There are 5 peninsulas in Southwestern Ireland. Most people are familiar with the Dingle Peninsula and the Iveragh Peninsula—which is home to the famous Ring of Kerry—but many people skip out on the 3 other peninsulas that lie directly south called the Beara, Sheep, and Mizen Peninsula. I have visited all 5 of them, and each one is unique and worth the visit! If you are looking for picturesque cliffs, breathtaking scenery, and fewer tourists, then Mizen Head Ireland should be on your trip itinerary!

This guide will give you everything you need to know before visiting Mizen Head and the Mizen Peninsula, the best places to see, eat, stay and top travel tips.

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Mizen Head is located at the end of the Mizen Peninsula in the southwestern tip of Ireland. It’s often referred to as the most southerly point of Ireland, although Brow Head, which is located only a few kilometres away, beats Mizen Head for the title by just 9 metres.

The best way to visit Mizen head is by renting a car since it is difficult to get there via public transportation. You can travel to Mizen Head either from the north via Killarney or from the east via Cork; both of which are about 2-hours drive from Mizen Head. If you are driving from Dublin, it’s about 4.5 hours.

The site of Mizen Head consists of the old signal station, weather station, and lighthouse. All of which you are able to visit. The main attraction of Mizen Head is the iconic bridge that connects the tip of the peninsula to the rest of the land. There are also many viewing points along the way that you won’t want to miss.

Currently the cost of admission is €7.50 for Adults, €6 for Seniors and students ( need valid student ID card. International schools are accepted), €4.50 for children under 14 years of age and children under 5 years of age are free. There is also a family deal, which is €25 for 2 adults and up to 4 children. For groups of more than 10 people, there is a €1 discount per person. Tickets are not available for purchase online. You can only purchase tickets from the Mizen Head Visitor Centre upon arrival. (Click here for updates and current admission prices).

Normal opening hours are 10 to 6pm during the summer months (June, July, August), 10:30am to 5pm in the spring and fall (April, May, September and October), and 11 to 4pm during the winter months (November to March). Also note that due to the weather, there is limited access to some of the view points after 3:30pm all year round, so don’t wait until the end of the day to make your visit.

There is a car park located near the visitors centre. Parking is free and there is always plenty of room to park, with a few oversized spots available. 

I would allow about 1.5 hours to  2 hours for your visit. There is a lot more to do than just see the bridge and the lighthouse. There are multiple viewing points, a visitor centre, a cafe and a gift shop. I would allow enough time to comfortably see everything.

The weather at Mizen head is typical for Atlantic coastal weather: unpredictable. One minute it will be sunny and then the next it will be pouring rain. The only constant is the strong winds. That is why they call it the Wild Atlantic Way! Make sure you bring a waterproof jacket, even if the weather looks sunny! You can visit Mizen Head all year, but you’ll have the best chance of good weather and visibility from April to September.

Fun fact: Mizen Head had Ireland’s first radio beacon, which was built in 1931. Due to the advancement of technology, the radio beacon service was discontinued in 1999.

Mizen Head was originally built as a fog signal station in 1909 to help ships avoid the treacherous rocks. The lighthouse is different from the traditional tall lighthouses you are probably familiar with – it looks like a short, red lamppost and there is no lantern inside. Lightkeepers lived at the signal station until 1993 when the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation. When you visit, you will be able to see the living quarters of past lightkeepers of Mizen Head and read about the history and geography of the area. 

The Mizen bridge connects Cloghane Island to the mainland and the original bridge was built in 1910. The old Mizen Head bridge was made from reinforced concrete and lasted almost 100 years before it was closed in 2005 due to the unsafe conditions. A new bridge wasn’t built until 2009 due to lack of funds and was opened in 2011. This new bridge that you will walk on now is built in a similar style to the old bridge, and is made from concrete and reinforced steel.

Located in the town of Schull on the Mizen Peninsula and about 30 minutes from Mizen Head. 

Amenities include:

• • Rooms with Sea View
  • 16 metre indoor swimming pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Free Parking
  • On-site Restaurant
  • Buffet Breakfast Options

Located near Barleycove Beach and about a 5 minute drive to Mizen Head. 

Amenities include: 

• • Each room has stunning sea views
  • Access to one of Ireland’s premier blue flag beaches
  • Free breakfast included
  • On-site restaurant

Located in the city of Bantry and about 45 minutes from Mizen Head.

