Old Head Castle

Overview

The Old Head of Kinsale juts dramatically out of County Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way, rising hundreds of feet above the sea. At the narrowest point of the promontory stand the weather‑worn stone walls of De Courcy Castle – commonly referred to as Old Head Castle. Though the castle is a ruin, its silhouette against the Atlantic horizon is instantly recognisable and provides a perfect backdrop for photography, history‑loving walks and a touch of romance.

The headland is also home to the iconic Old Head Lighthouse, the Lusitania Museum, a world‑class 18‑hole links golf course, and a thriving sea‑kayaking scene. All of these attractions are linked by the 6 km Old Head Loop, a gentle coastal walk that lets visitors soak in sweeping ocean vistas, wildflower‑sprinkled grasslands and the palpable sense of centuries‑old history.

History

Archaeological evidence shows the Old Head has been occupied since at least the 3rd century AD, when the Irish chieftain Cearmna is said to have built a fort called Dún Cearmna. The fort evolved over the centuries, and in 1223 Milo de Courcy erected a stone castle that dominated the headland’s narrow neck. The surviving walls and towers – now a romantic ruin – still outline the original defensive perimeter and can be viewed from the public road that skirts the golf course.

The lighthouse that crowns the headland has its own layered past. A beacon is recorded in pre‑Christian times, and in 1665 Sir Robert Reading received a patent from Charles II to build a proper lighthouse. The first purpose‑built tower appeared in 1814, but its height made it invisible in fog, prompting the construction of the lower, still‑standing 1853 tower that flashes two white flashes every ten seconds. The lighthouse is a striking black‑and‑white striped tower that sits behind the 18th tee of the Old Head Golf Links.

The Old Head also bears a tragic maritime memory. On 7 May 1915 the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed 11 miles off the point, sinking in 18 minutes and claiming 1,197 lives. In 2015 a small museum opened in the former signal tower, displaying artefacts recovered from the wreck and telling the story of that fateful day.

What to See & Do

• Old Head Castle (De Courcy Castle) – The ruined stone walls are freely accessible from the road. Walk along the outer perimeter, imagine medieval defenders scanning the sea, and capture the dramatic contrast of ancient masonry against the Atlantic.
• Old Head Lighthouse – While the interior is closed to the public, the tower can be admired from the road, the golf course’s 18th tee, or from a sea‑kayak. Its black‑and‑white stripes are a landmark for sailors and photographers alike.
• Lusitania Museum – Housed in the old signal tower, the museum is open year‑round during daylight hours and admission is free. It offers a concise but powerful narrative of the 1915 sinking, with recovered items and a balcony that provides panoramic sea views.
• Old Head Golf Links – Open seasonally (re‑opens 22 April 2026), the 18‑hole links course is famed for cliff‑side holes that plunge toward the ocean. Non‑golfers can still enjoy the club’s luxury accommodation, spa and restaurant.
• Coastal Walk – Old Head Loop – The 6 km loop starts at the Garylucas Beach car park and follows a narrow road that skirts the golf course. Highlights along the route include the castle ruins, the lighthouse, the Lusitania Museum and countless photo‑ops of sea arches and wildflowers. The walk typically takes 1.5–2 hours.
• Sea Kayaking – Operators such as H2O Sea Kayaking run half‑day and full‑day tours that take you under sea arches, close to the lighthouse and into the waters where seals, kittiwakes and even basking sharks may be spotted.

Quick Reference Table

Practical Information

Getting there – The headland lies about 5 km south‑west of Kinsale town. From Kinsale follow signs for the Old Head Golf Links on the R600. The main public car park is at Garylucas Beach; parking is free and provides the trailhead for the loop walk.

Access – The majority of the promontory is owned by the Old Head Golf Links, so public access is limited to the car park, the walking loop and the museum. The lighthouse interior and the interior of the castle are not open to the public; they can only be viewed from the road or by special permission granted to golfers.

Facilities – Restrooms are available at the Garylucas Beach car park. The museum’s balcony offers a sheltered spot for a quick break, and the golf club’s clubhouse houses a café and restaurant that welcome non‑golfers.

Contact – For the latest information on the golf course, accommodation and booking enquiries, visit the official site at oldhead.com. General enquiries can be emailed to info@oldhead.com.

Seasonality – The Lusitania Museum is open year‑round. The golf course closes for the winter months and re‑opens in late April; the club office is open Monday‑Friday (exact hours not published). Sea‑kayak tours operate from spring to early autumn, with schedules posted on the operator’s website.

Accessibility – The walking loop includes some uneven sections and steep drops; it is best suited to visitors with a reasonable level of fitness. The museum’s interior is on a single level and is wheelchair‑friendly, but the balcony access involves steps.

Nearby Attractions

While you’re on the Old Head, consider extending your day with a short drive to other West Cork highlights:

• Ardfield – A charming coastal village with a sandy beach and a small harbour, perfect for a seaside lunch. [/ardfield/]
• Ahakista – Known for its dramatic cliffs and the annual Ahakista Music Festival, this village offers spectacular views over the Atlantic. [/ahakista/]
• Adam Island – A short boat trip away, the island provides bird‑watching opportunities and a quiet spot for a picnic. [/adam-island/]
• Aglishdrinagh – Home to the historic Aglishdrinagh Church and a pleasant walking route along the River Lee. [/aglishdrinagh/]