Peaks and viewpoints in Bantry Bay

Peaks and Panoramic Views

Explore the rugged terrain surrounding Bantry Bay, from the heights of the Caha Mountains to the narrow ridges of the Sheep's Head peninsula. This collection features the highest mountain pass in Munster at The Priest's Leap and the 19th-century vantage point of Lady Bantry's Lookout. Key sites include Mount Gabriel with its distinctive radar domes and the Mare's Tail Waterfall near Adrigole. These locations offer clear sightlines over the Atlantic, the Fastnet Rock, and the glacial valleys of West Cork.

Peaks and Panoramic Views — Map

A

Altar

Coastal viewpoint near a prehistoric wedge tomb overlooking Toormore Bay and the Atlantic.

B

The Priest's Leap

At 463 metres, this is the highest mountain pass in Munster, accessible via a narrow, steep road between County Cork and Kerry.

C

Dooneen

Coastal viewpoint located on the southern side of the Sheep’s Head peninsula, overlooking Dunmanus Bay.

D

Finn McCool's Seat

A natural rock formation on the Sheep's Head Way associated with Irish folklore, offering views across Bantry Bay.

E

Lady Bantry's Lookout

A steep, wooded trail in Glengarriff Nature Reserve leading to a panoramic vantage point over the bay and Caha Mountains.

F

Mont Gabriel View Point toward South

Elevated site on Mount Gabriel (407m) featuring views of Roaringwater Bay, the Fastnet Rock, and offshore islands.

G

Mount Gabriel View Point toward North

Northern aspect of Mount Gabriel overlooking the inland valleys and the rugged peaks of the Caha Mountains.

H

Seefin

The highest peak on the Sheep's Head peninsula at 345 metres, marked by a trig point with views over both Bantry and Dunmanus Bays.

I

Lough Akeen Lake View

Scenic stop overlooking a freshwater lake nestled in the rugged hills of the Sheep's Head peninsula.

J

Derrycreha Layby

Roadside viewing point on the N71 offering vistas of the inner Bantry Bay islands and the surrounding coastline.

K

Mare's Tail Waterfall

Located near Adrigole, this is one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland, cascading down the slopes of the Caha Mountains.

L

Caoinkeen

A peak in the Caha Mountains near the border of Cork and Kerry, reaching an elevation of approximately 507 metres.

M

Droppa

A mountain peak in the Caha range on the Beara Peninsula, situated between Adrigole and Glengarriff.

N

Caher Mountain

Caher Mountain is a hill, 338 metres high, with views of the Sheep's Head peninsula, roughly west of and above the village of Kilcrohane in…

O

Skellig

High-altitude vantage point on the Beara Peninsula offering long-distance sightings of the Skellig Michael islands on clear days.

P

Sugarloaf Mountain

A prominent 574-metre peak in the Caha Mountains known for its distinctive conical shape and views of the Beara Peninsula.

Other Lists

Bantry Bay's Essential Wonders Ancient Ruins and Historical Sites Lakes and Waterfalls Sacred Sites and Places of Worship