Old Head of Kinsale

The Old Head is a remarkably dramatic piece of Ireland, protruding over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The sandstone rock of the Old Head was formed over 350 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea, at which stage Ireland was located some 22° south of the Equator. Over the next 200 million years the sandstone was folded by constant tectonic forces and the landmass shifted to its present location at 55° north.

The Atlantic Ocean began to open up and over the next 100 million years the land rose, volcanic activity abounded, rainforests flourished, ice-ages came and went and gradually the landscape was eroded by wind and water that ground it into its shape today.

Over half a million shrubs, plants and bushes were planted at Old Head creating new wildlife habitats. Pygmy Shrews, Bank Voles, Kestrels, Foxes and Hares have all made their home at Old Head. There also exists in this special place the only mixed seabird colony of its kind in this part of Europe that you can walk to. All other comparable colonies are on islands.

Whale watching is another popular activity off the Old Head of Kinsale. Of Ireland’s 23 known species of whale, 15 species (including dolphins and porpoises) can be seen in the course of the year off the Old Head.

• People and the Old Head
• The Stone of Accord ( Old Head Logo)
• The Lighthouses
• ShipWrecks