Once an abandoned ruin, the Old Mill now stands as a living museum of traditional craftsmanship. Its wooden beams and stone walls were carefully restored, preserving the soul of centuries-old industry. Today, the mill celebrates artisans who keep ancestral skills alive — from weaving to carpentry. Visitors can experience heritage in motion, witnessing how the past continues to shape local identity.
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Once forgotten, the chapel now stands as a quiet symbol of faith and resilience. Its restored walls reveal centuries-old artistry hidden beneath layers of decay. Today, it welcomes visitors as a place of reflection, history, and renewed spirit. Once forgotten, the chapel now stands as a quiet symbol of faith and resilience. Its restored walls reveal centuries-old artistry hidden beneath layers of decay.
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Once forgotten, the Courtyard of Echoes has been revived as a meeting place for stories and community. Its cobblestones now host cultural events, markets, and festivals that reconnect people with their shared past. Every restored archway and wall whispers of generations who once gathered here. Through careful preservation and design, the courtyard became both a public square and a space of remembrance.
Contact us to help preserve history for future generations.
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At the moment, we operate seasonal opening hours. For 2026, we will be open from Saturday 14th March until Sunday 1st November, 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.
At the moment, we operate seasonal opening hours. For 2026, we will be open from Saturday 14th March until Sunday 1st November 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets range from €6 for adults to €16 for a family of 4 (2 adults/2 students/seniors). Children under 12 are free, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets can be bought either online in advance of your visit or on arrival at reception. For groups looking for a guide, it is advisable to contact us in advance to book your visit.
We are located at the first (or last) Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Our address is Ballymackean, Old Head, Co. Cork. Eircode: P17 T683. By Car: approximately 15-20 minutes from Kinsale town. By Bus: The 253 Kinsale – Clonakilty Local Link bus stops at the gate of the museum.
The ground floor of the Signal Tower and Lusitania Memorial Garden are accessible. Unfortunately, the first floor and roof can only be accessed by stairs. There are 25 steps to the first floor and a further 20 to the roof. Contact us: 021 419 1585 | info@oldheadofkinsale.com
Yes, we are happy to welcome groups to the Old Head. We recommend booking in advance to ensure there is a guide available. We currently offer Free School visits to Irish Primary and Secondary schools. Contact info@oldheadofkinsale.com for more details.
Phase 3 is the final phase of our project. Following a feasibility study in 2012, a Masterplan for this project was created which divided its delivery into three key phases: 1: The restoration of the Napoleonic signal tower as a visitor attraction and viewpoint. 2: The creation of a Lusitania Memorial Garden which features a naming of all 1,962 people aboard the ship on 7 May 1915. The final phase has always been to develop a separate museum building onsite to detail the complex Lusitania story. Find out more here.
This has always been a community project, led by local people on a voluntary basis. We host events during the year and rely on the generosity of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer reach out to us at info@oldheadofkinsale.com. You can also support our project by attending events, purchasing from our giftshop or visiting the Old Head Café. If you would like to support the project, you can make a donation here.
We have a small giftshop onsite which stocks books, prints and souvenirs. Some of these items are available to purchase on our online shop.
There is a small Café onsite called the Old Head Café operating seasonal opening hours. Find out more here.
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The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower is a registered charity. CHY Reg No: 20204709
