Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower — Attraction in The Municipal District of Bandon-Kinsale

We visited in early October and found the cafe closed. Not many visitors about either. I was going to give this a 4 star, because our mini schnauzer Zoe wasn't allowed into the building, but the man in charge was nice and he did allow her to explore the memorial garden so I've kept a 5 star rating. Besides, the story of the Lusitania and its murderous sinking has to be seen and remembered. The captain of the U Boat 20 was responsible for sinking this passenger liner and at least one other. Shame on him! Even if he was at war, there is no justification for what he did! There are some heart wrenching stories about some of the survivors and yet some heart warming ones as well. Be sure to read them. Its a small museum but its full of information. The first floor tells the story of the signal tower and the second floor displays the Lusitania story. The 2nd floor is reached via the outside stairs. You may have to pull hard on the 2nd floor door to get in because it can stick. Watch your head on the way in and out because its a lowish opening. Make sure to go up to the top floor where you will be greeted by fantastic views including that of the faraway lighthouse. You cant get into the lighthouse in fact you can't get past the sentry at the start of the golf course unless you have a tee time booking. Sad but true. You know so many of Ireland's lighthouses are inaccessible and can't be seen close up. Thats a traversty...

Myself and friend Jo were in Kinsale doing a nice spinning around and she mentioned the programme on Nationwide re Lusitania Museum I said "off we go" and my goodness weren't we delighted-its a must if you are travelling in the vicinity and for visitors doing the "Atlantic Way" please do allow time for a visit-the awful sinking of this magnificent ship is so beautifully depicted in video and photos-the stories of heartache and such tragedy we were both saddened by such stories-my compliments to those who developed this Museum-from the memorial garden which is stunning-the sculptor a genius -from the video in ground floor of tower to the scenery on top floor-the "work of art" presented by Graepels of Kinsale also deserves a huge mention-just a superb development-my compliments to all-i feel a special mention to the local Hayes family is due and Jo and I wish you all the very best with this superb visitor centre in the times...

We visited here two weeks ago, what a fantastic site. We didn’t know about the signal tower and memorial garden - we were taking the scenic route to Wexford after a few days in West Cork when we came across it. The lady who sold us the tickets gave us a brief history of the Lusitania, it’s sinking and the aftermath. She was so passionate about it all, she really knew here stuff - it was so great to find a tour guide who loves what they are doing and so interested in the subject . It really is amazing to see what this local group have achieved at the site and their future plans for it . The views from the top of the tower were stunning, and the rolling fog made it even more dramatic. We’d definitely come back for another visit in the future.

Facilities wise there were good clean toilets available and and a cafe...