Mizen Head

mizenhead.ie
Goleen, West Cork

Tel: 028 35115 or 028 352

Mizen Head Fog Signal Station was sanctioned in 1906 by the Irish Lights Board to combat the high loss of life and shipping on the rocks. Until 1993 the Station was manned by three Keepers; in April 1993 the Station was automated. In 1992 Mizen Tourism Co-operative Society Ltd., a community rural development initiative, was formed to create a visitor attraction, 'Mizen Vision', in the former Keepers' Quarters and to take a lease on the path to the Lights at the Point from the Commissioners of Irish Lights. (www.cil.ie)

The Commissioners of Irish Lights enabled this development through their generosity and foresight in allowing Mizen Tourism Co-operative to develop a visitor centre at Mizen Head Signal Station. They are primarily concerned with Safety at Sea and Navigational Aids to shipping. At first it was difficult for them to adapt to tourism. However, with the automation of all the Lighthouses and Stations round the Irish Coast, tourism has kept several Stations in use. The loss of employment, direct and indirect, was a main concern for the community around Mizen Head Signal Station. Local farmers provided water for the tanks and local shops provided groceries and coal. Besides the three Keepers, there was an army of tradesmen working for the Irish Lights, who went from Station to Station renovating, restoring, painting, repairing the buildings in the most amazing locations in the State, on and off shore.


Financially, the development was only possible because of West Cork LEADER matching European funding. Murphy's Irish Stout and Mizen Tourism Co-operative Shareholders sponsored the matching funds. Cork County Council has been very supportive - supplying a car park and picnic area as well as funding.

At this stage the Path to the Bridge and the Signal Station was fenced and interpretive displays of the Light keepers' lives, the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse (15 km 9 m off shore) and the Mizen Environment were created in the former Keepers' Quarters and the Engine Room (so called for the three massive Generators, which were in use pre electricity days). The Ticket Office and Shop were in a small Portacabin temporary building.

From 1994 to 2001 the Centre attracted over 200,000 visitors. In 2001 with the aid of funding from Bord Failte/ERDF (European Rural Development Fund), West Cork LEADER, the National Millennium Fund (Exchequer funding), Cork County Council and a large loan from AIB the new facilities and display building, Mizen Head Visitor Centre, was opened. From 2002 until 2007 a new section to the Visitor Centre Above was built and the Signal Station was refurbished. This new section has a new upgraded Navigational Aids Simulator, Geological Display and the Mizen Tide Clock. Funding is through ERDF/Failte Ireland, Cork County Council, and a most generous local benefactor, who has returned to the home of his grandfather. A Term Loan from AIB and Mizen Tourism income.

Shares are available at 35 euro; donations and sponsorships are welcome.

Opening Times

Opening Times
Daily 10.30 - 1700 March, April, May, Sept, Oct
Daily 10.00 - 1800 June - August
Weekends 11.00 - 1600 November - mid March
Prices
Adult 6.00 euro
OAP/Student 4.50 euro
Child under 12 3.50 euro
Child under 5 Free
Family (2A3C) 18.00 euro
Groups less 10%

Pricing