The road ends at Tooreen — and the real drama begins. This wild, wind-scoured trailhead at the tip of the Sheep's Head peninsula delivers cliffside paths, a lonely lighthouse, and panoramic views over Bantry and Dunmanus Bays on one of Ireland's most unspoilt Atlantic headlands.
The signature walk from Tooreen: a 3.8 km loop (strenuous, ~2 hrs) following blue arrows past rocky outcrops and Lough Akeen to Sheep's Head lighthouse. Climb the concrete steps up to the lighthouse itself, then return along the northern cliffs — or retrace the easier southern path if the exposed north side feels too much. Waymarked throughout.
Dubbed 'the tea shop at the end of the world', this beloved seasonal café sits right at the Tooreen car park. Bernie serves legendary salmon sandwiches, homemade scones, apple pie, and hot drinks. It's the perfect pre-walk fuel-up or post-walk reward — don't skip it.
A longer, tougher option at 12.4 km (difficult, ~4.5 hrs, red arrows). Named after local poet Denis M. Cronin, it follows the lighthouse route then cuts across the peninsula past a ruined 17th-century signal tower, a WWII lookout post, sea arches and blowholes. Stunning views over Bantry Bay, Dunmanus Bay, and the Mizen and Beara peninsulas.
The Tooreen headland delivers wrap-around sea views: Mizen Head to the south, the Beara Peninsula to the north, and nothing but Atlantic westwards. Dawn and sunset are magical — the lighthouse and signal tower ruins make compelling foreground subjects against big skies.
Tooreen is the westernmost trailhead of the 178 km Sheep's Head Way. From here the main long-distance route (yellow waymarkers) traces the peninsula back towards Bantry. You can join it for a short out-and-back section or use it as the start or end of a multi-day hike.
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