Standing at the tip of the spectacular Old Head of Kinsale peninsula, Old Head Lighthouse appears to stand guard over the vast Atlantic Ocean. Its tall black-and-white striped silhouette rises above a landscape of wind-battered cliffs, some 15 kilometres south of Kinsale in County Cork.
Although the history of lighthouses at Old Head dates back to the 17th century, the tower seen today is more recent. Commissioned in 1853, it remains a major maritime landmark on Ireland’s south coast. The site does, however, have one important distinction: unlike other Irish lighthouses, it is not freely accessible to the public.
With its broad horizontal black-and-white bands, Old Head Lighthouse is instantly recognisable. Yet this now iconic appearance only dates from 1930. When it entered service, the tower was painted white and decorated with two red bands.
The lighthouse stands at the very end of the headland, beyond the grounds of Old Head Golf Links. As the course is private, visitors may not pass through its entrances on foot or by car to reach the lighthouse. For most of the year, the tower and former keepers’ cottages are therefore inaccessible to visitors.
Occasional special opening weekends are nevertheless organised with the permission of Old Head Golf Links and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. On these occasions, shuttle buses take visitors from Old Head Signal Tower to the lighthouse. These days are particularly popular and can attract large crowds.
Outside these events, the scenery is still well worth the trip. The public part of the peninsula offers striking views of the cliffs and the Atlantic. The lighthouse can also be seen from the sea on certain boat excursions departing from Kinsale.
The history of maritime signalling at Old Head goes back much further than the present tower. Fires are said to have been maintained on the headland from pre-Christian times to help mariners identify this particularly exposed stretch of coast.
The first true lighthouse was built around 1667 by Sir Robert Reading. Two years earlier, King Charles II had granted him permission to erect six lighthouses around the Irish coast. The Old Head lighthouse took the form of a low house topped by a coal-fired beacon. The remains of this historic building can still be seen on the peninsula.
At the beginning of the 19th century, this rudimentary system was replaced by oil lamps. A new tower designed by the engineer George Halpin entered service in 1814. Set high on the headland, its light was, however, regularly obscured by low cloud and fog.
It was therefore decided to build another lighthouse, closer to the point and at a lower elevation. Work began in 1850 under the direction of George Halpin. The new light was officially lit on 1 October 1853. This cut-stone tower, approximately 30 metres high, still watches over the waters of Kinsale today.
The remains of the 1667 and 1814 lighthouses are still present on the peninsula, but they too lie in the part that is usually closed to the public.
Old Head Lighthouse is not merely a historic monument. It remains one of the principal navigation lights on Ireland’s south coast and helps mark the entrance to Kinsale Harbour.
The lantern stands 72 metres above high-water level. It emits two white flashes every ten seconds and has a nominal range of 20 nautical miles, or around 37 kilometres. In poor visibility, the light can also operate during the day.
The lighthouse was electrified in 1972, then fully automated on 1 April 1987. The last permanent keepers subsequently left the station, which is now remotely monitored and placed under the responsibility of an attendant. An AIS station, used to transmit information to vessels, was added in 2009.
The buildings around the tower are the former homes and facilities of the keepers. They still belong to the Commissioners of Irish Lights and are not open to the public every day.
The Old Head peninsula is closely linked to one of the greatest maritime tragedies of the 20th century. On 7 May 1915, the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by the German submarine U-20 while sailing off the Irish coast.
The ship sank in just 18 minutes, causing the deaths of 1,198 people. Its wreck lies around 19 kilometres from Old Head, the nearest land point to the site of the sinking.
This story is now told at the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower, housed in a former Napoleonic signal tower in the accessible part of the peninsula. The museum displays objects connected with the liner, testimonies and a memorial garden bearing the names of the passengers and crew members aboard on its final voyage.
Take care not to confuse the two monuments: Old Head Signal Tower, built in 1804, houses the museum and can be visited during its opening season. Old Head Lighthouse is the striped lighthouse further south, beyond the private golf course.
From Kinsale, allow around 15 to 20 minutes by car to reach Old Head Signal Tower. Free parking is available near the museum. Local bus route 253, which links Kinsale and Clonakilty, also serves the entrance to the site.
The headland is highly exposed to the wind and the cliffs are steep. It is essential to stay on authorised paths, respect the barriers and never attempt to cross the golf course to reach the lighthouse. Even in fine weather, a windproof jacket and shoes with good grip are strongly recommended.
Your visit can be complemented by Old Head Signal Tower, the Lusitania Memorial Garden and the Atlantic viewing points. Garrylucas and Garrettstown beaches are also nearby, offering lovely opportunities for a walk, particularly when the weather allows you to make the most of the coast.
Back in Kinsale, you can continue exploring the area’s maritime heritage at Charles Fort, James Fort and the town’s colourful quaysides. Old Head is therefore an easy excursion to include in a day devoted to Kinsale and the West Cork coast.
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
à la pointe sud d'Old Head, Kinsale, Kinsale (County Cork) - Republic of Ireland
51.604665, -8.533875
Old Head Lighthouse has no regular visiting hours. Outside the exceptional openings announced by the organisers, the lighthouse, its outbuildings and the southern part of the peninsula remain closed to the public.
Next special opening announced for 2026:
Departures are from Old Head Signal Tower. Cars and pedestrians are not permitted to cross the golf course. Access to the area around the lighthouse for people with reduced mobility can be arranged on request. Only guide dogs are permitted.
Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Usual access to the lighthouse: the lighthouse is not open to the public for the rest of the year. There is therefore no ticket allowing visitors to visit it freely or cross Old Head Golf Links.
Opening weekend of 29 and 30 August 2026:
The ticket includes entry to the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower, a return shuttle journey and exceptional access to Old Head Lighthouse. No advance booking is required for this event, but arriving early is recommended.
