The Old Head Signal Tower is just over 200 years old. It was built during the Napoleonic wars in response to the threat of a French invasion. There were 81 such towers with line-of-sight visibility from one to the next. Following the failed French 1796/8 invasions, the towers were built in Dublin from Pigeon House Fort between 1804 and 1806. The Old Head Signal Tower is No. 25. The tower’s function was a station for passing urgent messages from its neighbouring stations west and east or from ships at sea by line of sight to Dublin Castle. While it was lightly guarded it could not long withstand any pounding from cannon fire. Luckily, it never came to that as the Napoleonic threat faded rapidly within a few years.
How long is recommended to spend here?
The Tower serves as a 360° panoramic viewing point with access to the roof platform, this gives breathtaking land and sea vistas. It is an ideal point from which to view the protected bird colonies on the western cliffs. Where puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, peregrines and choughs as well as the abundant marine wildlife can be seen. Come visit the first Signature Discovery Point on this stunning coastal journey. Experience the truly breathtaking views from the top of historic Signal Tower viewing point and visit the Lusitania museum.
- Adults – €5.00
- Seniors – €4.00
- Students – €4.00
- Families – €15.00