Amenities include: 

• • Rooms with sea views and balconies
  • Large indoor swimming pool and a children’s pool
  • Spa and wellness centre, including a sauna, steam room and hot tub
  • Fitness centre
  • On-site restaurant
  • Buffet breakfast options

Located outside the city of Bantry amid 30 acres of landscaped gardens and about 45 minutes from Mizen Head.

Amenities include: 

• • Indoor swimming pool
  • Health & Leisure centre, including sauna, steam room, squash and outdoor tennis
  • Fitness centre
  • On-site restaurant
  • Buffet breakfast options

Located in the town of Skibbereen overlooking the Ilen River and about 50 minutes from Mizen Head. 

Amenities include: 

• • Rooms with riverside view
  • On-site restaurant
  • Buffet breakfast options

There are a few different restaurant options in towns nearby, but here are the ones I would recommend.

• Bunratty Inn (Schull, Cork) 
• Nico’s Food & Wine (Schull, Cork)
• Hackett’s Bar (Schull, Cork)
• The New Haven (Schull, Cork)
• Nickie’s Kitchen (Schull, Cork)
• Along the Way Cafe (Goleen, Cork)
• Wild West Bar (Goleen, Cork)
• O’Sullivans Bar (Crookhaven, Cork)

This beach is only about 5 minutes from Mizen Head and is gorgeous. Perfect for a nice walk or a swim, especially during the summer.

Located about a 25 minute drive from Mizen Head is a Neolithic wedge tomb and national monument. For all of you archeology enthusiasts out there, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Only about a 15 minutes drive from Mizen Head, just past the village of Crookhaven, and is the most southern point of Ireland. It was one of the many Irish film locations for the movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Whether you decide to take a walk around the area or simply take in the views from your car, it is worth the trip

Discover castle ruins just 15 minutes from Mizen Head. Its a lovely coastal walk with castle ruins. What’s not to love?

If you are into hiking, like myself, you’ll love these hikes around the Mizen Peninsula. You can find all of these hikes with maps and more details on the Alltrails app.

This is a moderate hike that is about an 8 kilometre loop and will take about 2 hours to complete. The trail is near Ballybane, Cork and has great views and you might see some sheep along the way. Click here for trail map.

This trail loop along the coast starts in Schull and is about 9 kilometres long, with an estimation of 2 hours to complete the circuit. The route is mostly on paved surfaces and country roads. On this trail you will have beautiful views of the coastline and the Schull Harbour. Click here for a trail map.

This is a moderate hike and is an almost 10 kilometre loop that takes you to the top of Knockaphuca hill. The trail starts near Goleen and will take you 2 hr 45 min to complete. A short part of this trail is on the road, but most of the way is on a well-marked route on grassy and rocky terrain that takes you to the cross on the top of the hill. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. Click here for a trail map.

Mount Gabriel is the highest mountain in the area at about 400 metres high. This moderate, 5 kilometre out and back trail to the top of Mount Gabriel gives you panoramic views and will take about 1 hr 45 min. Click here for a trail map.

Although these locations are not on the Mizen Peninsula, they are on the route to Mizen Head and might be fun stops to add to your trip.

This white painted stone beacon is located near the beautiful town of Baltimore, Cork. The beacon is situated near Baltimore harbour, with breathtaking sea views. There is a small car park nearby and then it’s a short (somewhat steep) walk up to the beacon. If its a nice day, I would also recommend stopping at a cafe in the town of Baltimore and enjoy the views.

When I travelled to Mizen Head last year, I was driving from Cork and decided to take the scenic route along the coast and it did not disappoint. On my route I passed through the beautiful town of Glandore. This town has some of the most breathtaking views and is worth the stop if you have time. Grab a pint or a coffee at one of their cute cafes or the local pubs while you soak in the incredible views of the harbour.

Bantry is such a hidden gem. Its a cute harbour town with picturesque scenery. One of the top things to do is visit the beautiful Bantry House and Gardens. This house was built in 1710 and has perfect views of the bay. You can tour both the house and the manicured gardens. If you have some extra time, visit the tearoom for afternoon tea.  

Visit all three! Although the Mizen Peninsula is a lesser known and less visited location compared to the more famous peninsulas like Dingle or the Ring of Kerry, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. I have visited all 5 peninsulas and I am surprised how different each one is to the other. I love them all equally. If you only have time to visit one of the peninsulas, then I would recommend researching what each one has to offer and deciding which you would enjoy most. A lot of people miss out on Mizen Head because of the long drive, but it is definitely worth the trip. The Southern corner of Ireland is breathtaking and the whole Mizen peninsula is just gorgeous. When I visit, I always take the longer, more scenic route along the coast because you can’t beat those coastal views! 

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