Sheeps head marks the Southern entrance of Bantry bay. Bantry bay offers a number of well sheltered anchorages accessible in all weather: Castletown Bearhaven, a fishing harbour on the North shore of the bay is well lit and can easily be entered at night. Adrigole, halfway up the North shore in a picturesque anchorage perfect for a lunch time stop. Glengarrif, one of the most beautiful harbour on the West coast (and, some would say, in the world) offers perfect shelter in stunning scenery, while Bantry, a busy market town at the bottom of the bay, is a good place for shopping. To the South of Sheep's head lies Dunmanus bay, a wild and remote place with offers little in the way of facilities, but has a few fine weather anchorages perfect for those who like out of the way places.
The Southernmost point of the Irish mainland, Mizzen head is a major
headland with should be treated with due respect as the tidal streams
round the headland reach 4 knots and can give a very nasty sea if
running against a swell. The tide runs East on the flood and West on the
ebb.
Holding is not great in the bay (patches of sea weed). It is possible to come alongside the pier in front of the pub. Very little in the way of facilities, but picturesque, and a convenient stop if waiting for the tide to round Mizzen head.
Sheeps head marks the Southern entrance of Bantry bay.