View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Cork
Kinsale
Old Head Signal Tower - K ...
Old Head Signal Tower - Kinsale
Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower
Old Head Signal Tower - Kinsale
Kinsale, Co. Cork
  • Coastal escapes
  • History and heritage
  • Nature and wildlife
  • Sunny days
Family friendly
Dog friendly
Free car parking
Sunny days
The Old Head Signal Tower in Kinsale is the most southerly point of the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, so it is a fitting start or end point to your tour.

The rugged terrain and dramatic views of the striking Old Head lighthouse and golf course offer the perfect opportunity to capture that crucial photo of a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point, no matter what the weather.

The tower is one of the most accessible in a family of 81 such towers built within sight of one another on some of the most remote and beautiful headlands in Ireland. It is home to the Lusitania Museum, exhibiting a fascinating selection of memorabilia, storyboards and artefacts recovered from the wreck. After you’ve steeped yourself in history, climb to the roof parapet and look out at the breath-taking views and windswept beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Stand at the nearest point to the shipwreck of the luxury cruise liner Lusitania, sunk by the Germans during World War I with a death toll of 1,200 civilians. Feel the energy of being so close to the spot that changed the course of the war and led to victory for the Allies.

It will take your breath away.

Visit website
map
Why we like it
  • See stunning coastline on the Old Head of Kinsale.
  • Play a round of golf on a world class course.
  • Visit a 17th century lighthouse.
  • See artefacts recovered from the wreck of the RMS Lusitania.
Tips from locals

Go on a cruise of Kinsale Harbour aboard The Spirit of Kinsale.

Tips from locals

Old Head is one of the few landmarks in Northern Europe shown on a map by the Greek Historian Ptomley in 100 AD.

map
Visit Website
Contact details
Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower Project, Ballymackean, Old Head, Co. Cork, P17 T683, Ireland
Experience as part of
Wild Atlantic Way LogoWild Atlantic Way
More to discover at Old Head Signal Tower - Kinsale
A signal tower beside the coast with a double rainbow in the sky
Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower
Coastal escapesLusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower

Discover the interesting story of Ireland’s only restored Napoleonic signal tower and enjoy the panoramic views from the rooftop walkway. The Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower in Kinsale, County Cork, is the closest point of land to the final resting place of the tragic RMS Lusitania.

Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results