Crosshaven was originally a Viking Settlement, part of what was known as the Ostman's Tancred after Cork City became a fortified English Stronghold. According to Local Legend, Sir Francis Drake sailed up the River Owenabue, the local river, while hiding from the Spanish Armada, the point in the River where he is alleged to have hid is known as Drake's Pool. Famous residents have included the fathe
r of Bob Geldof, who was manager of the local hotel, the Grand Hotel, and Hollywood stuntman Jack Arrow. In 1983, local resident Jim Enright briefly held the World Record for the longest political speech. The local secondary school was founded by the Aunt of James Joyce who dreamt she was walking along the cliffs by Crosshaven one night. The local military forts, Templebreedy and Camden were British outposts until the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1938. There are remains of gun turrets and bunkers from World War I along the coast. The definitive history is History of Crosshaven by former National School headmaster Diarmuid O Murchu. To Crosshaven applies with equal truth what the poet has attributed to the famous “Auburn”, where””
“Coming spring its earliest visit paid,
And parting summer’s lingering steps delayed.”
We would strongly recommend anyone seeking rest and quiet, a genial and salubrious climate, and bathing in sea water absolutely free from contamination, to pay Crosshaven a visit during the present season. It is reached from Queenstown by the railway and river steamers, plying regularly every hour at a fare of a few pence; this short trip across the harbour is a luxury in itself. We venture to predict that a visit once paid will be repeated by those who appreciate the beautiful in nature’s handiwork.” Published in the Irish Builder, Vol.
