Plan Your Next Trip
How to Get to Crookhaven
Crookhaven, a picturesque village in the heart of West Cork, Ireland, is special for its stunning natural beauty, rich maritime history, and welcoming local character. We look forward to welcoming you to our village on the most southerly part of Ireland
-
Car
From Cork take the N71 west through Bandon, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, and Skibbereen. At Ballydehob, turn onto the R592 toward Schull, continue through Goleen, and follow the signs to Crookhaven. Parking is at a premium in the village, if you are arriving by camper van please turn right when they see the 'Welcome Back' sign on the gable end of the sailing club and park in “Billy’s field”. Fuel pumps outside O’Meara’s and at Drinagh Co-Op at Lowertown - both 24 hours plus Electric charging point outside Nottages
-
Bus
Day trippers from Skibbereen and Goleen and surrounding areas now have an excellent bus service run by Bus Eireann – time tables below – and there are one or two taxis available for short trips or even from Cork Airport to Crookhaven. There are buses from Parnell Street in Cork to Bantry and Skibbereen and one service goes all the way to Goleen.
-
Local Link
To get to Crookhaven by bus in County Cork, use the TFI Local Link Route 265 service from Skibbereen, which runs seven days a week and stops at Crookhaven Harbour. There is no need to book; you can just hop on at a designated stop. The Local Link Cork website has the latest timetables and route information.
-
Boat
Crookhaven, at the tip of the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork, is one of Ireland’s most sheltered harbours and an easy approach for small boats and yachts. The entrance, lying between Brow Head and Rock Island, is wide and well-marked, though care is needed for surrounding reefs. Once inside, the harbour is calm in almost all weather, with visitor moorings and good holding for anchoring.
-
Airport
If you’re coming from ‘across the water’, the nearest airport is Cork , a two-hour drive away, although Kerry and Shannon are a little further and it’s a five-hour drive to Dublin. Aer Lingus and Ryanair both provide regular flights to Cork.
Parking in Billy's Field
Parking in Crookhaven is always a bit of a headache, especially during the summer months, when people insist on driving right into the village where parking spaces are scarce.
This often leads to jams and frustration, particularly with camper vans and other large vehicles.
To help, please turn right at the Welcome sign on the wall of the Sailing Club and drive up to Billy’s Field, where Billy O’Sullivan offers free parking during the summer months when village parking is at a premium.
Billy’s Field is a convenient, hard-core surface car park just 50m from the village entrance, helping to keep our streets clear and safe. If you’re visiting with a camper van or similar large vehicle, please note that overnight parking is not permitted anywhere — in the car park, the village, or the quayside.
For those needing extra space, Billy O’Sullivan offers boat and trailer storage in the field for just €5 per week.
You can reach Billy on +353 87 9177906 for more details.
Thanks for helping us keep the village free-flowing!
Pontoon Access & Boat Storage
Crookhaven Pontoon is owned and operated by Crookhaven Village. The village asks that users pay the casual daily or season fees from the QR Codes found at the top of the steps or you can pay here.
Crookhaven Village Association is voluntary and pontoon fees enable us to maintain and insure the pontoon. Please pay and display your season pass. No vessels over 6.5 metres. All propellors must be down.
Billy O’Sullivan offers boat and trailer storage in the field at the cost of €5 a week. Contact Billy on +353 87 9177906
Accommodation
Overnight accommodations are limited, but hotels and guesthouses in nearby villages and towns offer rooms, and Airbnb has a wide selection of charming seaside cottages available for week-long or longer stays.
-
Air BnB
Airbnb in Crookhaven offers a variety of charming seaside cottages and holiday homes available for week-long or longer stays, providing a cozy alternative to local hotels and guesthouses in nearby villages and towns."
-
Guesthouses
Guesthouses in Crookhaven provide a welcoming and comfortable place to stay, with options ranging from cozy, traditional rooms to more spacious accommodations suitable for families. Many are run by local owners who offer a warm, personal touch, making visitors feel at home. Staying in a Crookhaven guesthouse also allows easy access to the village’s scenic harbour, nearby walking trails, and the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal base for exploring the area at a relaxed pace
-
Camping
Crookhaven, at the tip of the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork, is one of Ireland’s most sheltered harbours and an easy approach for small boats and yachts. The entrance, lying between Brow Head and Rock Island, is wide and well-marked, though care is needed for surrounding reefs. Once inside, the harbour is calm in almost all weather, with visitor moorings and good holding for anchoring
-
Hotels
If you’re looking for hotels near Crookhaven, some good options can be found in the nearby towns of Schull & Bantry. In Schull, you’ll find the Schull Harbour Hotel. In Bantry, popular choices include The Maritime Hotel, which overlooks Bantry Bay, and the Westlodge Hotel, set in landscaped grounds just outside the town. These hotels give you a mix of sea views, leisure facilities, and easy access to West Cork’s coastal scenery.
Explore Crookhaven & Beyond
Crookhaven, a picturesque village in the heart of West Cork, Ireland, is special for its stunning natural beauty, rich maritime history, and welcoming local character. We look forward to welcoming you to our village on the most southerly part of Ireland
Crookhaven Village
Barleycove
Brow Head
Mizen Foot Bridge
Fastnet Lighthouse
Three Castle Head
Frequently Asked Questions
Weather you are visiting Crookhaven on a day trip or planning to stay for a few days, you’ll find all the info you need to make your trip an experience here with our FAQ’s!
