, in the event that spectators chose to park outside the Lighthouse grounds please ensure you park safely and not obstructing any area of the road.