MIZEN HEAD

The next peninsua west is Mizen Head. The attractive, gaily painted town of Ballydehob (Beal an da Chab) is tucked up against a hillside beside a picturesque estuary has a particulrly individial flavour. This individuality is further inderlined with the title of the main street lauderette - "My Beautiful Launderette".

South along the peninsula to Schull (An Scoil), a lively seaside market town with the emphasis on sailing. An attractive harbour with the backdrop of Mt. Gabriel. There is also an interesting planetarium in the town. The local festival is held in early July and the sailing Regatta in early August - at both times the little port gets very busy. Departure point for Clear Island.

On to Crookhaven (An Cruachan), another yachting heaven, and to Barley Cove and its beautiful beach and a short trip to Mizen Head where its 700ft. cliffs announce the most southerly part of mainland Ireland. There is an interesting visitor centre (Mizen Vision) at Mizen Head Signal Station where the original lighthouse keeper's rooms have been restored and there are superb views from this, Ireland's most south-westerly point.