Old Head Coastguard Rocket Reenactment Walk

The Old Head Rocket was a vital part of the Coastguard service from the mid 19th century until the 1970’s. The Rocket carriage, drawn by 2 horses and later a tractor, was manned by a 15 man crew of local volunteers. The 'Rocket Cart' apparatus consisted of a tripod rocket launching apparatus, line carrying rockets and a huge quantity of ropes of various thickness, all carried in a 4-wheel horse drawn cart. (transition from horse to tractor mid 1950's) Several times a year a number of training sessions were carried out at the Old Head in preparation for an occasion when a ship may be in distress.

Following on from the success of our previous Coastguard Rocket Cart Reenactment event in 2023 (see here: https://youtu.be/Ay9uOsEwk5Q?si=L04konsqI7foTK5W) in which the Rocket Cart was led by two working Shire horses, this years reenactment will showcase the transition to the cart being led by a tractor. (1950's)

Meet at Speckled Door from 11am, followed by a walk to the Old Head Signal Tower (2.3km) led by the Rocket Cart drawn by a vintage tractor and members of the Irish Coastguard. A demonstration by the Coastguard will take place at the Old Head Signal Tower.

The Old Head Rocket Carriage was restored and painted by JJ Hayes, Chairman of the Lusitania Museum/Old Head Signal Tower Heritage Committee.