3-Day Itinerary

Tramore → Dungarvan

A complete journey along one of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal routes, filled with geology, wild beaches, mining heritage and cliff walks. This itinerary flows naturally from east to west, starting in Tramore and ending in Dungarvan, with every stop placed in correct geographical order.

DAY 1 — From Tramore to Annestown

Your day begins just outside Tramore and moves steadily west along the Copper Coast’s wildest beaches.

Morning — Tramore → Garrarus → Kilfarrasy

Garrarus Beach

A quiet, horseshoe bay framed by cliffs and rolling fields. Garrarus feels untouched — a peaceful place to breathe in sea air and start your Copper Coast journey. Dogs and walkers adore this spot, and the shifting tides reveal tidal pools and rock patterns.

Kilfarrasy Beach

One of the most dramatic beaches on the Copper Coast.
Expect:

• multi-coloured rock formations shaped by ancient lava
• offshore stacks
• turquoise shallows on calm days
• wide sands perfect for photography

Kilfarrasy is a favourite of geologists because the rocks here tell the story of the ocean that existed long before Ireland.

Afternoon – Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre

Head to the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, where the story of the Copper Coast unfolds. This stretch of coastline is 460 million years in the making — shaped by ancient volcanoes, long-vanished oceans and Ice Age sculpting. The visitor centre offers excellent interactive displays, maps and exhibitions on:

• volcanic eruptions and molten lava flows
• prehistoric seas filled with strange marine life
• geological folding and rock formation
• Waterford’s remarkable 19th-century mining industry

It’s the perfect foundation before you explore the sites in person.

Late Afternoon – Annestown and Boatstrand

Continue west along the coast road.

Annestown Beach

A sweeping horseshoe bay, beloved by photographers for:

• layered cliffs
• shifting dunes
• mirror-like low tides
• excellent sunrise/sunset reflections

On stormy days, waves crash dramatically against the headlands. On calm days, the water becomes glassy and still.

Boatstrand Harbour

Just minutes from Annestown.

A tiny, picture-perfect fishing harbour tucked into a rocky inlet. Local swimmers love the sheltered slipway, and there is a beautiful elevated viewpoint above the harbour where you can watch the tide roll in.

On your way west, pause for one of Waterford’s best accessible nature trails.

DAY 2 – Walks, Hidden Coves & Wellness

Morning – Anne Valley Walk

A peaceful, family-friendly trail from Dunhill to Annestown following the Anne River.

You’ll experience:

• wetlands rich in birdlife
• gentle woodlands
• flat paths suitable for all ages
• the majestic ruins of Dunhill Castle rising over the valley

It’s a quiet, contemplative walk that contrasts beautifully with the rugged cliffs.

Afternoon — Tankardstown Mining Complex

A few minutes west of Boatstrand.

Walk through the haunting remains of the 19th-century copper mining industry:

• towering engine houses
• collapsed chimneys
• remnants of mine shafts
• cliff-edge ruins overlooking the Atlantic

This is one of Ireland’s finest examples of industrial archaeology — unforgettable on a bright day.

Late Afternoon — Bunmahon → Tra na mBó → Ballydowane

Bunmahon Village

A former mining village with deep historic roots. This is the heart of the Copper Coast.

Tra na mBó

A hidden cove just west of Bunmahon. Known for:

• tall mineral-streaked cliffs
• a narrow, winding path down
• echoing waves
• geological layers visible in the rock walls

Peaceful, atmospheric, and full of colour from ancient volcanic activity.

Ballydowane Bay

One of the most breathtaking and remote beaches on the entire coast.

You’ll find:

• golden sands stretching into the distance
• turquoise shallows
• dramatic cliff faces
• sea stacks rising from the surf
• total tranquillity

It feels wild, raw and otherworldly. Many visitors say it is the highlight of the Copper Coast.

Optional Wellness Stop — The Hot Pod Sauna (Bunmahon)

After the cliff walk, warm up in a wood-fired coastal sauna overlooking the Atlantic.
Perfect for muscle recovery, quiet reflection and taking in the elements from a place of comfort.

Dinner – The Engine House Bar & Restaurant

A warm, modern space built into local heritage, offering:

• great coffee
• burgers, bowls, seafood
• relaxed dining
• seaside views

A perfect midpoint before continuing west.

DAY 3 — Stradbally & Cliff Walks

Today focuses on the section between Stradbally and Bunmahon, which offers some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal trails.

Morning — Stradbally Cove

A peaceful cove where a small river meets the sea.
Expect:

• sheltered swimming
• soft sand
• gentle waves
• golden cliffs glowing in low sunlight

A lovely calm start to Day 2.

Mid-Morning — Stradbally → Bunmahon Cliff Walk

One of Ireland’s great coastal routes. Along the way you’ll see:

• uninterrupted Atlantic views
• crashing waves far below
• tall, jagged cliffs
• sea stacks and caves
• seabirds gliding on thermals
• occasional sightings of dolphins

It is invigorating, wild and unforgettable.

Afternoon — Continue West to Dungarvan

As you approach Dungarvan, the landscape softens, and you transition from wild cliffs into the sheltered waters of Dungarvan Bay.

Explore:

• the harbour
• the waterfront cafés
• the local food scene
• coastal cycle or walking paths

A calm, fitting end to your Copper Coast journey.