Taking a day trip from Killarney to Mizen Head on the extreme tip of South West Cork is a day that you will forget this I can guarantee. Most of our guests have the Cliffs of  Moher on their bucket list and as a must see but to me the ‘off the beaten track’ adventure day out in the opposite direction gives you so much more bang for the buck !

The tip of Mizen Head itself cuts jaggedly out into the Atlantic Ocean settling up a wild and rugged land meeting seascape. When you approach the further end of the Head after crossing the daunting footbridge it literally feels like you have reached the end of the world. With the mesmerizing rock formations the churning seas and the howling wind this is when you get to feel the sheer power and beauty before your eyes, millions of years of  crushing rock movement and sea erosion which has created something so spectacular words cannot describe.

But to be true Mizen Head is just the icing on the cake the trip home wint disappoint ,this I know for sure !

Check out Met.ie and the 7 day rainfall forecast to see what the weather holds in store, you really do need a good day to enjoy this one.

I like to do as much of loop as possible a when doing a road trip so I start by heading straight east towards Cork on the N22, it’s a real long day out so get on the road as early as possible, that way they will be no need for rushing and believe me the day will fly !

When you get to Macroom after about 40 minutes go thru the town and about a mile out the other end you will see the sign for the R584 and Dunmanway. From here you have a choice , if you feel you will be caught for time take the direct route to Dunmanway so about 2-3 miles along this road stay left and follow the R 587. When in Dunmanway look for the R586 and Drimoleague , from Drimoleague take the R583 to Skibereen and then the N71 to Ballydehob

If you want to see a really cool Monastery on a tiny lake dating back to the 6^th century you will definitely want to stay straight on the R584 (from Macroom) and make your way to Gougan Barra about 15 mins from here. Follow the R584 when leaving and that will take you into Ballylickey, taking a  left here onto the N71 on thru Bantry and ahead to Ballydehob.

Buds Café is an excellent little place to stop and eat in Ballydehob with food to die for !

From Ballydehob take the R592 on and thru Schull and then look out for the R591 and Toormore. On route from here you will come across the beautiful Barleycove beach if you feel like a stretch of the legs or a swim. The peir at Crookhaven is also a nice spot if you feel like a beer. From here follow the signs for Mizen Head.

On the return journey follow the R591 to Durrus and to continue the adventure go left in Durrus for Sheeps Head. Take this wonderful feast for the eyes all the way to the end where you can get out and walk to the very tip where the lighthouse is.

On returning follow the same road back about 4 miles(6KM) til you come to a blind hard right. There is a large 2 story house at the junction on your right with a sign to the right saying Bantry,. From here if you feel like another incredible bit of driving take this right and follow this road as it gets a little tighter and rougher with a grass median for good stretches as it snakes its way thru this awe inspiring countryside(you are pretty much on your own !) it will…….. eventually get you back to Bantry.

Mannings food emporium in Ballylicky is a fab place to eat after passing thru Bantry if you feel peckish.

From Bantry take  the N71 to Glengarriff  and on to Kenmare and home for Killarney, this drive in itself is something to behold but after what you just witnessed its hard to explain.