Jerome’s tours bring historic Old Head of Kinsale to life

The dramatic cliffs and spectacular views have long been a draw for the eager walker on the Old Head Peninsula on Cork’s rugged coast.

But now, thanks to local historian Jerome Lordan, the stories of this stunning area are being revealed on his walking tours.

Twice daily for the summer months, Jerome is informing the crowds with tales of the Lusitania, the passenger ship that was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915, 12 miles off the coast, and the fascinating stories of the hundreds, yes hundreds, of other shipwrecks that lie along this dramatic stretch of coastline, a start and end point to the Wild Atlantic Way.

There is natural drama here - the limestone and basalt 80 metre cliffs that cut and terrace down to the breaking waves; the wildlife and wild birds that call this place home.

Then there is the man-made drama: The ruins of an ancient fort built by the Celts, or of one of the first commissioned lighthouses, built in the 17th century.

So why did Jerome start these walks?

“I do a walk every year during the Ballinspittle Festival and was inspired by the amount of interest in this dramatic coastline and its history,” he explains.

“Everyone had questions and wanted to know more. It was like people were awakened to the history on their doorstep.”

His walks and talks are suitable for all ages.

“The children are fascinated by the shipwrecks and tales of sailors on the sea and their adventures,” says Jerome.

“Others are interested in the old Irish place names that I have catalogued, some love learning about the wild birds that call these cliffs home.

“And, of course, everyone loves the views and the wildness of this peninsula.”

The history of this area is indeed fascinating, with the De Courcey castle that spans the headland at the narrowest point.

It is the site of pre-historic Dún Cearmná, which features in mythological texts.

The cliff scenery is majestic with its abundant birdlife and the spectacular 9-metre high sea stack of Mionnán Buí. Not to mention the five caves that penetrate the headland from east to west underneath the castle area.

The preservation and recording of the many minor place names brings those rarely visited places back to life. They hint of happenings from the distant past.

There is nobody better to lead you on your wild Atlantic walk than Jerome. Not only is he a historian but he has written two books on this area and has catalogued maps to identify the archaeology, shipwrecks, etc, from Dunworley to the Sovereign Islands.

He is the public relations officer for the Signal Tower museum and spent 20 years running Kinsale Harbour Cruises.

Jerome studied Heritage Management at Coláiste Stiofán Naofa. After that he did a BA in Archaeology and Celtic Civilisation at UCC. This was followed by am MA in Local History.

“My thesis was ‘The minor coastal place-names of the Courcey Coastline’,” he says.

His books - No Flowers On A Sailor’s Grave: Shipwrecks Of Kinsale and Courtmacsherry and Peninsula People - have been huge successes and have brought the history of the area to life for generations to come.

His passion for this area is plain to see and his knowledge is second to none.

There are two scheduled walks/talks on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer months, and there are toilets and coffee stops along the route.

The first coastal walk is at 10am from Bean and Berry Café in Garretstown (P17 AK65). The café opens at 9am if you want to get there early. This walk is about 3.5km in length and takes about two hours.

Topics for discussion include, shipwrecks, archaeology, social history, fishing, minor place names, seaweeds, and coastal plants.

The price is €15 per adult and €5 for under 16s. Cash only.

The second talk takes place at 2pm at the Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania Museum (P17 T683). There is lots of parking and again there is a café and toilet. Register and pay for the tour at the signal tower office.

The talk starts at the memorial garden. There is a 45-minute talk on the Lusitania, then you explore the DeCourcy castle where historic features and other lore from the area will be covered, including an insight into the bird sanctuary. Duration about 75 minutes.

This talk also discusses the mythology and topography of the area.

The price for the afternoon adventure is €12 per adult and under 14s are free. You do not have to book unless your group has more than 12 participants.

For more information, call Jerome on 086 0429898, email him at harbourcruises@gmail.com, or visit the website www.wildatlanticwalks.com