A Guide to Mizen Head
Read our travel guide on visiting Mizen Head in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Visiting the Mizen Head and standing on the edge of Ireland's most southwesterly point is an incredible experience.
While there are more famous places to see in Ireland, Mizen Head is one of those little treasures that are a treat to explore.
The narrow coastal roads, rugged landscape, breathtaking ocean views, rural countryside, impressive cliffs, and much more is what you can expect from the Mizen Head.
For us, road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way was one of the highlights of our trip to the Emerald Isle.
And places such as the Mizen Head were the main reason why we enjoyed this scenic drive so much.
Moreover, Mizen Head is a perfect place to see if you want to avoid the tour buses on the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula.
And compared to this famous scenic ride, it is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path area that is a perfect alternative for visitors looking for a tranquil experience.
So here's everything you should know about Mizen Head before you go.
What to See and Do
So what is there to see and do on Mizen Head?
Frankly, Mizen Head won't have much in terms of attractions, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with a stunning landscape, laid-back atmosphere, and breathtaking ocean views.
Mizen Head
In westernmost Ireland, Mizen Head juts dramatically out into the Atlantic Ocean.
If you have a car, you can just drive around and enjoy the views, the landscape, the fresh air of the ocean, and the grazing sheep.
Visiting Mizen Head Ring gave us a perfect opportunity to explore one of Ireland's most beautiful corners.
And we believe that the top attraction at Mizen Head and the main reason to explore this place is the peninsula itself.
If you love road trips, the five peninsulas in the southwest of Ireland should be on your bucket list.
Villages
The villages we passed through had three things in common.
They were tiny, quiet, and had a lot of charm, as if the time itself had stopped there. No, you won't find Galway or Dublin here.
On the other hand, whether you stop at Schull, Goleen, or make a short detour to Crookhaven, you will have a perfect opportunity to get to know Ireland and the local people from a completely different perspective.
The villages usually have some beds and breakfasts, a gas station, a pub or two, and some craft stores and galleries.
There is not much to see and do in the villages on the Mizen Head peninsula, but that's precisely the type of experience some travelers might be looking for.
By the way, Crookhaven is especially worth seeing if just for the views. Well, mostly for the views.
And we can't also fail to mention that you can take a ferry from Schull to Cape Clear Island if you're looking for something a bit more adventuorus.
Altar Wedge Tomb
Before you reach Toormore, you should consider making a quick stop at Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point which features lovely bay views and Altar Wedge Tomb.
More than 4.000 years ago, the local people buried their families and honored their spirits on this spot.
Sites such as the Altar Wedge Tomb illustrate that the human activity on Mizen Peninsula reaches back to the Bronze Age and beyond.
This quick stop that features a site from the Bronze Age period on R592 is easy to miss, so make sure to put it on your GPS and stop by.
By the way, this is not the only megalithic attraction on the peninsula, there are also Ogham Stone and more wedge tombs, such as the one at Arduslough.
Barleycove Beach
If you're looking for the best beach in County Cork, you've just found it. We might be biased here, but that's how we felt about Barleycove Beach.
Situated in the southwest part of the peninsula, Barleycove Beach is an absolutely stunning strip of sand with crystal-clear water and breathtaking surroundings.
The beach is pretty huge and allows you to find your own spot away from others if you prefer privacy.
Barleycove Beach has large and free parking, but it's a few hundred meters from the beach.
The trail also features a floating bridge to get across the water to help you cross water during the high tide.
However, it was not set up when we were there in May, as it was probably damaged by the weather. It might be worth checking the tidal times before you go.
Mizen Head Signal Station
Sitting at the westernmost point of the peninsula, Mizen Head Signal Station is the main attraction on the peninsula that should convince you to include this area in your itinerary.
Without any doubt, Mizen Head Signal Station is one of the best things to do while exploring the peninsula.
The site features a signal tower, impressive cliffs, a small but informative museum, a cafe, and a gift shop.
We learned new cool things about local geology, which is super interesting, by the way, and also gradually grasped how difficult and challenging the life of workers operating the tower was.
