Overview
The Old Head Lighthouse crowns the rugged promontory that juts out of County Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way. Its striking black‑and‑white rings make it instantly recognisable against the sweeping Atlantic horizon, and the site offers one of the most photographed vistas in Ireland. The lighthouse is part of a wider heritage complex that includes the Lusitania Museum, the historic Signal Tower and a series of outbuildings that once housed keepers. During the summer months a guide‑led tour brings the 17th‑century story of the lighthouse and its patron, Sir Robert Reading, to life.
History
The first recorded beacon on the Old Head dates back to pre‑Christian times, but the first purpose‑built lighthouse was authorised by a 1665 patent from Charles II to Sir Robert Reading. The original structure was a modest cottage‑type tower with an open coal‑fire on the roof. By the early 19th century the coal fire had been replaced with a temporary lantern of oil lamps, and in 1814 a permanent 30‑metre tower was erected, flashing a fixed white light visible for 23 miles.
Fog proved a persistent problem, prompting a redesign in 1853. The new stone tower, now 30 metres tall, was painted white with two red bands (later changed to black with two white bands in the 1930s). Its light, a first‑order dioptric lens, projected a group of two white flashes every ten seconds, a characteristic that remains today. Automation arrived in the late 1990s, and the lighthouse has been unmanned since 1987, though an attendant still looks after the site.
A poignant chapter of the lighthouse’s history is its proximity to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania on 7 May 1915. The German U‑boat torpedoed the liner just 11 miles off the headland, and the tragedy claimed 1,197 lives. In 2015 the former Signal Tower was converted into the Lusitania Museum, displaying artefacts recovered from the wreck and offering panoramic views from its balcony.
What to See & Do
- Old Head Lighthouse – While the interior is not open to the public, the tower can be admired from the road that winds between the golf course’s 18th tee and the cliff edge. The distinctive black‑and‑white bands are a favourite subject for photographers.
- Lusitania Museum & Signal Tower – Open year‑round during daylight hours, admission is free. The museum tells the story of the 1915 disaster and provides sweeping sea views.
- Keeper’s Outbuildings – These historic cottages, no longer used as residences, are accessible during the summer open days. A guide explains the daily life of lighthouse keepers in the 19th century.
- Coastal Walk – The 6 km Old Head Loop starts at the Garylucas Beach car park and follows a narrow road past the castle ruins, the museum and the lighthouse. The walk takes roughly 1.5–2 hours and offers dramatic cliff‑top panoramas.
- Sea‑Kayak Excursions – Operators such as H2O Sea Kayaking run half‑day tours that glide under sea arches, bring you close to the lighthouse and provide opportunities to spot seals, kittiwakes and, in summer, basking sharks.
- Open‑Day Weekend (April 2025) – A special weekend in early April features shuttle buses from the Signal Tower, a café, and combined tickets that include the museum, lighthouse and a return shuttle ride.
Getting There
By Car – From Kinsale follow the R600 north‑west for about 12 km; signs for the Old Head Golf Links lead to the designated car park at the Signal Tower. Vehicles are not permitted through the golf course, so park there and walk the short access path.
Public Transport – Regular bus services reach Kinsale from Cork City and Mid‑Cork. From Kinsale a local taxi (approximately €15‑€20) or a 28 km scenic cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way brings you to the headland.
Shuttle Service – On open‑day weekends a free shuttle runs between the Signal Tower car park and the lighthouse from 9:30 am until the last bus at 5:00 pm.
Nearby Attractions
- Old Head Golf Links – The world‑class links course surrounds the lighthouse; even non‑golfers enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery from the clubhouse café.
- Kinsale – A historic harbour town famed for its culinary scene, colourful streets and Fort Charles, just a short drive away.
- Old Head Signal Tower – Now home to the Lusitania Museum, it offers panoramic views and a glimpse into 19th‑century coastal defence.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Southern tip of Old Head, Kinsale, County Cork, Republic of Ireland |
| GPS | 51.604665, -8.533875 |
| Opening Hours | Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (March – October) |
| Admission | €7 per person (standard). Open‑day tickets: Adults €15, Family €40 (includes museum, shuttle and lighthouse entry) |
| Parking | Free parking at the Old Head Signal Tower. No vehicles are allowed through the golf course; walkers must use the designated car park. |
| Shuttle Service (Open Days) | First bus 9:30 am, last bus 5:00 pm; runs between Signal Tower and lighthouse. |
| Accessibility | Disabled access to the lighthouse grounds by request; guide dogs welcome. |
| Contact | Phone: (021) 419 1285 • Email: info@oldheadofkinsale.com |
| Website | https://www.irishlights.ie/tourism/our-lighthouses/old-head-of-kinsale.aspx |
Visitors arriving by car should follow the R600 from Kinsale toward the Old Head Golf Links; signs to the car park are clear. Public transport reaches Kinsale, after which a short taxi ride or a 28 km scenic cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way brings you to the headland. The lighthouse remains an operational aid to navigation, flashing a group of two white flashes every ten seconds with a range of 20 nautical miles.
During the limited open‑day weekend in April 2025, no pre‑booking is required, but the event attracts considerable interest, so arriving early is advisable. The on‑site café serves light refreshments, and the Lusitania Museum’s free entry makes it an excellent addition to a day of coastal exploration.