Overview
The Old Head Signal Tower stands on the rugged promontory of the Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork. Built in 1804 as the 25th of 81 signal towers erected along the Irish coast during the Napoleonic Wars, the stone structure now houses the Lusitania Museum, a memorial garden and a café. It is the first Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering a 360° panorama of the Atlantic, the Old Head lighthouse, the world‑class golf course and the surrounding cliffs that host thriving seabird colonies.
History
The Signal Tower Network
In the early 19 century, fear of a French invasion prompted the British authorities to construct a chain of visual‑communication towers from Dublin’s Pigeon House Fort to Malin Head in Donegal. Each tower could see its neighbours, allowing messages to be relayed quickly using flags and balls. The Old Head tower, numbered 25, was completed between 1804 and 1806 and remained a vital link in the coastal warning system.
From Military Outpost to Museum
After centuries of quiet service, the tower fell into disrepair until a community‑led restoration culminated in its public opening in 2015, timed to the centenary of the RMS Lusitania disaster. The ground floor now interprets the tower’s own story, the broader signal‑tower network, and the ancient history of the Old Head peninsula. The first floor is dedicated to the Lusitania, the luxurious British liner torpedoed by a German U‑boat on 7 May 1915, just 19 km off the headland. Artefacts recovered from the wreck, period newspapers, and personal memorabilia bring the tragedy to life.
What to See & Do
- Lusitania Museum – Walk through a series of displays that chart the liner’s construction, wartime role and the fateful voyage. Original ship fittings, recovered items and survivor testimonies are presented alongside interactive panels.
- Memorial Garden & Wave Sculpture – A 20‑metre wave‑shaped metal sculpture lists the names of every passenger and crew member lost on the Lusitania. The garden’s amphitheatre setting provides a quiet space for reflection.
- Panoramic Viewing Platform – Climb to the roof parapet for unobstructed views of the Atlantic, the Old Head lighthouse, the golf links and the cliffs that host puffins, guillemots, peregrines and choughs. Binoculars are available on‑site for bird‑watching and spotting the distant shipwreck site.
- Café & Gift Shop – The on‑site café serves coffee, cakes and light lunches, while the gift shop offers books, postcards and locally crafted souvenirs.
- Coastal Walks – The tower is a natural starting point for walks along the Wild Atlantic Way, leading to blue‑flag beaches, the historic Old Head lighthouse and the world‑renowned Old Head Golf Course.
Nearby Attractions
- Old Head lighthouse – A short walk from the tower, the lighthouse offers additional coastal views and a small interpretive display.
- Old Head Golf Links – The championship‑standard course hugs the cliffs and is visible from the viewing platform; tee times can be booked through the club’s website.
Practical Information
Opening hours
| Season | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| March – October | Daily | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| November – February | Closed | – |
Admission fees
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €6 |
| Student / Senior | €5 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | €16 |
| Children under 12 | Free |
| Group (10+ people, advance booking) | €5 per person |
The tower is wheelchair accessible, and free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the visitor centre. For larger groups, the museum offers private history talks and sunset talks on request.
Getting there The site is located about 36 km from Cork city centre and 33 km from Cork Airport. It is sign‑posted from the N28 and the R600 coastal road. Parking is free on the premises, with a short, well‑maintained path leading to the tower entrance.
Contact
- Phone: +353 214 191 285
- Website: oldheadofkinsale.com
- Map: Google Maps location
Accessibility The tower’s interior ramps and lift‑friendly routes make the museum and garden reachable for visitors with reduced mobility. The rooftop platform is accessed via a gentle ramp and handrails.
Seasonal notes The tower is open from March to October, aligning with the peak tourist season and the best weather for coastal walks. During the summer months, the site can be busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early ensures ample time to explore both the museum and the surrounding scenery.