Power Head Fog Signal Station

Power Head fog signal station, also known as Poer Head, is located East of Roche’s Point. It was established in 1879 as a fog signal station to assist with navigation into the approaches to Cork Harbour. It was not felt necessary to have a light here as there were already lights at Roche’s Point, Old Head of Kinsale and Daunt Lightship.

The site was built under the supervision of William Douglas. It was equipped with various fog signal equipment during its lifetime and initially operated using a Wigham steam siren.  Priestman paraffin engines driving Hawthorn Davey air compressors replaced this in 1892.  The Priestman engines were replaced around 1909 with Petter oil engines.  In 1933, Petter diesels, coupled to Reavell air compressors, were installed. 

The fog signal station was discontinued in 1970 and was operating with a Ruston engine and Atlas Copco compressor at this time.  At the time of its closure, Power Head was the only manned station in the service without a light.

The siren signal was transferred to the Old Head of Kinsale Lighthouse after decommissioning.

From the 1870s, there were two keepers’ cottages.  A large house was also built in the 1950s.   These were subsequently sold and are now privately owned.  In 2021, local owner Herman Baily bought the cottages with the plan of converting it into a dream home.  However, this turned into a legal dispute when structural failures were declared. 

The nearest parking is at Inch car park. The former boat landing can be seen down a path leading into a sheltered cove. The road and path are on private property, but you are allowed to walk through with care. No dogs are allowed, and there are steep cliffs on the headland.