THE EXPERIENCE WAS INCREDIBLE AND THE LUCK OF THE IRISH ☘️ WAS IN FULL DISPLAY WITH PERFECT WEATHER
Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury members’ accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, as the incredible brainchild of the late John O’Connor together with his brother Patrick, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in personalized service. We look forward to welcoming you to the ‘Old Head Experience’ in the very near future.
We were so lucky to meet Margaret O’Connor who treated us to an amazing golf experience, gave us a tour of the exquisite hotel and told us about her brothers purchase of this incredible property and vision in designing what is Old Head Golf Club. She was a lovely gracious woman and we can’t thank her enough. Plus she loves to come to Arizona and knows it well. We had a wonderful chat 🤗
HISTORY
The Old Head of Kinsale is an area that is steeped in Irish history. The first settlers came to Ireland more than 6000 years ago from across continental Europe, and evidence of these early Iron age Celts can still be seen on the Old Head of Kinsale.
The island of Ireland took its name from the Eirinn clan who moved from Western Europe before 1000 B.C. Their fortified community on the Old Head was described as Dún Cearmna or the fort Eir Cearmna.
It was Eri Cearmna, brother of Schiarce, who reigned at this stronghold at the Old Head as the local King from 893-54 BC. The headland became known as Dun Cearmna the outline of Cearmnas Dun can be seen to this day.
The Old Head is one of the few landmarks in Northern Europe shown on a map by the Greek historian, Ptolemy, in 100 A.D. From 82AD to 918AD the Vikings had control of the Old Head prior to this it was a Celtic stronghold and following a spell of peace.
It is the eagle from the de Courcey family crest that is seen incorporated within the primary Old Head oval logo and which forms the basis of the premium Member’s logo. The de Courcey name is also used for the five-star a la carte restaurant within the clubhouse.
In pre-Christian times and up to the 17th Century, the Stone of Accord (Old Head loge device) was commonly used to seal important deals and given as a gift to make peace after disagreements. It was also used as a wedding stone and in early centuries couples exchanged marriage vows for one year only, from May to May. Traditionally the wedding contract was renewed by joining hands through the hole in the stone.
History and legend tell us that the navigational fires, lit by the Eirinn clan, were never permitted to go out. Over the centuries, primitive lighthouses were built to assist navigation and warn against invasions. The existing lighthouse was built in 1853 and is located on the southern tip of the headland behind the 18th tees. The remains of two earlier lighthouses, built in 1667 and 1814, can still be seen near the 6th and 7th tees.
There have been countless Shipwrecks along the coastline of Cork, and specifically Old Head, over the centuries. Two of the more recent ship losses in the area were the City of Chicago in 1892 and the Lusitania in 1915. The Lusitania passenger liner, which was the largest ship ever built at the time, was lost on 7 May 1915 off the Old Head of Kinsale. 1,198 lives were lost when the liner was attacked by U-20 and sank in 18 minutes. This tragedy was rumoured to be instrumental in bringing the United States into World War One, thereby changing the course of history.
In the 19th and 20th centuries the headland was farmed by local farmers – mainly rough grazing for sheep and cattle and a little tillage.
In 1989 the 220 acres were acquired by John and Patrick O’Connor. John O’Connor aimed to establish it as ‘one of the top 10 international courses and ultimately the world’s premier golf club. In 1993 the building of the golf course commenced, and The Links opened for play in 1997.
Margaret told us her brothers heard that the sheep farmer who owned the land was tired of the local dogs running his sheep off the cliffs. He sold this property for $250k euros. The rest is history.
From the moment you walk onto this facility you can feel its magic. With the upcoming Ryder Cup we decided on a fourball USA vs Europe format. I started with cheeky 🇺🇸
GAME ON all in good fun
Good to have the gang together
The camera can’t do this course justice. I’ll share some incredible pictures and the terrain, & this day was perfect, on this incredibly beautiful golf course. Ballybunion will always be #1 in my heart but Old Head was the experience of a lifetime & is now checked off our bucket list and I can’t stop smiling. The course, the company and the clouds were even smiling on us today.
Until next time fabulous foursome