But the views from the top of the cliffs were the main reason why we spent almost a couple of hours there despite the foggy weather.
By the way, all the trails at Mizen Head are well-maintained, and even though they include some steps, it's super easy to get around.
Simply put, even if you're short on time, Mizen Head Signal Station is a must-see site while exploring this peninsula.
Dunlough Castle
Sometimes referred to as Dunlough Fort or Three Castles, Dunlough Fort is a place as if plucked straight from a fairy tale.
Despite its ruined state, this is one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland.
The views and the walk along are worth the effort and really make Dunlough Castle one of the most magical places on Mizen Head.
Dating back to the 12th century, Basing House used to be a Tudor Palace and Castle, but now only ruins remain.
However, in this scenario, it's not actually a bad thing, as the ruins sitting on the edge of Dunlough Lake create a perfect scene.
The 30-minute walk to the main viewpoint is well-signed and fairly easy.
This is a private site, and there is a small honesty box where you should pay €3 for parking.
Dunmanus Castle
Situated next to Dunnamus Bay on the north side of the peninsula, Dunmanus Castle was a quick stop on the way out.
The castle was built in 1430 by Donogh More O'Mahony and today consists of a rectangular 20-meter tower.
It seemed that the castle was on private property, and there was no proper parking, so we just snapped a quick photo and continued to our next stop.
Dunbeacon
Home to the ruins of Dunbeacon Castle, nearby Dunbeacon Stone Circle, and a campground, this little area was our last stop on Mizen Peninsula.
Unfortunately, there is not much left of the ruins, but you might be able to take a nice photo from a distance.
If you're looking for a proper castle experience while in Ireland, head to Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, or Rock of Cashel.
How Much Time Do I Need
As usual, the question of how much time you need to visit Mizen Head is a tricky one, as it depends on three major factors.
Firstly, you will need at least three hours to just drive around the peninsula. The rural roads on Mizen Head are narrow, and you will need to drive slowly there.
Keep in mind that the ETA on your GPS navigation is usually far too ambitious and gives inaccurate times.
Secondly, you should allow yourself at least an hour for the Mizen Head Signal Station and another hour or two for the stops along the way.
Therefore, we would say that five to six hours is an optimum time for an average traveler who wants to drive around the peninsula, visit the cliffs and the signal tower, and explore some additional attractions along the way.
On the other hand, some people might prefer slow travel and can easily spend an entire day at Mizen Head.
To conclude, always make sure that this trip fits into your Ireland road trip itinerary.
While it might be tempting to spend a whole day at Mizen Head, not everyone can afford that, and there are many amazing places to see in Ireland.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
Honestly, it doesn't matter whether you drive the Mizen Head clockwise or counterclockwise.
As our road trip was a bit unorganized, we did the Mizen Head counterclockwise, and it was perfectly fine.
Opening Hours
Mizen Head is a beautiful peninsula that you can visit any time of the day, 365 days a year.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Mizen Head.
If you're road-tripping Ireland on a budget, this is a perfect place to visit.
Where to Start From
Technically you can start your Mizen Head drive from Durrus at the northeast or Ballydehob at the southeast.
However, most travelers usually start their trip at Cork, Kinsale, Bantry, Kenmare, or even Killarney, as they also include additional stops in their itinerary.
The whole trip from Durrus to Mizen Head Signal Station and Ballydehob is only 70 kilometers or 90 kilometers if you complete the loop.
However, this part that leads on N71 is the least scenic, and we recommend continuing directly to Sheep's Head Peninsula.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Mizen Head is by car. And, honestly, it's the best way to get around Ireland in general.
Car
Driving around the Mizen Head, with its narrow and winding roads, might seem too stressful at first, but it's not as bad as you would expect.
The rule of thumb is to drive slowly and pay attention while driving along narrow stretches.
Here you will find more tips for driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland, which feature helpful tips on both topics.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we always use Rentalcars.com,
Bus
Bus number 237 (Bus Eireann) will take you from Cork to Goleen, but you won't get any further by public transport.
Honestly, we wouldn't want to rely on public transport in this area, but that's just us.
