Mizen Head Signal Station
| County: | Co. Cork |
| Tel: | 028-35225 |
| Fax: | 028-35422 |
| Email: | info@mizenhead.ie |
Mizen Head Signal Station at Ireland's most Southwesterly point, in West Cork, is a dramatic place to visit. The Visitor Centre, with Café, Gift Shop and Toilets, is up at the car park. Here there are displays about the Fastnet Lighthouse, the Geology of Mizen, a Navigational Similator showing Mizen Head from the Sea and others. Then the outdoor experience starts! The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs and the 99 Steps to the Bridge and out to the point and the former Keepers Quarters with its interpretive displays. Along the way there are several paths up to wonderful views north along the coast to the Sheep's Head and the Beara Peninsulas and south to the Sea Arch. There is plenty to do and see. This is a world renowned whale and dolphin watch location and often there are seals under the bridge. The Bridge was closed for demolition and reconstruction for 18 months and reopened in March 2011.
General Information
| Address: | Harbour Road, Goleen, West Cork, Co. Cork |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 028-35225 |
| Fax: | 028-35422 |
| Email: | info@mizenhead.ie |
| Website: | http://www.mizenhead.ie |
| Location: | 28 miles from Bantry on R591, 25 miles from Skibbereen. Goleen 5 miles GPS: 51270416, -09490000 |
| Season: | All Year |
| Open Times: | Mar-May & Oct: Daily: 10.30-17.00 / Jun-Sept: 10.00-18.00 / Nov-Mar: Sat & Sun:11.00-16.00 |
| Tours: | Self Guiding |
| Booking Contact: | Stephen O'Sullivan / Jean Collins |
| Manager: | Stephen O’Sullivan |
| Average Visit Length: | 1-2 hours |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: €6.00 Student/OAP: €4.50 Child (5-12): €3.50 Child (U5): Free Family: €18.00 (2A + 3C) Groups: Less 10% |
| Audio Visual: | Seating: 40/50, Duration: varies Languages: English |
| Exhibition: | Keepers Quarters: memorabilia, maps, photos. Watch House: Safety at sea |
| Restaurant: | Yes, Mizen Café: Homemade light lunch, snacks, tea, coffee |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Maritime, Souvenirs, Toys, Books, Cards, Art Gallery |
| Information Guide: | English, French & German |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
Mizen Head Footbridge has won the 2011 Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards Engineering Project of the Year!
The award ceremony was at The Four Seasons, Dublin on November 4. It was so exciting! The award was judged by public choice with an online vote. Mizen Head Footbridge won by a mile! Thank you so much for your vote!
Best Paper or Presentation of the Year went to 'The design and construction of the new Mizen Head Footbridge' Authors: Noel O'Keeffe, Cork County Council, Eoghan Lehane, Commissioners of Irish Lights, Kieran Ruane and Ross O'Donovan, RPS Consulting Engineers and Enda Collery, Carillion IrishEnco.
Six years ago the old Bridge was condemned just short of 100 years after its completion in 1909. A temporary scaffolding kept it open for 5 years. The diligence and perseverance of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Cork County Council and Failte Ireland in finding the funding for the Bridge reconstruction has been remarkable.
From the engineers' and construction company's point of view, the complexity of the location, site and job is recognised in these awards. The demolition and reconstruction of the Bridge in situ are outstanding engineering feats. Well done to all involved!
So, come to visit and cross the Bridge. During the winter Mizen Head Signal Station is open at weekends 11-4 and from mid March - October it is open daily.
Travel Directions to Mizen Head
Coming from Bantry: Take the turning marked CROOKHAVEN R591. Travel through Durrus taking the left fork towards Goleen. Continue to the end of the road and turn right at the T junction. Go through Goleen and continue until you see the sign for Mizen Head Drive (don't take the first turn to the right after the village - go straight on until you see the second sign)
Coming from Skibbereen: Follow the signs for N71 until you reach Ballydehob. Go straight on (don't take the right turn for N71 at outskirts to Ballydehob) You will see the signs for Mizen Head Drive. Follow the route R592 through Schull, through Goleen and continue until you see the sign for Mizen Head Drive (don't take the first turn to the right after the village - go straight on until you see the second sign)
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