We fell in love with co. Cork during our first weekend there some time ago. We choose places we go only on one basis – weather conditions. It was decisive factor on both occasions. When we were there for the first time we really wanted to reach the most south-westerly point – Mizen Head but we run out of time and good weather. We took first opportunity when we could go back with weather on our side and finally did it! Visiting many cracking places on the way and Beara Penninsula.
Ballyrisode beach
Little beach where we actually haven’t been but we stopped nearby and flew drone over it. If you are looking for a good location for drone photos it’s just perfect. Beautiful sandy beach, scattered colorful rocks and azure water looks more like tropics than Irish sea side.
Crookheaven
Tiny town just shy of 10km from Mizen Head located on small peninsula. You can find fishing port and many restaurants and pubs waiting for summer tourists. Sunny Sunday morning however was peaceful and quiet. Coastguard Cottages visible across the bay are another attraction. It’s worth to detour for little stroll or lunch.
Brow Head
On the same peninsula but in reverse direction to Crookheaven is a steep narrow road which brings you to Brow Head. Not many people reach the top where you can find a house with the most amazing view you can ever imagine! They should pay tax for living in such a place ? There is a little parking space and farm gate with warning you are entering private land with farm animals.
In Ireland almost every piece of land is in private hands but many landlords in touristic places are quite ok with you entering their land. You don’t have to got far to have a stunning view over Barley Cove and on the fields there are scattered old abandoned houses which gracefully pose to photos.
Chimney Cove
Viewpoint over Barley Cove beach. And you’re only stone’s throw away from Mizen Head.
Barley Cove Beach
A real jewel of a beach! Located in a bay with high ground on both sides, long and wide stretch of fine sand. On a sunny day water has a bright blue over green colour. Due to location and characteristic it’s a great place to begin surfing adventure. There is a great look out place – Barley Cove Beach Bar with lovely outdoor terrace.
Mizen Head
The most south-westerly point of an Island. There is a signal station and one of the first telegraph stations. There is no lighthouse building as such but the point is high above sea level. Place is very well organised for visitors there is a café and visitor entre with small museum where you can buy tickets. You can see photogenic bridge and there are paths to few viewpoints.
At the top of the Head you can visit original keepers buildings which is transformed to museum. View over cliffs surrounding Mizen Head is breath-taking and dramatic landscape most of the time is battered by furious winds. We were lucky and saw a seal from the bridge down in the cove but we were told you can even encounter whole family of seals there. Mizen Head was our main goal that day and we have to admit it’s one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
Three Castle Head
We didn’t have enough time for a 3km trek to remainings of Three Castle. Ruins are in picturesque location and it’s definitely worth organizing time for it.