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Downmacpatrick (Old Head) Castle, Kinsale

Ancient promontory fort on the Old Head of Kinsale, guarding centuries of Irish coastal history and overlooking the site of the Lusitania sinking.

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Perched on a dramatic headland near Kinsale, Downmacpatrick Castle – also known as Old Head Castle – is a medieval promontory fort with roots stretching back to the 3rd century. Though now enclosed within a private golf course, its ancient stone walls and towers remain visible from the access road, offering a glimpse into centuries of Irish coastal defence and maritime history. The site overlooks the waters where the RMS Lusitania was sunk in 1915 and stands near the 1853 Old Head lighthouse, making it a place of layered historical and scenic significance.

A brief summary to Downmacpatrick (Old Head) Castle

  • Unnamed Road, Downmacpatrick Or Oldhead, Co. Cork, IE
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • View the castle from the access road to the Old Head Golf Links; the headland itself is private and not open to the public.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the Old Head Lighthouse and a meal at The Speckled Door Bar & Restaurant nearby.
  • Dress warmly and be prepared for strong coastal winds, especially in winter and on exposed sections of the headland.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid the busiest times and make the most of the views and photo opportunities.
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Getting There

  • By car from Kinsale

    From Kinsale town, follow the coastal road south for about 6 km to the entrance of Old Head Golf Links. Allow 10–15 minutes; parking is available near the golf club entrance, but access beyond is restricted to members and guests.

  • By local bus

    Regular local buses run between Cork city and Kinsale; from Kinsale, a taxi or short walk along the coastal road leads to the Old Head Golf Links entrance, taking about 10–15 minutes.

Downmacpatrick (Old Head) Castle location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Wind
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Downmacpatrick (Old Head) Castle

Ancient stronghold on the edge of the sea

Perched on the windswept Old Head of Kinsale, Downmacpatrick Castle is a medieval promontory fort that has guarded this dramatic headland for centuries. Believed to have been first established in the 3rd century AD by the Irish chieftain Cearmna as Dún Cearmna, the site was later rebuilt around 1223 by Milo de Courcy, giving rise to the stone walls and towers that still stand today. The castle’s long defensive wall and towers effectively cut off the headland from the mainland, creating a naturally fortified position that controlled access to this exposed tip of County Cork.

Layers of history and changing hands

The castle’s story reflects the turbulent history of southern Ireland. After passing through Anglo-Norman hands, it came under the control of the MacCarthy clan in the 16th century before being retaken by English forces ahead of the Spanish invasion of Kinsale in 1601. Over the centuries, the fort changed roles – from a strategic stronghold to a symbolic boundary marker – and today it serves as the entrance boundary to the Old Head Golf Links. Despite its current restricted status, the castle remains a protected historic site, recognised for its significance as a promontory fort and its long continuity of occupation.

Gateway to maritime history

The Old Head is also deeply tied to Ireland’s maritime past. It is the nearest point of land to where the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk in 1915, just 18 km offshore, a tragedy that profoundly affected the course of the First World War. Nearby, the Old Head lighthouse, first established in the 17th century and rebuilt in its current form in 1853, has guided ships along this treacherous coast for generations. The presence of earlier lighthouse remains near the golf course’s 6th and 7th tees adds another layer to the site’s rich coastal heritage.

What visitors can expect today

Today, public access to the headland is limited, as the castle and surrounding area lie within the private Old Head Golf Links. Visitors cannot freely walk the coastal paths or enter the golf course grounds, but the castle itself can still be viewed from the access road leading to the golf club. The imposing stone walls and towers are clearly visible, and the dramatic cliff-top setting offers powerful views across the Atlantic. While the full coastal walk is no longer possible, the site remains a compelling destination for those interested in Irish medieval history, coastal fortifications, and the story of the Lusitania.

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