Mizen Head & Sheep's Head

Ireland's two most southwesterly peninsulas offer drama without the crowds. Mizen Head reaches for the Atlantic at a spectacular headland, while Sheep's Head is a narrow finger of quiet roads and stunning coastal walks.

Why This Route?

Mizen and Sheep's Head deliver:

Mizen Head - Ireland's most southwesterly point
Sheep's Head - Quiet peninsula paradise
Dramatic coastline - Cliffs and hidden coves
Fewer tourists - Overlooked neighbours to Kerry
Walking trails - Some of Ireland's finest

The Route

Starting from Bantry

At the head of Bantry Bay:

Bantry House

One of Ireland's finest historic houses:

1750s mansion
Italianate gardens
Bay views
B&B accommodation available

The Town

Market town character:

Friday market
Good cafés
Wolfe Tone Square

Durrus

Gateway to both peninsulas:

Cheese producer (Durrus Cheese)
Road divides here
Quiet village

Sheep's Head Peninsula

The narrow, quiet peninsula:

The Road

Single-track much of the way:

Spectacular bay views
Few tourists
Sheep on the road
Take your time

Kilcrohane

Tiny village midway along:

Bernie's Cupán Tae (legendary café)
Walking access
Community spirit

Sheep's Head Lighthouse

At the peninsula's tip:

Walk required (1.5km each way)
Small lighthouse
Dramatic views to Mizen and Beara
Wild and beautiful

Return to Durrus

Backtrack along the peninsula.

Mizen Head Peninsula

The larger, more developed peninsula:

Schull

The main village:

Sailing centre
Planetarium
Sunday market (summer)
Restaurants and cafés

Goleen

Tiny village near Mizen:

Traditional character
Heron's Cove restaurant
Last services before Mizen

Barleycove Beach

Spectacular beach:

Blue Flag
Dune system
Strong currents (care required)
Floating bridge access

Mizen Head Signal Station

Ireland's most southwesterly point:

The Experience

Arched bridge to island (stunning)
Signal station museum
Keeper's house
99 steps down (and up!)
Views to Fastnet Rock

Fastnet Rock

"Ireland's Teardrop" - the last sight of Ireland for emigrants. Lighthouse visible from Mizen.

Crookhaven

Historic village:

Natural harbour
Marconi connection
Swimming
Traditional pub

Return via Ballydehob

Artistic village with:

Galleries
Twelve-arch bridge
Good cafés
Craft shops

Walking

Sheep's Head Way

Long-distance trail (88km) with day walk options:

Lighthouse walk (3km return)
Seefin Summit (panoramic views)
Village to village sections

Mizen Head Trails

Signal station walk
Barleycove beach loop
Three Castle Head (dramatic ruins)

Three Castle Head

Remote castle ruins on cliffs:

Longer walk from road
Lake and castle
Spectacular setting

Wildlife

Marine Life

Dolphins common in Bantry Bay
Whale sightings (late summer)
Seals on rocks
Seabirds at Mizen

Birdwatching

Mizen and Cape Clear are excellent for migrant birds.

Practical Tips

Sheep's Head roads - Very narrow; passing places
Mizen - Admission charge; allow 1.5 hours
Weather - Exposed to Atlantic; check forecasts
Fuel - Fill up in Bantry or Schull
Bernie's - Sheep's Head café; check opening times