[2] The peninsula is thought to be named after the word Rosneath, derived from Gaelic Ros Neimhidh, meaning "headland of the sanctuary".

[5][6][7] Rosneath House built 1803–06, was for a time the residence of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, the daughter of Queen Victoria.

[16][17] Craigrownie Parish Church, which was completed in 1853, serves the communities of Ardpeaton, Cove and Kilcreggan.

[21] The peninsulas settlements traveling round the coast from the top of the east coast to the top of the west coast are:- During the Victorian era, from 1850 onwards, the large contiguous villages of Cove and Kilcreggan were developed, with luxurious summer villas developed in attractive coastal settings for the wealthy of the greater Glasgow area, so that businessmen and their families could enjoy the fresh air.

Piers built at Cove and Kilcreggan had Clyde steamer services taking business and leisure commuters to railway terminals such as at Greenock Princes Pier railway station, or on more leisurely steamer trips down the Firth of Clyde and up river into Glasgow.

[23] The PS Waverley calls at Kilcreggan pier during its summer season on the Firth of Clyde coast.

[24] More recently the area has become a popular destination for cyclists as it is possible to do a circular tour of the peninsula using the military road.