A Guide to Sheep's Head Peninsula
Read our guide on Sheep's Head Peninsula in County Cork, Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Located on Ireland's southwest coast, Sheep's Head Peninsula lacks the crowds of more tourist-driven Mizen Head and Beara Peninsula, but the landscape and the views are just as impressive.
It's the smallest and narrowest headland out of the five peninsulas extending into the Atlantic Ocean, which you can find in the southwest corner of Ireland.
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way, then the rugged coastlines and peaceful atmosphere of Sheep's Head offer a perfect travel experience.
While it's not usually listed among the best things to do in Cork, we believe it's still a great place to visit from there on a day trip.
Without any doubt, Sheep's Head is one of the most unspoiled places you can visit while road-tripping Ireland, even though it's relatively close to top destinations such as Killarney or Cork.
And despite the fact that it's easy to access, it's often overlooked by international visitors who are often pressed for time and don't have enough room to incorporate it into their Ireland road trip itinerary.
So, without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Sheep's Head Peninsula before you go.
What to See and Do
Sheep's Head is a relatively small peninsula, at least when compared to its more famous neighbors.
Still, there are some exciting things to see and do while there; just don't expect to find Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry here.
Drive the Sheep's Head Ring
Nestled between the Beara Peninsula and the Mizen Head, the Sheep's Head Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Ireland.
And driving along the road that encircles the Sheep's Head is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places on this peninsula.
We started super early in the morning, and the narrow roads were completely deserted, with a few exceptions of locals commuting to work.
This was the first peninsula we visited in this area, and honestly, it was an experience we hadn't expected.
The entire headland was so peaceful and quiet, and the views made our hearts skip a beat.
Although hiking Sheep's Head Way must be an unforgettable experience, we believe that driving around Sheep's Head is right up there with it.
Seefin Viewpoint
When crossing the peninsula from north to south, we climbed to a scenic Seefin Viewpoint.
It features stunning views of Bantry Bay to the north and Dunmanus Bay to the south and allows you to compare different landscapes of each side that is divided by Seefin ridge.
By the way, here you will also have a chance to learn more about Finn Mac Cool (Fionn mac Cumhaill), the legendary Irish warrior.
Sheep's Head Lighthouse Loop
The main attraction on Sheep's Head is the charming lighthouse situated at the westernmost tip of the peninsula.
The 4.2-kilometer loop Sheep's Head Lighthouse Trail is well-marked and fairly easy for a moderately fit person.
If there's only one hike you can do at Sheep's Head, we believe this is the best one.
The path from the Tooreen parking leads mostly downhill, and you will have a chance to admire stunning Lough Akeen along the way.
If it weren't for the Atlantic Ocean around us, we would have thought that this is the scenery from Connemara National Park.
At the farthest point of the trail, we arrived at the fairly small and not-that-old lighthouse and enjoyed even more ocean views.
From here, you can retrace your steps via the same path or complete the loop, which will also take you back to the parking.
By the way, if you're looking for a full signal station experience, head to Mizen Head Signal Station, located at the most southwesterly point of Ireland.
And if you find this hike too easy, you can do the 12-kilometer Poet's Way Loop that starts and ends at Tooreen Car Park and also includes the lighthouse and Lough Akeen.
Villages
Despite its small size, there are three villages on Sheep's Head. Durrus, Ahakista, and Kilcrohane.
The largest of the three is Durrus, which is also known as a gateway to Sheep's Head and Mizen Head.
Ahakista and Kilcrohane are smaller but still have a pub or two, accommodations, grocery stores, cafes, craft stores, etc.
All the villages are very charming and quiet and allow you to enjoy the local hospitality after a long day of sightseeing.
Be prepared that there is not much to do in these villages, which is, however, not very surprising given their size.
If you're looking for more action while in County Cork, check out the lovely towns near Cork, such as Kinsale and Cobh.
Sheep's Head Way
This 90-kilometers walking route that circumnavigates the peninsula is among the best things to do on Sheep's Head.
In fact, it's often considered to be one of the best walking trails in Ireland.
The trailhead starts at Bantry and takes you all the way to the westernmost point of the peninsula and back to Durrus via Kilcrohane and Ahakista.
The terrain varies, so you should expect open grassy hills, rocky paths, private farmlands, and even some stretches of rural roads.
The narrow peninsula offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially from the Seefin ridge, with 300 meters above sea level, the highest point on the peninsula.
Plus, you will have a chance to explore dramatic cliffs, quiet villages, stone circles, or an old signal tower along the way.
This walking trail might also be a great alternative for people visiting Ireland on a budget.
The main route can be extended by various shorter side paths and loops, as there are over 200 kilometers of trail on Sheep's Head.
Obviously, not many international travelers can afford to hike this trail for four to six days, so you will mostly meet only locals along the way.
Whiddy Island
Situated between Sheep's Head and Beara Peninsula in Bantry Bay, Whiddy Island is another hidden gem in this area and a perfect place to visit on a day trip if you want to escape the crowds.
So what are the other reasons why should you visit Whiddy Island?
It's one of the many Discovery Points along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, and you can get there fairly easily by ferry.
Boats depart from Bantry Pier every day, even in the off-season, and there are about four services a day.
