Old Head of Kinsale

Overview

The Old Head of Kinsale is a striking promontory on County Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way, rising hundreds of feet above the sea. Its dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean vistas and a mix of natural and cultural attractions make it a must‑see for anyone travelling the south‑west coast of Ireland. The headland is best known for three things: the iconic Old Head Lighthouse, the historic Old Head Castle, and the world‑class Old Head Golf Links that dominate the landscape.

History

The site 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. Over the centuries the fort evolved into a stone castle, rebuilt around 1223 by Milo de Courcy and later known as De Courcy Castle. The castle’s walls and towers still outline the headland, though today they can only be viewed from the road that leads to the golf course.

Lighthouses have guided mariners from this point for millennia. A beacon is recorded in pre‑Christian times, and in 1665 Charles II granted Sir Robert Reading a patent to erect a proper lighthouse. The first purpose‑built tower appeared in 1814, but its height made the light invisible in fog, prompting a lower tower to be constructed in 1853 – the structure that still flashes a group of two white flashes every ten seconds.

The headland also bears a tragic maritime memory. On 7 May 1915 the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U‑boat about 11 miles off the Old Head, sinking in 18 minutes and claiming 1,197 lives. In 2015 a small museum opened in the old signal tower, displaying artefacts recovered from the wreck and telling the story of the disaster.

What to See & Do

• Old Head Lighthouse – The 1853 tower sits behind the 18th tee of the golf course. While direct access is restricted, the lighthouse can be admired from the road or from the sea on a kayak tour.
• Old Head Castle (De Courcy Castle) – The ruined stone walls and towers frame the headland. Visitors can walk up to the outer perimeter and imagine the medieval defenders who once guarded the coast.
• Lusitania Museum – Housed in the former signal tower, the museum offers a concise but powerful narrative of the 1915 sinking, with recovered items and panoramic views from the tower’s balcony.
• Old Head Golf Links – Open seasonally, the 18‑hole links course is celebrated for its cliff‑side holes that plunge dramatically toward the Atlantic. The club also provides luxury accommodation, a spa, and a restaurant for non‑golfers.
• Coastal Walk – The 6 km Old Head Loop starts at the Garylucas Beach car park and follows a narrow road that skirts the golf course. The route offers spectacular sea views, the castle ruins, and the Lusitania Museum as highlights. 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 and close to the lighthouse, with chances to spot seals, kittiwakes and even basking sharks.

Practical Information

Access to the headland is controlled because the Old Head Golf Links occupies the majority of the land. The public can use the car park at Garylucas Beach and walk the loop, but the lighthouse itself and the interior of the castle are only reachable for golfers or by special permission. The “Free the Old Head of Kinsale” campaign continues to lobby for broader public access.

The Lusitania Museum is open year‑round during daylight hours and admission is free. The golf course closes for the winter months and reopens on 22 April 2026; the club office remains open Monday to Friday (exact opening times are not published).

For visitors arriving by car, the main entrance is off the R600 near Kinsale. Parking is available at the Garylucas Beach car park (free).

Public transport to Kinsale is frequent, and from there a short taxi ride brings you to the headland.

Website & 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.

Getting there: The Old Head lies about 5 km south‑west of Kinsale town. From Kinsale, follow the signs for the Old Head Golf Links; the route is well‑signposted. Cyclists can enjoy a 28 km scenic ride from Kinsale to the headland, following the Wild Atlantic Way.

Whether you are a history buff, a golf enthusiast, a wildlife watcher, or simply a lover of rugged coastal scenery, the Old Head of Kinsale offers a uniquely Irish experience where ancient stone walls meet the endless Atlantic.