7 Things to See at Old Head Golf Links

Few places in Ireland hold as much rich history and natural drama as the Old Head of Kinsale.

For millennia, this craggy bit of land has served, quite literally, as a beacon for the Irish coast. From the moment you arrive at the front gate - which stands affixed to the ruins of a 12th century castle - it’s clear that what lies ahead of you will be truly special.

Old Head Golf Links was the brainchild of brothers John and Patrick O’Connor. Their vision to transform this spectacular headland into a world-class golf experience came to fruition in 1997.

Although still in its infancy by Ireland golf standards, Old Head has reached worldwide acclaim - and deservedly so - occupying the daydreams of anyone who has been fortunate to play it and longs to return.

For many, Old Head marks the culmination of an already unforgettable Southwest Ireland golf trip. Just when the golfer thinks their memory book is full, Old Head delivers several hours of sensory overload. So much so, that the round often passes in a blur, prompting many seasoned members of the H&B Forces to schedule 36-holes here. The second round provides an opportunity to slow down and savor this one-of-a-kind experience.

For those who may not have that luxury, here are 7 things that shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Old Head Golf Links.

Old Head also features prominently in part-3 of our podcast featuring the great golf courses of Southwest Ireland. Tune-in below or wherever you get your podcasts.

The 4th Hole

The aptly named “Razor’s Edge” is one of the most photographed golf holes in Ireland. With the Old Head Lighthouse standing as backdrop, and the waves of the Atlantic crashing against the left side, this is certainly no time for a snap hook. The safe play off the tee is up the right side, where the contours of the fairway should steer your drive back into a comfortable position.

Credit: Old Head Golf Links

The Lighthouse and Ruins

A warning light of some fashion has been employed at Old Head since around 1000 B.C. The current lighthouse was built in 1853, and had to be wound manually every 40 minutes for nearly 120 years. The ruins of two previous lighthouses are located adjacent to the 6th green and 7th tee. The cottage-like house dates to 1610, while the circular ruin was built in the 18th century. If you’ve pulled your approach shot to the 6th green, be wary of the possible ricochet.

Credit: Old Head Golf Links

The 12th Hole

Perhaps no other place on the golf course captures the raw and rugged setting at Old Head better than the 12th tee. From this cliff-side perch some 300-feet above the Atlantic, it’s easy to wonder if the fairway in the distance even exists. It’s an intimidating tee shot on a calm day, downright torturous when the wind blows. In either case, you’ll want to heed the warning signs.

The 15th Hole

For those who enjoy a good risk-reward par-4, look no further than the 15th at Old Head. At just over 280-yards, and slightly downhill, finding the putting surface off the tee is a real possibility for many golfers, especially with a favorable wind. But like all things at Old Head, the ocean makes this easier said than done. Although well removed from the cliff’s edge, the elevated nature of the hole convinces the golfer that the danger is closer than it truly is. If a tight swing follows, the effect on your scorecard is anyone’s guess.

The Lusitania Memorial

The Old Head of Kinsale has been the site of many shipwrecks through the years, but none more notorious and tragic than the sinking of the Lusitania. On May 7th, 1915, the Lusitania - then the largest passenger ship in the world - was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the waters south of the Old Head Lighthouse. Nearly 1200 passengers and crew lost their lives, including 123 Americans.