You could hire a driver in the town in order to explore the rest of the peninsula from there, but it won't be exactly cheap.
Tours
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour to explore Mizen Head if you're short on time.
Here you can reserve Mizen Head Tour from Cork in advance.
Directions
The farthest tip of the Mizen Head is only 120 kilometers west of Cork and 120 kilometers south of Killarney.
Limerick is 200 kilometers from Mizen Head, while Dublin is 400 kilometers from here.
There are several ways to get there, depending on your itinerary.
Keep in mind that the fastest route is usually the least scenic, so it's usually worth taking several detours along the way.
When to Go
As mentioned above, you can visit Mizen Head all year round. We explored the peninsula in May, and even though it was relatively cloudy, the weather was still fine.
Due to its coastal location, Mizen Head has an Atlantic climate. The weather is often mild and moist, with strong winds and plenty of rain, especially during the winter.
Even more so, the peninsula is far more exposed than Beara or Sheep's Head, so the weather here is usually the most severe.
Be prepared that some roads might be icy during the winter.
Here you will find more tips on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
Even if you spend most of your time driving around the peninsula, you should not underestimate the packing part of your trip.
As the weather is really changeable and often windy and rainy, make sure to have a good rain jacket or rain poncho in your daypack (avoid using an umbrella).
The walks we did on Mizen Head were mostly short and easy, but we still wore our favorite runners that kept our feet comfortable the whole day.
As always, bring your trusty water bottle to stay hydrated troughout the day.
Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
Where to Stay
As usual, it all depends on your itinerary. Before visiting the Mizen Head, we stayed at a tiny Bed and Breakfast near the peninsula.
If you want to get a head start, you might consider staying directly on the peninsula.
Just be prepared that the accommodation is a bit more basic there, which means that you won't find large luxury hotels there.
We traveled in the shoulder season and were able to make spontaneous decisions along the way. However, generally, it's better to book your accommodation early to avoid high prices, especially in the summer season.
Here are the best hotels in Mizen Head.
Schull | Schull Harbour Hotel - Without any doubt, Schull Harbour Hotel is one of the best hotels on the Mizen Head peninsula. The hotel features modern and clean rooms with sea views, an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, a gym, and parking across the street.
Cloghanaculleen | Mizen View - A charming apartment about three kilometers from Goleen, Mizen View features clean and spacious rooms, on-site private parking, a lovely view, and a quiet location.
Durrus | Sea Lodge - Located in Durrus, Sea Lodge is a charming bed and breakfast with stylish rooms, delicious breakfast, and free private parking. The location is perfect when exploring Sheep's Head Peninsula the next day.
Staying Safe
Mizen Head is a very safe place to visit in Ireland. It's a remote peninsula far away from the cities, and we felt extremely safe while there.
When it comes to staying safe at Mizen Head, there are three things you should know before you go.
We have already talked about the narrow roads, so we just want to make a quick summary in this section. Drive slowly and pay attention to your surroundings. That's it.
Another essential thing you should keep in mind is safety when visiting the cliffs.
While seeing the majestic cliffs with your very own eyes is an unforgettable experience, always remember to stay on the designated trails.
The situation is very straightforward at Mizen Head Signal Station, as the path is clearly marked and easy to navigate.
There are tons of similar places around the country without the barriers, so this should always be on your mind when visiting cliffs to stay safe while in Ireland.
Lastly, don't underestimate the Irish weather.
The weather in Ireland is generally unpredictable, but the coastal areas are even more prone to severe weather.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Mizen Head Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Mizen Head is definitely worth visiting, especially if you like coastal drives, scenic views, cliff walks, signal towers, and peaceful Irish countryside.
On top of that, we believe the peninsula is worth seeing just for the Mizen Head Signal Station itself.
Lastly, Mizen Head is far less visited than the iconic Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, so it's a perfect place to see for people who have more time and want to escape the crowds.
However, there are five similar-looking peninsulas in Ireland's southwest, and deciding which ones are worth seeing when road-tripping Ireland can be challenging, as they all have their pros and cons.
Therefore, we recommend reading our guide on Ireland's Southwest Peninsulas to find out more about this topic.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
