The Old Head of Kinsale is an ancient royal site, fortified by a castle at the royal site, fortified by a castle at the narrowest point of the promontory.

It is a place of outstanding historical, and archaeological and scientific interest. Scenically awesome and rugged, it is the only definite known place directly connected by historians and academics with the Eireann Celtic tribe. It is local assumption that the Eireann tribe gave their name to Ireland as a whole, Ivernia being a classical old name for the country.

Legend has it that the Eireann were the first to light a navigational fire (light) by their fort as a guide to fellow settlers who came in friendship. The headland is also closely associated with the Later Iron Age (200BC to 400AD), the first habitation by the Eireann, which was continued by their conquerors. To this day, some enigmatic traces of human settlement remain on the Old Head, visible as small circles of stone, which are likely to be the remains of huts from that Later Iron Age.

In the 13th century came the Anglo Norman invasion which lead directly to the Old Head passing to the de Courcey family. The de Courcey chiefs occupied the castle until they lost power in the 16th century and the ruins remain to this day. Also remaining are the traces of the church and dwellings of the monks who lived there in medieval times and who, by tradition, kept the navigational fires burning.

The modern Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse, completed in 1853, is situated at the southern extremity of the peninsula. However, the original Old Head navigational lights were by the site of the old castles. Legend claims these were never allowed to go out. These lights remain part of the history, used as a warning signal in 1601 as the British forces of Kinsale awaited the 24-strong invading Spanish fleet of warships which was subsequently to be besieged in the harbor for 100 days before the famous Battle of Kinsale. Two of the most famous ship losses off the Old Head of Kinsale were the City of Chicago (1892) and the Lusitania (1915). This latter tragedy was instrumental in bringing the United States into World War One and thereby changing the course of history. There have been countless other wrecks in the vicinity of the Old Head over the centuries.

Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic; the promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. The links and practice area occupy 180 acres and the remaining 40 acres of unspoilt cliff firame the course and rise in places to over 300 feet. Comprising of five par 5's, five par 3's and eight par 4's, the links stretches to over 7,200 yards from the tips and with a minimum of six tees on every hole, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and high handicapper alike.

Nine holes play along the diff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. The 360-degree vistas will distract you, but do not relax too much as the ever-changing sea breezes will challenge you at every turn of this par-72 layout.

The following personalities were involved in the creation of Old Head: Dr. Joe Carr, Paddy Merrigan, Ron Kirby, the late Eddie Hackett, Liam Higgins and Haulie O'Shea.

The Old Head has seen much change during its remarkable history. It is envisaged that the golf course will provide a new challenge to the future generation of visitors to the Old Head. This historic area will take a fresh lease of life with the creation of such a magnificent golf course. One more chapter in the history of this beautiful place...