About Us

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.

Mizen Head Visitor Centre Staff

Stephen O'Sullivan

Stephen O'Sullivan, Manager

Stephen was an Irish Lights Keeper until the Mizen was automated in 1993. He served with the Irish Lights in Stations all over Ireland. He started work with Mizen Tourism Co-operative in 1994.

The Ticket Office and Shop @ The Mizen:

Jean Collins, Assistant Manager who has returned from working for many years in Telecom Eireann in Cork City

Mizen Cafe:

Patti Clarke, Manager. Patti lives with her family at the end of the Mizen road.

Margaret O'Reilly, who has a farm in Cloughanekilleen nearby. She is helped by her son.

Bernie Sheehan, whose husband and son work the family farm on the Mizen Road. She is very involved in management of Goleen Playgroup and is a Goleen & District Community Councillor.

Mary Downey, who returned from working in the UK.

Mizen Head Signal Station:

Charlie Miller, who lives next door to the Mizen, is very involved with the Writers Union of Ireland.

Phyllida White, who lives in Lakelands on the road from Goleen to Mizen.

Tour Guides:

Over the last ten years local students and school children have taken summer jobs at Mizen Head. The experience has given them great confidence to go out into the world and the Mizen has had the benefit of their youth and enthusiasm to meet our visitors.

Development Officer:

Sue Hill, The Heron's Cove, Goleen

Committee of Management : Dr. Brian O'Connell (Chairman), Michael Barnett, Willy Buckley, Sue Hill, Michael McCarthy, Maureen Newman, Stephen O'Sullivan, Dermot Sheehan, Brian Murphy.