Old Head of Kinsale, Coastal headland in County Cork, Ireland
Old Head of Kinsale is a coastal headland in County Cork that extends into the Atlantic Ocean, featuring dramatic vertical cliffs rising directly from the water. The site also contains an 18-hole golf course that has operated since 1997.
A lighthouse was first built here in 1665 on the orders of Charles II, replacing an ancient fire beacon that had guided ships for centuries. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1853 and remains in use today.
The signal tower here houses a museum with objects from the RMS Lusitania, which sank nearby during the First World War. You can see items that tell the story of this vessel and its final voyage.
Access to the golf course is restricted to members and their guests, but coastal paths offer views of the cliffs and surrounding waters. Strong winds and changeable weather are common here, so bring appropriate clothing.
The lighthouse stands out with its distinctive black and white striped pattern, which was painted that way to make it recognizable during daylight hours. This practical design choice helped sailors identify the beacon from far away, long before they could see its light.
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