Phase One of the project focused on the restoration of the Old Head Signal Tower — a 200-year-old Napoleonic structure that once formed part of Ireland’s coastal defence network.
From the outset, it was envisaged that this phase would be completed in time to mark the centenary of the sinking of RMS Lusitania in May 2015, ensuring that the Old Head could serve as a place of remembrance at this significant milestone.
The multi-disciplinary Feasibility Study was carried out by Cunnane Stratton Reynolds and consisted of four key elements:
1. Preparation of a Baseline study
2. Preparation od Building Conservation Assessment
3. Creation of Schematics
4. Audit of Tourism Potential
The feasibility study was completed by the end of 2012, creating a Masterplan which identified three key phases for the project:
1. To restore the Napoleonic Signal Tower, standing
on the highest point of the Old Head on a 1.94 acre site in State ownership vested in the OPW as a heritage visitors centre and panoramic viewing point
2. To create a fitting Memorial Garden to commemorate all of the people who travelled on RMS Lusitania on 7 May 1915 when it was torpedoed less than 12 miles south of the Old Head
3. To design and build a dedicated Lusitania Museum to confront the complexity and tragedy of the Lusitania story through the exhibition of artefacts and memorabilia, and interactive displays
Planning permission for the restoration of the Old HeadSignal Tower was granted on 17 May 2013.
A grant of €364,000 was received fromFáilte Ireland towards the restoration of the Signal Tower, with the remaining 10% raised locally through events such as the Old Head of Kinsale LighthouseWeekends, 5km Old Head run, Old Head Golf Classic at Old Head Golf Links, the Ballinspittle Banquet and the Sponsor A Slate initiative.
The project officially began construction on 12thSeptember 2014, attended by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD, Mayor of County Cork Alan Coleman, Jim DalyTD, Michael McCarthy TD and Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland. The restoration of the tower was carried out by MMD Construction.
The Old Head Signal Tower was restored just in time for the 100th anniversary of the Lusitania sinking on 7th May 2015. Committee members recall how the final slates were being secured to the inner walls of the rooftop walkway on the morning of the official opening.
The Old Head Signal Tower has been open to the public every summer season (March-October) since 2015, welcoming thousands of visitors from all over the world.
To protect and preserve the immense heritage of the Napoleonic Signal Tower. By preserving this 220 year old building, we enable visitors to step back in time as they engage with the history.
To remember the human cost of wartime in a peacful and refelctive setting.
Towards better understanding the complex interplay of political manoeuvring in global conflict, the creation of propaganda narratives and civilian devastation through the Lusitania story.
Conducting scientific surveys of the Lusitania wreck and wreck site and retrieval of significant artefacts where appropriate, in collaboration with the National Monuments Service, while ensuring the protection of this underwater gravesite.
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
Restoration Architect
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Director of Heritage Partnerships
Cultural Historian
Landscape Architect
Director of Heritage Partnerships
Historical Society Director
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The Ancestra Review is our official publication dedicated to heritage,