Crosshaven

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Crosshaven, also known in Irish as Bun an Tábhairne, is a village in County Cork, Ireland. It sits at the mouth of the River Owenabue in Cork Harbour, about 15 km southeast of Cork city.

Origins and name
Crosshaven began as a fishing village. From the late 1800s, tourism started to play a bigger role in the area. The Irish name Bun an Tábhairne means “mouth of the tavern,” while Cros tSeáin referred to the east side of the village as “John’s Cross.”

History and landmarks
The area has Viking roots and was tied to Cork’s defense history as part of the old Treaty Ports until 1938. Fort Templebreedy and Camden Fort Meagher are nearby. Camden Fort Meagher can sometimes be opened to the public.

Beaches and tourism
Crosshaven has five beaches within about two miles and many holiday homes, especially in the mid-20th century. In the past, the town had attractions like Piper’s funfair (the merries), The Majorca nightclub, a cinema, and the Cockleshell arcade (now La Scala).

Today and economy
The village is increasingly a commuter town for Ringaskiddy and Cork city. In the late 20th century, Ringaskiddy’s industrial estate brought pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline.

Sport and clubs
Crosshaven hosts the Royal Cork Yacht Club, based there since 1966, claimed to be the world’s oldest yacht club. The Cork Week regatta brings thousands of visitors. Local clubs include Crosshaven AFC (founded 1898), Crosshaven RFC (1972), Crosshaven GAA, and Crosshaven Triathlon Club.

Transport
Crosshaven is on the R612 road and has a bus link to Cork via Carrigaline. The nearest airport is Cork Airport; ferries to France operate from nearby Ringaskiddy. The old Crosshaven railway station (part of the Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway) ran from 1904 to 1932.

Twin town
Crosshaven is twinned with Pleumeur-Bodou, France, since 1992.