Dunmore East is one of Waterford’s most picturesque fishing villages and a haven for visitors. Walkers can choose the 4km linear walk to Portally Cove and back or the almost 15km walk as far as Ballymacaw Cove. Any visit to Dummore East would not be complete without a visit to Dunmore East Woods.
Dunmore East Walks
Description
Dunmore East Coastal Walk: Dunmore East is one of Waterford’s most picturesque fishing villages and a haven for visitors. Whether you are looking for a beach break, to take part in some adrenalin pumping water based activities or simply to sample some culinary seafood delights, then Dunmore East is the place to be. The Dunmore East Coastal Walk was extended in 2020 and now stretches from the trailhead at the harbour car park as far as Ballymacaw Cove, almost 7kms further along the Waterford coast. The first section which takes walkers as far as Portally Cove is ideal for those with a moderate level of fitness; it includes steps and some undulations. This linear walk is about a 4km round trip. For those looking for a more challenging walk which requires a good level of fitness then the section beyond Portally Cove to Rathmoylan Cove and onto Ballymacaw Cove is an almost 15km round trip.
Dunmore East Woods Walk; There are numerous accessible pathways to enjoy in this beautifully maintained woodland. In 1924, John Charles De La Poer, 7th Marquis of Waterford, granted Dunmore East Woods and the park in a trust, for the recreational use of the people of Dunmore East, and so it remains today. Dunmore East Woods is particularly popular with families and those looking for a relaxing stroll in wonderful sylvan surroundings.
Did You Know
• Dunmore East Coastal walk is situated above many beautiful coves and inlets carved out of conglomerate red sandstones known locally as pudding stone and used to build the harbour in the 1820’s.
• Keep an eye out for the kittiwake colony in the harbour along with fulmar, red legged chough, cormorant and shag. Watch out for the occasional seal popping its head up close inshore.
How To Get There
Follow the signs for Dunmore East and Passage East through Waterford City onto the Dunmore Rd/R683. Keep right at the fork in the road at the petrol station onto the R684. On entering Dunmore East follow the main road (R684/Dock Road) past the left for The Strand and after a further 1.25kms take a left towards the harbour followed by an immediate right towards the trailhead where there is ample car parking.
Special Note
There is NO PARKING available at Portally Cove or Rathmoylan Cove. There is only very limited parking space available at Ballymacaw Cove. Please respect local residents and park responsibly. Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult. Do not walk along this coastal walk on windy or foggy days.
Map
Overview
Dunmore East is one of Waterford’s most picturesque fishing villages and a haven for visitors. Walkers can choose the 4km linear walk to Portally Cove and back or the almost 15km walk as far as Ballymacaw Cove. Any visit to Dummore East would not be complete without a visit to Dunmore East Woods.
Dunmore East
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