Old Head of Kinsale Signal Tower

Freestanding two-bay three-stage signal tower, built c.1805, having rendered and slate hanging machicolation on rubble stone corbels to front (south) and remains of rubble stone bartizans to north-east and north-west corners. Now ruinous. Exposed rubble stone walls with sections of render and slate hanging throughout. Square-headed window openings throughout. Square-headed door opening to first stage of front elevation, having stone voussoirs. Later camber-headed door opening with stone voussoirs to ground floor of side (east) elevation. Set within open countryside overlooking Holeopen Bay.

One of a network of signal towers built around the south, east and west coasts during the beginning of the nineteenth century. This was in direct response to the attempt the French fleet made at landing at Bantry in 1796. The remaining slate hanging is testament to the exposed conditions these buildings were constructed to endure. The high standard used in the construction can be seen in the remains of the machicolations and bartizans.