Follow Waterford’s wild Copper Coast through dramatic coves, ancient geology, mining heritage, and local art, finishing with a well-earned meal in the seaside village of Bunmahon.
Cliffs, Geology & Copper Coast
A scenic coastal journey shaped by cliffs, coves and Waterford’s mining story.
The Copper Coast is made for exploring, so take your time and enjoy the journey rather than racing from one stop to the next. Begin at Annestown with a refreshing walk along the coast or some time beside the strand, listening to the waves and taking in the rugged scenery. From there, continue west and choose one spectacular scenic stop, such as Boatstrand or Kilmurrin Cove. Keeping the morning to one main walk and one viewpoint gives you time to breathe in the sea air, explore the shoreline and properly enjoy the landscape.
Add a creative twist to the adventure with a visit to The Art Hand, a distinctive gallery and studio set between Kilmurrin and Bunmahon, where art and the wild Copper Coast landscape come together. Browse the work on display and discover how the surrounding cliffs, coves and changing seas inspire local creativity. Opening hours and available experiences should be checked before travelling.
Continue to the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, where the dramatic scenery begins to reveal its secrets. Discover the ancient geology, copper-mining heritage and fascinating stories of the communities that shaped this unique coastline. Afterwards, head into Bunmahon for a relaxed village stroll, beach views and a closer look at the remains of its industrial past.
Finish the day with a well-earned dinner at The Engine House, sharing stories from a day filled with coastal walks, hidden coves, local art and geological discoveries. Visitors should check opening hours and guided experiences before setting out, and always take care around cliff edges, changing tides and exposed coastal weather.
Your Day at a Glance
1. Morning: Take a defined walk at Annestown and add one scenic coastal viewpoint.
2. Afternoon: Visit the Art Hand Gallery, Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, then explore Bunmahon.
3. Eat: Finish with dinner at The Engine House.
4. Good to know: Check tides, weather, parking and visitor-centre opening hours before travelling.
Overview
Follow Waterford’s wild Copper Coast through dramatic coves, ancient geology, mining heritage, and local art, finishing with a well-earned meal in the seaside village of Bunmahon.
Copper Coast
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