Marilyn Peake
April 2026 - Old Head Castle and Golf Course
About the Image(s)
I took this photograph when I was in Ireland in July 2025. In June and July of last year, my husband and I spent six weeks in Ireland, although without our cameras and with only our cell phones for taking photos.
Driving to Kinsale for the day, we came across this beautiful spot. The remains of the Old Head Castle are reported to be from around the third century AD. Today, there’s also a golf course with luxury accommodations at this location. You can also see a lighthouse in the distance. (Located across the street, not visible in the photograph, are the Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower.)
Data on my cell phone: This photo was taken at f/1.7, 1/884 sec., ISO-22. In Photoshop, I just cropped the original photo.
8 comments posted
I love views of historic buildings, so this has appeal for me. So amazing to see artifacts from the 300's; incredible how long that structure has been standing!
This image has good compositional elements - there is the strong subject in the foreground, a zig-zag road takes the eye up to the lighthouse, and a definite sense of fore/middle/backgrounds. Definitely shows the subject in its environment.
Some thoughts (FWIW). Bear in mind that the following, subjective views come from someone who gravitates toward minimalism.If your goal was an environmental composition, then you hit the mark.
Proximity. Not sure how close one can get to the castle (perhaps you could only view it from a vehicle), but I would love to have the rough, weathered surfaces in greater detail. Perhaps consider a tighter crop around the castle?
Camera angle. I'm finding the structure behind the castle and next to the road a bit distracting. I'm not sure if you had much latitude in choosing camera angle, but if were possible, using the castle to "hide" the other building and the flag poles would simplify the composition.
All in all, a wonderful image. Thank you for sharing this part of the world with us! Posted: 04/07/2026 00:06:34
This image has good compositional elements - there is the strong subject in the foreground, a zig-zag road takes the eye up to the lighthouse, and a definite sense of fore/middle/backgrounds. Definitely shows the subject in its environment.
Some thoughts (FWIW). Bear in mind that the following, subjective views come from someone who gravitates toward minimalism.If your goal was an environmental composition, then you hit the mark.
Proximity. Not sure how close one can get to the castle (perhaps you could only view it from a vehicle), but I would love to have the rough, weathered surfaces in greater detail. Perhaps consider a tighter crop around the castle?
Camera angle. I'm finding the structure behind the castle and next to the road a bit distracting. I'm not sure if you had much latitude in choosing camera angle, but if were possible, using the castle to "hide" the other building and the flag poles would simplify the composition.
All in all, a wonderful image. Thank you for sharing this part of the world with us! Posted: 04/07/2026 00:06:34
Thanks so much for your feedback, Stan. Posted: 04/07/2026 22:53:18
De Courcy Castle or Downmacpatrick/Dunmacpatrick Castle, It is said that the first Castle was built by the Irish chieftain Cearmna in the 3rd century and was originally named Dún Cearmna. But this shown hear was mainly rebuilt in the Normal Style by De Courcy. There is a very good golf course just over the head of the horizon. Your view is showing off the Castle keep and the entrance to the headland well. It also shows the enticing view of the lighthouse that sits off into the distance. It is well worth the fee and trip to the end. The views are spectacular. Very pleasing image. p.s. What is the red and white flag? Posted: 04/07/2026 09:39:07
Thanks so much for that information, Paul. I'm not sure what the flag is. Posted: 04/07/2026 22:54:07
This is nice travel photography. Good composition with leading line to The remains of the Old Head Castle. Posted: 04/13/2026 02:54:27
Thanks so much! Posted: 04/13/2026 23:41:35
I agree, the historic ruin is appealing and is worth capturing, especially if there was a closer view of it. The leading line to include the lighthouse is a nice addition. I'd probably correct the horizon based on the sea beyond. Overall, I like the content. Posted: 04/14/2026 23:15:08
Thanks so much! Posted: 04/15/2026 23:34:51