Crosshaven History

Crosshaven History Welcome to crosshaven history ,share photos,and stories for all to read. The town is honoured with 2 mentions in Ulysses. XV, 1873.

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.

25/08/2026

We will be in Templebreedy from 7pm tomorrow for a work night if anyone would like to help. (Weather dependant)
This is not a sheep move, its raking and weeding.

Early am walks are so beautiful
24/08/2026

Early am walks are so beautiful

These are great photos. I know who they are ha ha
23/08/2026

These are great photos. I know who they are ha ha

As momentum builds towards the launch of the Club’s 90th anniversary book on Sunday August 30th, we will be giving you a sneak peak at some of photographs included in the book.

Just for fun, can you guess who are these kids of the 80s, attending a fancy dress in the Club?!

Put your guesses in the comments below 👇

By way of reminder we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the club in Fountainstown and the launch of our commemorative book on Sunday 30 August 2-5pm.

Enjoy an exhibition tennis match featuring Mike Warren, Steve O’Sullivan, Dave Cotter and Mark Riordan, live music by Sean McGrath and a hole in one pitch and putt competition.

Everyone is welcome – members, friends and visitors alike.

23/08/2026

Demolition of Britfieldstown, Roberts Cove 1984.

The original seat of the Roberts family who gave the area its name, Britfieldstown dominated the village of Roberts Cove for nearly 200 years.

Bought by the O'Shea family in the late 19th century, it later became the residence of the McDonnell family.

The house was derelict by the 1980s and completely demolished in 1984.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Roberts.

23/08/2026

Ballymartle House, near Riverstick 1884. The residence of the Meade family, the house was built c.1812 by Rev Richard Meade. In 1953 the last of the line, Major Richard Meade sold Ballymartle and moved into Actons Hotel in Kinsale where he died in 1955. The house is now a ruin.

Our neighbours in Riverstick.
23/08/2026

Our neighbours in Riverstick.

Originally built by the Daunt family c.1830 - Heathburn Hall near Riverstick was first known as Slieveroe House.

Purchased in 1882 by Colonel Frederick George Shaw, in 1905 it underwent extensive renovations, including the construction of a gothic wing and tower adjoining the original Georgian style house. The tall tower contained a water pump which pumped water to the house and farm.

Photo here shows the tower under construction c
1905. Photo courtesy of Shaw family descendants now resident in Australia.

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