Ancestra unites people who believe heritage is not just history — it’s a living connection between.
Ancestra unites people who believe heritage is not just history — it’s a living connection o the between yesterday and tomorrow. Ancestra unites who believe owner heritage is not just or it’s a living connection between yesterday and tomorrow.
Founded, marking our heritage journey.
Historic sites restored and protected.
Volunteers and community members involved.
Cultural and educational programs held.
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.
Behind every project is a team of dedicated craftsmen, designers, and restoration experts who live and breathe stonework
We believe in precision, passion, and doing things right — every time. Get to know the people who bring strength and soul to every build.
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Jerome Lordan
P.R.O. & Director
Vincent Downing
Assistant Treasurer & Director
Margaret Crowley
Treasurer + Director
Con Hayes
Secretary + Director
The Ancestra Review is our official publication dedicated to heritage,
By 1915, the Old Head Signal Tower was in ruins, however it remained a silent sentinel at the highest point of the headland, bearing witness to one of the most consequential maritime tragedies in history.
At 2:10pm on Friday 7 May 1915, RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-Boat on her starboard side. The ship listed immediately making it incredibly difficult to safely launch lifeboats. The Lusitania sank in just 18 minutes, resulting in a devastating loss of life within sight of the Old Head of Kinsale. The following telegram recieved by the press association appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Daily Express on 8 May 1915:
'It appears the Lusitania was noticed to be in difficulty from the Signal Station at the Old Head of Kinsale at 2:12pm. At 2:33 she had completely disappeared.'
The Lusitania sank just under 12 miles south of the Old Head of Kinsale, making it the closest landward point to the tragedy. The Signal Station referred to the Old Head Coastguard Station, which was located where the Old Head Golf Links Clubhouse currently stands.
RMS Lusitania was built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland. Construction began in 1904 and the ship was launched on 7 June 1906. At the time of her launch, Lusitania was the largest ship of her kind in the world.
RMS Lusitania, and her sister ship RMS Mauretania, were Cunard liners which were constructed to reclaim British dominance on the transatlantic route. The early 20th century was a highly competitive time for the passenger liner industry. It was a case of national pride that these new liners would rival German competitors, Deutschland and Kaiser Wilhelm II, and achieve the Blue Ribband, the prestigious prize for the fastest transatlantic liner. Consequently, Cunard received a loan from the British Government of £2.6 million towards their construction. There were conditions attached however; the ships would need to be built to facilitate revolving gun placements and be able to achieve unbeatable speeds. The ships could also be commandeered as armed merchant cruisers or troopships during wartime if necessary.
We are now working towards the final phase of our project - to build a dedicated Lusitania Museum building.
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