Promontory fort - coastal

The National Monuments Service's description

Though obviously late-medieval in date the stone-built fortifications (CO137-009001-), across the narrow neck of the Old Head of Kinsale, are built in line with a substantial rock-cut fosse (D 2.5m-6m; Wth 6m) which could be of an earlier date and 'may very probably be a remnant of the earlier promontory fort' (Westropp 1914, 122). The early historical references to Dún Cermna on the Old Head are documented by O'Rahilly (1939,16-20) who identifies it as an important Pre-Christian settlement. Though no apparent traces of prehistoric habitation are evident on the headland itself, much features as hut-sites were evident before reclaimed and ploughed in the 1970s (pers. comm. Eugene Gillen).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 9/1978).