The Metal Man stands on a low column on Perch Rock, about a kilometre offshore from Rosses Point at the entrance to Sligo Bay. He points with his right arm to indicate the safe channel for ships — a working navigation aid for two centuries, still in use today although now lit electrically rather than by oil lamp.
You can see him clearly from the pier and the beach, and at low tide his concrete base sometimes becomes accessible by foot from Coney Island opposite. A pair of binoculars is enough; boat trips around the bay also pass close.