Touristing About the Place: Mizen Head

Touristing Around Mizen Head

Most people have heard of Mizen Head because it is the most South-Westerly point of Ireland. Charity car or motorbike runs usually go from Malin Head to Mizen Head. At the tip of the peninsula there is a light signalling station which has been turned into a museum. The signalling station isn’t the only attraction, but also the magnificent views on offer. To the south, you can see the Fastnet lighthouse and Cape Clear Island. To the north, you can see the end of Beara and Dunlough Bay. Granted the visibility of these is purely weather dependent!

Simple Map of Mizen Peninsula

The day we went on our excursion the sun was splitting the rocks. We lathered on the sun screen on off we went. Our first stop was Dunlough Bay. To refresh your memory this is where the largest drug haul in Irish history took place… I’ve a feeling drug lords like their scenery too…

Dunlough Bay!

Continuing on the narrow roads of Mizen Head, we headed towards the south-westerly tip. The visitor centre consists of a coffee shop, a gift shop and an informative area on the geology of the area (…and yes being a little nerd, a lot of time was spent there!). 

Visitor Centre

On the trek out to the signal station there are several side tracks. The first was to a viewing point looking out on a sea arch. You may remember from geography class was these are, here’s a picture to remind you!

The Sea Arch

Going down to viewing point was grand, but Lord God! The trek back up nearly broke me! It was so steep and a good dose of steps. Numerous red-faced breaks were taken on the way up – I am incredibly unfit! The next side track was short and up to a viewing point where you can look down onto the newly constructed Mizen Bridge.

The Mizen Bridge

After this we bypassed the ’99-steps’ and waddled over the bridge. From the bridge, I stared down in the crevice below with the sea crashing into rocks. Beautiful but daunting!

The next side track was up to a long viewing platform – more steps! This viewing area displayed all the scenery of the area; the signal station, the bridge, Fastnet lighthouse, Cape Clear Island, Dunlough Bay, Beara and the vast Atlantic Ocean. It’s the best part of the trek for taking in the scenery, to just sit and absorb the surroundings.

Views to Left then to the Right from platform

 We decided to stroll on when the tour bus people were coming up to the platform. Then we visited the main attraction; the signalling station! Within the house-íns near the station, there were displays of various whale and sharks that haven been spotted nearby. There were also displays of ships and maps from years gone by. We spent most of the time at the station looking out to sea; sailing boats, the Naval ship LE Ciara, the Fastnet Lighthouse and if you squinted enough you could see America! :P

Next Stop: AMERICA! :P

  

After the signalling station, the next stop was Barleycove. This is the big beach that when you were a kid you’d get super-excited! A day at Barleycove is amazing. Today however, we were only stopping off for a walk on the beach (and a look at the lifeguards!).

Barleycove

 At this stage the hunger was setting in! Onwards to Crookhaven!! In Crookhaven there is the most beautiful setting for sitting out in the sun having a drink and a bit of grub. Park-benches are set along the pier and a stunning view of the harbour beside you. It’s a great spot to soak in the rays and relax a little.

Refreshments at Crookhaven

After food the plan was to take the scenic route back to Bantry, however we got a little distracted in Ballydehob!!! First by the playground and then by bridges!

Ballydehob

 Overall it was a great day out along the Mizen Head. We were blessed with the weather and could see the world from the signalling station. Bumping into tourists during the day, they seemed to be all in good humour and so were we! It was a great day touristing about!

P.S. Don't forget to click on the images to see bigger versions of them!