Days 202-203, 31 Dec-1 Jan '15, Hook Lighthouse, Wellingtonbridge, Templetown. What better way to spend New Year's Eve than beginning our explorations of South-East Ireland together with Joan. We decided to visit Hook Head and the historic lighthouse (pictured). It is in fact the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world and the current structure dates from the 13th century - 800 odd years ago. From a beacon fire when built by Strongbow's son-in-law in the early 1200s to coal, then gas and finally electricity in the 1970s... this tower has seen a fair bit of history - we love learning something every day. Joan had been thinking her sheepskin coat and hat would be "too much". No way! Rugged up in our sheepskins, furs and hats-with-flaps we were probably the only people on the headland not risking exposure. Speaking of phenomenal blasts from the historic past, we proceeded to the tiny hamlet of Templetown. Here goes... The Knights Templar were founded by the Crusaders in Jerusalem early in the 12th century. In 1172 King Henry II granted extensive lands to the Templars along the eastern shores of Waterford Harbour. They set up their headquarters at Templetown which is named after them. The Templars were disbanded in 1307 and their lands were given to their great rivals, the Knights Hospitallers who built the fortified church at Templetown and a castle at nearby Kilcloggan. We pulled over to the side of the road and explored the nooks and crannies of the ruined fortified church. Always great for us folks from such young countries to be able to get in amongst hundreds of years of history. We'd planned on visiting the Templars' Inn pub for lunch (just across the road), but it was closed Wednesdays. As it turns out it's currently pretty much just "closed". Shame, but we ended up in a cosy pub at Wellingtonbridge and feasted on cod & chips (national dish of Ireland we think). We'd planned on reaching Wexford for a stroll along the wending-winding laneways, but it was 4 pm and already getting dark - so decided to save it for another day. New Year's Eve was a lovely roast dinner and a few drinks. We oohed and aaahed over Sydney's fireworks, considered staying up til midnight, then went to bed. Doggies need walking first thing no matter the day of the year. Welcome 2015... Who know what adventures it will bring.