Old Head of Kinsale
The Old Head of Kinsale is a remarkably dramatic yet stunning and unique piece of irish headland stretching more than 3km into the Atlantic Ocean. Located on the Southwest Coast of County Cork, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf courses. However, long before it became a golfer’s paradise, Old Head was known for its lighthouse.
The lighthouse, having played a poignant part in the history of West Cork, was built during the 17th century by Robert Reading in one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal areas. Standing hundreds of feet above the water, the lighthouse was once reference to as a lighted beacon in Pre-Christian times.
The Old Head Lighthouse was also the nearest point of land to one of the most famous shipwrecks and tragic accidents in history. The RMS Lusitania sank in 1915, 11 miles south of the Old Head Lighthouse after being hit by a single torpedo fired by a German Submarine killing almost 1,200 individuals. While the role of the lighthouse may seem as a viewing point or beautiful backdrop for those golfing, it remains embedded in the history of West Cork.
How To Get There:
The Old Head of Kinsale is a 45 minute drive from our front door. On exiting the hotel, turn left on Wolfe Tone Street before turning left again after a short distance towards Long Quay before turning left once again joining Long Quay. Continue straight before turning left to join the N71. At the roundabout, take the second exit continuing straight on N71. Continue driving on N71 for just over 1km before turning right onto R600. Continue on R600 sticking right through any turns in the road for 9km. With Timoleague Playground on your left, turn right continuing on R600 for 300 meters before taking another sharp turn right and continue on this route for 10km. On arrival of the T-Junction, turn right and continue for approximately 4km before turning right and heading south to the Lighthouse.
Contact
Address
The Clonakilty Hotel
Clonakilty Hotel
Wolfe Tone St,
Clonakilty,
Co. Cork
P85KN30
Phone
+353 (23) 885 8866