Crosshaven and the adjoining bays of Church Bay, Fennels Bay, Myrtleville and Fountainstown are located at the mouth of Cork Harbour approximately 23km south of Cork City and 5km east of Carrigaline. Crosshaven's strategic position has made it a location of recurring military fortifications since the 15th century. The Tower House and later Forth Meagher became an importaint military fortress in the 19th century.
Crosshaven at the estuary of the Owenabue River has evolved into an attractive village and leisure location which utilises it's safe harbour. The village area has a large number of attractive 18th and 19th century buildings. The western approach to the village along the R612 presents a picturesque tiered townscape with landmark spires and mature trees. The river has many moored yachts and boats in the approach to the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldsest sailing club in the world. The village commands views overlooking the Owenabue Estuary, the wooded headland of Curraghbinny and the mouth of the Lower Harbour.
Crosshaven has the highest concentration of marinas and boat repair facilities in Cork Harbour. The marinas are located at The Royal Cork Yacht Club, Salve Marine and Crosshaven Boat Yard, all in Crosshaven village. The Royal Cork Yacht Club is also an important tourist destination, its founding in 1720 makes it the oldest yacht club in the world. It holds numerous annual and bi-annual sailing events which attracts large numbers of visitors to the village all year around. Crosshaven is also
Crosshaven is well served with local services including an excellent Centra supermarket, numerous restaurants, cafes, public houses, tourist acomodation, hairdressers etc. It also features an excellent childrens' payaground, amusement park and amusement arcade. It has numerous sports facilities, clubs and societies - see elsewhere on this website for details.
SOME CROSSHAVEN STATISTICS:
The 2022 census recorded a population of 3 263 people in Crosshaven and a total population including the bays area (965 people) of 4 228 persons. In the 2016 census the Crosshaven and the bays area recorded a total population of 3 570 persons.
Crosshaven Population Pyramid from the 2022 census
Myrtleville & Fountainstown Population Pyramid from the 2022 census