Explore Ireland 2015

Mizen Head

Mizen Head is located at the extremity of the Mizen peninsula. If you love dramatic cliff scenery, wide ocean views and colourful seafaring history, then enjoy as the Wild Atlantic Way drops you right at its doorstep. One of the main transatlantic shipping routes passes close by to the south, and Mizen Head was, for many seafarers, the first (or last) sight of Europe.

The tip of the peninsula is almost an island, cut off by a deep chasm, now spanned by a bridge; this gives access to an old signal station, a weather station, and a lighthouse plus a brilliant museum that’s a great place to learn more about this area.

The signal station, once permanently manned, is now a museum housing displays of its strategic significance for transatlantic shipping, including the pioneering efforts of Guglielmo Marconi. It was built to save lives off the treacherous rocks at Ireland’s most southwesterly point.

It is spellbinding with the high cliffs and the swirling Atlantic Ocean tides below. Mizen Head is also famous for its wildflowers and sightings of wildlife, dolphins, whales, seals, gannets, kittiwakes and choughs.  It is noted as one of the best places in the world to see minke, fin and humpback whales and dolphins.

The Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction is an authentic all-weather experience and a must-see with its spectacular location on the high cliffs and swirling Atlantic Ocean below. The "99 steps" which formed part of the original access route have been supplemented by a series of paths and viewing platforms, and a full range of visitor facilities is available at the entrance to the site.

For more information, visit www.ireland.com.