Things to do in Mizen Head Peninsula
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Stuffed Olive
This exquisite bakery and deli has a fine coffee bar and stools along a narrow counter in the sunny front window. Luscious baked goods are displayed like, well, a bunch of tarts. Find your picnic lunch here and nab one of the excellent bottles of wine.
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O’Connor’s Seafood Restaurant
The tank full of lobsters and the three wooden yachts in the window give the game away – award-winning O’Connor’s offers Bantry seafood at its posh best. It’s an exquisite experience and one to savour.
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Bantry House
With its melancholic air of faded gentility, 18th-century Bantry House makes for an intriguing visit. The house has belonged to the White family since 1729 and every room brims with treasures brought back from each generation’s travels since then. The entrance is paved with mosaics from Pompeii, French and Flemish tapestries adorn the walls, and Japanese chests sit next to Russian shrines. Upstairs, worn bedrooms look out wanly over an astounding view of the bay – the 18th-century Whites had ringside seats to the French armada. Experienced pianists are invited to tinkle the ivories of the ancient piano in the library. It’s possible to stay the night in the wings.
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Hackett's
The town's social hub, Hackett's rises above the norm with a creative pub menu of organic dishes prepared from scratch. Black-and-white photos and tin signs adorn the pub's crooked walls and there's a mishmash of old kitchen tables and benches on the worn stone floor. It's a democratic place, where swells mingle with crusty locals inside or out front on the sunny benches.
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Organico
The milk in the organic latte here is fairtrade – just one example of the green ethos prevalent throughout this very attractive bakery-deli-cafe. Enjoy fine baked goods throughout the day; at lunch there's an array of daily specials. The soups are hearty and fresh, the salads innovative. Everything is meat-free but not dairy-free: cheese lovers, enjoy!
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Schull Planetarium
The Republic’s only planetarium, the Schull Planetarium, on the grounds of Schull Community College, has an 8m dome and a video and slide show. It was founded by a German visitor who was charmed by the town. A 45-minute star show starts at 4pm or 8pm during the rather complex opening hours; call to confirm times.
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1796 French Armada Exhibition Centre
In the former stables of 18th-century Bantry House you'll find the 1796 French Armada Exhibition Centre, with its powerful account of the doomed French invasion of Ireland, led by Wolfe Tone. The fleet was torn apart by storms; one frigate, La Surveillante, was scuttled by its own crew and today lies 30m down in the bay.
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Fish Kitchen
This outstanding little restaurant above a fish shop does seafood to perfection, from the local oysters (served with lemon and tabasco sauce) to a particularly fine dish of pan-seared scallops. But if for some reason you don't fancy sea fare, it does a juicy steak too. Friendly, unfussy and absolutely delicious.
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Waterside Inn
The dark interior is a bit of a throwback to the ’70s, but locals love this place and changes might cause a revolution. The menu makes a tour through local meat and seafood, many used in timeless preparations. If you shrink at the thought of another shrimp, have the well-marbled rib-eye steak.
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Snug Bar
The aptly named Snug is a cocoon of interesting nooks and crannies, with enamel advertising signs on the walls and one table wrapped around a full-grown tree inside. Simple bar meals (soups, lasagne and the like) are served at lunch with more ambitious seafood and steaks on the menu at night.
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Newman's West
This sailor-filled wine bar (with many good choices by the glass) and art gallery serves soup and salads and enormous chunky sandwiches filled with local cheese and salami. The daily Western Seaboard specials might include Bantry Bay mussels and chowder. The original pub, TJ Newman's, is a charmer.
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Brick Oven
Generally rammed to the gills, this is a family favourite thanks to its cunningly divided menu and chirpy atmosphere. Kids can pig out on pizza, while their discerning parents feast on more adult fare such as sun-dried tomato risotto and roast monkfish.
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Schull Watersport Centre
The Schull Watersport Centre hires out sailing dinghies (€60 per half-day) and snorkelling gear (€15 per day), and can arrange sea-kayaking sessions (a two-hour session costs €30) plus other activities, like sailing lessons.
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George Plant Minibus Tours
George Plant Minibus Tours operates various tours from June to September. Trips include Mizen Head, the Beara Peninsula and Gougane Barra Forest Park. They only run if there are sufficient numbers.
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Ballycumisk Riding School
Horse- and pony-trekking and trap rides are available at the Ballycumisk Riding School, outside Schull on the way to Ballydehob, for €30 per hour.
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Anchor Tavern
Old salts literally anchor the bar; enjoy a pint and ponder the many old nautical instruments on display – although they may not help you get home after a few.
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Sunday Country Market
Schull has a popular Sunday Country Market, which draws producers and purveyors from around the region.
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Crowley's
One of the best bars for music, Crowley's has traditional bands on Wednesday nights.
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Cinemax 3
Cinemax 3 shows blockbusters and a Tuesday art-house programme on its three screens.
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