Furthermore, the island is known for its abundant wildlife and is an especially popular spot for birdwatching.
How Much Time Do I Need
Even though Sheep's Head is relatively small, it took us more than two hours just to get from Bantry to the tip of the peninsula and back.
There was no traffic this early morning, but we made several stops along the way.
And that was just the driving part, so be prepared to stay longer there if you plan to explore some parts of the peninsula on foot.
Obviously, if you decide to do the Sheep's Head Way, you will need a few days to complete the loop.
By the way, cycling and walking are great ways to explore this charming peninsula, in case you want to spend your vacation actively and you have more time.
When to Go
The period from June to September offers the best weather and the most recreational opportunities but also draws the highest number of visitors, especially the summer months of July and August.
Still, summer is considered to be the best time to visit Sheep's Head.
We had an opportunity to visit Sheep's Head at the beginning of May, and the peninsula seemed still very quiet.
In fact, we believe that visiting the peninsula in late spring or early autumn is a fantastic idea.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the peninsula has the mildest climate out of the neighboring peninsulas, so you can also visit Sheep's Head in winter.
Just make sure to read when to visit Ireland first to learn more about this topic and avoid disappointment.
Regardless of the season, we recommend starting your trip to Sheep's Head early for the best experience.
What to Pack
Even if you don't plan serious hiking at Sheep's Head, always dress according to the weather conditions.
Wear appropriate footwear, a quality rain jacket, and a comfortable daypack.
Keep in mind that the terrain is mostly open, and you should have windproof gear even on a sunny day.
Make sure to pack your favorite water bottle and bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated troughout the day.
Here are more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
How to Get There
Sheep's Head Peninsula features a 70-kilometer loop that starts in Bantry or Durrus. Obviously, the easiest and most convenient way to explore Sheep's Head is by car.
Just make sure to read our tips for driving in Ireland and a guide on renting a car in Ireland.
Car
Sheep's Head Peninsula is 120 kilometers west of Cork and 110 kilometers south of Killarney.
Kenmare is 80 kilometers from Sheep's Head Peninsula. Regardless of where you start, you will eventually need to get to N71 before joining the rural road that encircles the peninsula.
When arriving from the south, you might consider visiting Mizen Head first. Similarly, travelers arriving from the north usually visit the Beara Peninsula first.
Bantry is about 35 kilometers from the furthest point of the peninsula, while the distance from Durrus is 25 kilometers.
The journey from Dublin takes about five hours.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
Honestly, you won't make it far in this area when relying on public transport. Bus Eireann runs a bus service between Cork, Bantry, and Killarney.
While it's always great to have a way to travel between these destinations, you'll still need to figure out how to get to must-see sites outside these towns.
For instance, there is only one rural bus service (TFI Local Link Cork) connecting Bantry, Kilcrohane, Ahakista, and Durrus, but it runs just once a week.
As you can clearly see, having your own transport is a great advantage while exploring this area.
Where to Stay
Sheep's Head Peninsula is still a relatively unspoiled corner of Ireland, and you won't find many hotels there.
In fact, the largest number of accommodations can be found in Bantry. That's also a place where we decided to stay overnight ourselves.
The peninsula is mostly home to family-owned beds and breakfasts, which are a great alternative to big hotels, but make sure to book early as they have limited capacity.
Here are the best hotels on Sheep's Head Peninsula.
Bantry | The Maritime - Located on the water's edge, the Maritime Hotel offers stylish rooms with sea views, a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, or exercise room. Free private parking is just the icing on the cake.
Bantry | Westlodge Hotel - Set amid landscaped gardens, the Westlodge Hotel offers modern rooms, an indoor pool, a fine restaurant, a fully licensed bar, and free private parking.
Kilcrohane | Bridge View House - A small family-run bed and breakfast located in Kilcrohane, the Bridge View House offers spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and free parking. This accommodation has hard-to-beat locations for exploring the peninsula.
Durrus | Sea Lodge - Located in Durrus, Sea Lodge is a charming bed and breakfast with stylish rooms, delicious breakfast, and free private parking. The location is perfect when exploring Sheep's Head Peninsula the next day.
Staying Safe
Sheep's Head Peninsula is one of the safest places you can visit while in Ireland. This is a remote peninsula, and crime is almost non-existent here.
Still, even at places such as Sheep's Head, you should never keep your valuables in your car.
Furthermore, you should know a few more things about safety before you go.
Firstly, the weather is unpredictable, and you should always come prepared. Check the weather forecast before you go, and remember that the weather is usually more severe along Ireland's coast.
Secondly, staying away from the cliff's edge is always advised.
And lastly, the roads are especially narrow at Sheep's Head Peninsula, so drive carefully to stay safe while there.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Sheep's Head Peninsula Worth Visiting?
Even though Sheep's Head Peninsula is less visited than its esteemed neighbors, it's definitely worth seeing.
It's one of those rare places where you can get away from everything and enjoy nature's beauty without crowds.
However, we understand that not everyone has the luxury of including all five peninsulas in their itinerary.
And as some travelers may find Sheep's Head a bit boring, it usually doesn't make the final cut.
But the tranquil experience and rugged beauty are its main strength, and together with the absence of crowds, it's one of the main reasons why you should consider visiting Sheep's Head.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
