Brow Head, Crookhaven (a Star Wars Location)
Introduction
Video by @michelcolaci
Brow Head near Crookhaven is one of the most magnificent, dramatic and mystical places to visit in West Cork and perhaps Ireland. When we walked onto this headland pointing out into the Atlantic Ocean, a January mist descended on this jaw dropping site and lent it a positively outerwordly feel. We agreed that there was something intangibly wild and desolate about it.
Whilst it is actually very close to nearby Crookhaven, a few stunning and well known West Cork Beaches and only a short detour from the Wild Atlantic Way, when you stand on the cliff edges (well, a few steps back to be safe) you feel like you are at the end of the world. To be fair, you are actually at the most southerly point of the Island of Ireland.
Albeit quite easily accessed, there are some important points to know before you go there - check out our “Top Tips” below.
The way back from Brow Head is also very stunning with expansive views over Crookhaven with its Estuary on one side and the Ocean on the other.
Brow Head was also, among other spots in Ireland a location for Star Wars episode VIII “The Last Jedi”. Filming here took place in 2016.
Visiting this beautiful spot is another one of the many great things to do in West Cork whether on holidays, on a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland, on your staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork.
Impressions
Images(©) by Michel Colaci Photography @michelcolaci
How to get there
What’s to love?
Majestic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Barley Cove Beach. Some of the most beautiful sunsets in West Cork. Dramatic cliffs. You can often have this location all to yourself.
Top Tips
Parking:
You can drive up to the location a few hundred meters beyond the location indicated on the map, but there are only 2-3 parking spaces there below the old signal towers. Ideally, park down by Galley Cove Beach and walk up the narrow road/track. If you do drive up, be aware that if you meet a car coming down the hill, you will have to reverse all the way back down the hill.
Safety:
The cliffs are very high and the drop offs are sheer with no safety barriers. Don’t go to the edge of the cliffs!
Footwear/Clothing:
Bring waterproof footwear!! This spot gets very windy and is completely exposed to the elements from all directions.
Combine with lunch in Crookhaven and a walk on Barley Cove Beach. Mizen Head and Three Castle Head are nearby also.