Crookhaven is a small, charming village at the very tip of County Cork, Ireland.
It sits right by the sea on the Mizen Peninsula, just a short drive from Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point in Ireland. The little harbour is beautiful and peaceful — perfect for watching fishing boats and yachts or just watching the world go by!
The village is full of friendly locals and cozy pubs, making it a welcoming stop for travelers. It's stunning coastal scenery and quiet charm make it an ideal place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Crookhaven is a must-visit because it feels like a little slice of paradise at the very edge of Ireland. This tiny harbor village on the Mizen Peninsula offers stunning coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for slowing down and soaking it all in. Visitors love grabbing fresh crab sandwiches or a pint at cozy pubs like O’Sullivan’s while watching boats come and go. The area is full of outdoor adventures too, from walking or cycling along scenic roads to exploring nearby Barleycove Beach, Three Castle Head, or the famous Mizen Head Signal Station. Crookhaven also has a fascinating history as an important stop for ships and the site of a Marconi wireless telegraph station, once connecting Europe and America. With its charming setting, great food, and dramatic Atlantic backdrop, Crookhaven is one of the most photogenic and relaxing places you can visit in Ireland.
Crookhaven might be tiny, but it punches way above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Your first stop has to be O’Sullivan’s Bar, where the legendary fresh crab sandwiches and a perfectly poured pint taste even better when enjoyed outside on the harbor wall, with boats bobbing just a few feet away. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, head to The Crookhaven Inn, where you’ll find warm pub vibes, plates piled high with fresh seafood, and that classic West Cork hospitality. For a laid-back drink with the locals, Nottage’s Bar is the place to go, and if you’re after a quick caffeine fix or a light snack, the seasonal Along the Way Café is a lovely stop. Crookhaven’s food scene feels casual and welcoming — exactly what you want at the edge of the world.
Crookhaven may be small, but it offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes. Visitors can choose from cozy bed and breakfasts in the village, self-catering cottages for a home-away-from-home feel, or campsites for those who enjoy a closer-to-nature experience. In addition, nearby towns and villages like Schull, Goleen, Kilcrohane, and Bantry provide extra options, including hotels, guesthouses, and additional bed and breakfasts, giving travelers plenty of choices whether they’re looking for a short stay or an extended getaway.
Crookhaven may be a small village, but it’s full of charm and things to do.
Stroll along the harbor to watch boats bobbing in the Atlantic, walk or cycle the scenic Mizen Peninsula, or try your hand at sailing.
History lovers can explore the Mizen Head Signal Station and learn about the village’s maritime past, while nature fans will enjoy Barleycove Beach and Three Castle Head for picnics and wildlife spotting.
Don’t forget to sample fresh seafood at the local pubs - the perfect way to soak up Crookhaven’s relaxed, coastal vibe!
Crookhaven and its surrounding area are full of beautiful spots to explore along the Wild Atlantic Way. The village itself is charming and peaceful, with a picturesque harbor where you can watch boats come and go and enjoy fresh seafood at the local pubs. Just a short drive away, Mizen Head offers dramatic cliffs, scenic walking trails, and a historic signal station, while Brow Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic and a sense of standing at the edge of the world. Nearby Barleycove Beach is perfect for a stroll or picnic, and Three Castle Headrewards hikers with incredible ocean vistas. The neighboring towns of Schull and Goleen are ideal for a coffee, a bite to eat, or browsing local shops, and Dunmanus Bay offers kayaking, fishing, and stunning landscapes. A little further afield, Kilcrohane and Bantry provide additional restaurants, hotels, and cultural experiences, making the whole area perfect for exploring, relaxing, and fully experiencing the scenic wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Crookhaven may be small, but it offers some unique shopping opportunities. The village is home to the Crookhaven Art Studio, where visitors can admire and purchase one-of-a-kind artworks. Many local artists also produce a wide range of arts, crafts, jewelry, and handmade items, giving you the chance to pick up special treasures directly from the creators. For everyday needs, O’Sullivan’s Bar has a convenience store attached, so you can grab all your daily essentials without leaving the village. Throughout the year, Crookhaven and the surrounding towns host local fairs and markets, where you can discover even more handmade crafts, local produce, and unique gifts. For larger shopping trips, including groceries, chemist needs, and medical services, nearby towns like Schull, Goleen, and Bantry offer supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical practices, ensuring you have everything you need while exploring the area.
Parking in Crookhaven is generally straightforward, especially during the off-peak months - this is not this case during high season!
We’re delighted to let visitors know about the newly expanded Billy’s Field Car Park — a convenient place to park while keeping our village streets clear and safe. If you’re visiting with a camper van or large vehicle, please use the car park instead of parking around the village.
Please note that overnight parking for camper vans isn’t permitted.
For those needing extra space, Billy O’Sullivan offers boat and trailer storage in the field for just €5 per week.
You can reach Billy on +353 87 9177906 for more details.
Thanks for helping us keep the village free-flowing!
Crookhaven Village Association Pontoon LBG Fees are as follows;
This pontoon is a set down, pick-up and short stay area only. Crookhaven Village Association LBG Pontoon is voluntary, and the fees are obligatory for the maintenance and repair of the pontoon.