Beaches around Waterford
With an impressive 147km of rugged coastline that includes 49 picturesque beaches, no trip to Waterford’s Sunny South East would be complete without a drive to at least one of its stunning beaches. Waterford’s dramatic coastline is the result of The Celtic Sea, which formed 2 peninsulas on each side of the county.
To the west of the county, the natural and beautiful peninsula is home to the historic seaside town of Ardmore and the Gaeltacht, a unique Native Irish-speaking region. Waterford’s second peninsula – known as the East Waterford Gaultier Coast – lies to the south-east of the city and contains the popular resort of Dunmore East.
South East Coastal Drive
It takes you along Waterford’s beautiful coastline. In West Waterford, the drive begins just as you cross the bridge from Youghal on the N25. It takes you into Ardmore, through the Gaeltacht Rinn and on to Dungarvan. At Clonea there are lovely beaches and scenic walks, which have contributed to the popularity of this area. Head north on the R675 to Stradbally. The village is medieval in origin and nestles between the Comeragh Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Walking distance from the village is the spectacular Stradbally Cove and a short drive away are the equally dramatic and stunning coves of Ballyvooney and Ballydwane. The drive continues along the Copper Coast, which has glorious views and lovely sandy beaches. It passes through the villages of Bunmahon, Boatstrand, Dunhill, Annestown and Fenor. Finally, you will arrive at the popular seaside resort of Tramore.
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Tramore Beach
Tramore Beach Resort is the leading seaside resort in the South East. Tramore is famous for its 5 kilometre-long golden, sandy beach which is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The area’s wide variety of amenities means this resort is one of the most popular in the regions. Tourists can enjoy activities such as swimming, sailing, surfing, rock fishing, sea kayaking, walking Ireland’s highest sand dunes, horse riding and beach angling.
There is also an amusement park with family-friendly rides and nearby is Splashworld – an indoor waterpark complete with a heated swimming pool and two giant water slides.
Lawlor’s Beach
The beach is situated next to the fishing village Dunmore East, just 15km south of Waterford City. With its sandy beach and red sandstone cliffs the beach is a great place to visit.
There are also plenty of other things to do in Dunmore including golfing, angling and an adventure centre.
Dunmore East
Located just 16km from Waterford City, Dunmore East is a beautifully charming fishing and seaside resort, famous for its prominent red sandstone cliffs. Dunmore East offers a variety of activities including golfing, fishing, cliff walking and water sports.
If you like coves then Dunmore beach is perfect for you. There are several secluded coves which include Stony Cove, Ladies Cove, Mens Cove and Badgers Cove. This sandy beach can be a wide expanse but might also disappear at high tide.
Dunmore beach is suitable for both, families and geologists. For the thrill-seeking tourist, the Dunmore East Adventure Centre offers both water and land-based activities appropriate for families, groups and individuals.
All the activities on offer – such as windsurfing, powerboating, archery and orienteering – are suitable for beginners and experts alike.
During the summer months, Dunmore East plays host to a number of popular festivals including the Festival of Food, Fish and Fun and The Waterford Triathlon – both of which take place in June – and the extremely popular Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival takes place in August.
Bunmahon
The historic mining village of Bunmahon, located only 30 minutes from Waterford City, lies in the heart of the Copper Coast European Geopark. The Geopark gets its name from the thriving copper industry which was mined in Bunmahon, along with lead and silver, during the 1900s.
This is a 5 kilometre-long sandy beach, backed by sand dunes with tall cliffs at each end. The sand dunes offer a wide range of different flora and fauna, including uncommon species. Bunmahon Beach is extremely popular with holidaymakers due to its picturesque golden beach and is in use all year round by surfers.