The Old Head Restaurant, County Cork Travel Guide

Name: The Old Head Restaurant
Address: <nil>
Price range: 4
Rating: 3.7

3.7 (11)

Savor five-star seafood and steaks with Atlantic vistas at Ireland's cliffside gem, where historic headland drama meets culinary excellence on Old Head of Kinsale.

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The Old Head Restaurant

Perched on the dramatic Old Head of Kinsale peninsula in County Cork, Ireland, The Old Head Restaurant offers five-star à la carte dining with breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views. Savor fresh seafood like lobster and scallops, premium meats, and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting tied to historic de Courcey family legacy. Complementing options include the Lusitania Bar for casual meals and drinks, and The Terrace for al fresco experiences overlooking the lighthouse.

A brief summary to The Old Head Restaurant

Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Luxury
Mixed
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Old Head Restaurant.

Book ahead for terrace seating to capture sunset over the lighthouse and ocean.
Mention dietary needs when reserving; the team accommodates allergies with local, fresh ingredients.
Pair seafood with Old World wines for an authentic de Courcey-inspired tasting experience.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Perrotts Garden Bistro Restaurant

The Barn Gastropub

Wild Restaurant Cork

Restaurant Chestnut - West Cork

The Model Farm

Explore The Old Head Restaurant on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Old Head Restaurant, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

40-minute drive from Cork Airport via N40 and R600; €10-15 fuel; paid parking on-site; scenic coastal route with cliff views.
Taxi

€60-80 one-way from Kinsale (20 mins) or €100+ from Cork (50 mins); book via local apps; limited service due to remote location.
Public Transport

Bus 226 from Cork to Kinsale (1.5 hrs, €10), then taxi 20 mins (€30); no direct service; plan for transfers.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas

Discover more about The Old Head Restaurant

Gourmet Dining with Ocean Panorama

The Old Head Restaurant embodies luxury culinary artistry on Ireland's stunning southwest coast. Named after the historic de Courcey family, this five-star à la carte venue showcases chef-driven dishes featuring lobster, scallops, oysters from the live tank, freshly caught fish, poultry, game, and prime meat cuts. An extensive wine selection from Old and New World vineyards pairs perfectly with each course, all enjoyed amid panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Old Head Lighthouse.

Casual Elegance at Lusitania Bar

Adjacent to the main restaurant, the Lusitania Bar honors the tragic liner with original artifacts. This informal space serves leisurely breakfasts, lunches, and early evening fare. Patrons relish cask ales, local craft beers, fine wines, champagnes, international spirits, and expertly crafted cocktails, including Ireland's finest Guinness. The bar's relaxed vibe contrasts beautifully with the surrounding dramatic cliffs.

Al Fresco Bliss on The Terrace

For unparalleled outdoor dining, The Terrace delivers pre- or post-golf indulgence overlooking the golf course, lighthouse, and endless ocean. Attentive service accompanies the scent of sea spray and local flora, creating unforgettable moments. This venue excels in warm weather, enhancing the headland's natural splendor.

On-Course Culinary Delights

Golfers at Old Head Golf Links enjoy seamless dining integration. The Turn offers specialties to-go, while the Food Cart provides beverages and snacks throughout rounds. This field-to-fork philosophy emphasizes local harbors, farmers' markets, and butchers, ensuring peak freshness.

Historic Headland Setting

Steeped in millennia of history, the Old Head peninsula hosted Iron Age Celts, Eirinn clan forts from 893-54 BC, Viking control, and Norman de Courcey Castle in the 12th century. This rich backdrop elevates dining into a cultural immersion amid crashing waves and soaring gulls.