Illaunnacaheragh

Explorer Tom Cloghane Signal Tower from 1805 was part of a network to spot French invasions after Bantry failed. Now disused and in ruins, it has a concrete flight of steps that feels very modern for such an old watcher. Wave to the ghosts!

Explorer Tom Mizen Peak is famous for smugglers who used to hide barrels of wine inside hollowed-out stones. They probably lost most of them, but the legend survives louder than any actual treasure. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Mizen Bridge in Cloghane spans a chasm to reach the Signal Station. Built in 1909 with pre-cast concrete elements, it cost £1,272. It’s dramatic and unusual for its time. Watch your step if you’re crossing that gap!

Explorer Tom I announced Mizen was the farthest south. Brow Head corrected me promptly. Mizen Head has spent years posing as mainland Ireland's southernmost point, while Brow Head a short way east quietly stands a few metres farther south. Never let that spoil Mizen's performance. This Cork headland sits beside a major Atlantic shipping route and was often a sailor's first sight of Europe. You may quote my mistake back to me when the bridge makes me go quiet. A bridge leaps the chasm to an old signal station, where the museum tells stories of shipping, weather watching and Guglielmo Marconi's communication experiments. The old approach used 99 steps; modern paths and viewpoints make the visit more manageable without shrinking the cliffs. The signal station is a managed visitor attraction, so check admission and weather conditions before crossing. Keep hold of your hat and give the railings their due. Brow Head can have the strict geography prize; Mizen has earned the stage lighting and the applause.

Explorer Tom Mizen Head Signal Station in Cloghane is sitting on Ireland's most south-westly point, looking smug about it. It saved ships from crashing, which is basically a job description for any Irish pub. The whole parish argued about who built the fence next to it. Take a bow, you're at the edge of the world.

Explorer Tom Three Castles in Dunlough is actually just one main tower with two mural ones, all squeezed into a headland. The stairs go up to the wall walk; climb carefully and take a panoramic shot of the cliffs for me!

Explorer Tom Creamery Platform is posing for its next Instagram post with a single milk churn on top. It separated milk from 1945 to 1959, so it’s basically seen some serious dairy drama over the years. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Galley Cove Beach is having a massive row with the nearest tree about who gets the best view of the water. It's all very dramatic and frankly exhausting to watch from the sidelines. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Knocknamaddree has a curse on it that only hits people who don’t wave hello, so make sure to tip your hat. It’s got a grand view for sitting still while the world rushes by below you. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.