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

Where to Stay

This 148km figure-eight between two peninsulas can be driven in a long day, but an overnight stay lets you savour both Sheep's Head and Mizen without hurrying the coastal walks. Bantry sits at the hub where the roads to both peninsulas diverge, making it the single most practical base.

Bantry

Bantry has the best accommodation density in the area, from historic Bantry House itself (which takes B&B guests) to harbour-front hotels and townhouse guesthouses. You can head out to Sheep's Head Lighthouse one morning and Mizen Head Signal Station the next, returning to Bantry each evening for dinner overlooking the bay. Schull and Ballydehob are also reachable within 30 minutes for a change of scene.

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

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

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1-2 days for the Mizen Head & Sheep's Head: the 148km takes roughly 4 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. Coastal weather changes faster than the forecast admits — the all-season packing guide covers what to have in the boot year-round. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Cork page, and the Cork Harbour & Kinsale pairs naturally with this one.