The Wild Coast Wanderer

ArdmoreBunmahonCopper CoastDungarvanTramore

Day 1: The Copper Coast Drive

Morning: Coffee & Coastal Start in Tramore

Begin your journey in Tramore with a relaxed coffee and a light breakfast; ease into a day of slow travel along the coast.

Mid-Morning: Drive the Copper Coast

Set off along the Copper Coast towards Bunmahon and the Copper Coast Geopark (approx. 30 mins drive), a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and rich geological history.

Here, join a guided Geoheritage Mining Tour with a trained local guide.

Beginning at the visitor centre in Bunmahon, you’ll spend the next 2 hours walking through Ireland’s only outdoor geological timeline. Along the way, you’ll:

  • Discover how powerful natural forces shaped the coastline
  • Learn about the copper mining boom that once defined the area
  • Explore the dramatic site of Trá na mBó, where geology and history meet

Your tour finishes back at the visitor centre, where you can browse the gift shop, which features locally made crafts.

Late Morning: A Creative Interlude

Continue along the Copper Coast to The Art Hand, a small, independent gallery and studio. Showcasing a distinctive collection of glass paintings, mosaics, and sand art prints, it offers a chance to experience creativity up close in an intimate and welcoming setting. It’s a quiet, creative stop, offering a glimpse into the work of local artists.

Lunch: Refuel in Bunmahon

Pause in Bunmahon for lunch at The Engine House. Set within a beautifully restored building, it offers relaxed coastal dining and is the perfect place to refuel before continuing your journey.

Afternoon: Coastal Drive, Coffee Stop & Cultural Visit

Continue west along the coast towards Dungarvan, enjoying more scenic stops along the way.

Pause at The Railway Cottage for a quick coffee and pastry. This cosy, character-filled café is a lovely spot to slow down, enjoy a coffee, and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Late Afternoon: Joan Clancy Art Gallery

Set in the heart of the Gaeltacht at An Rinn, this intimate gallery is housed within Joan Clancy’s own home. Visitors are warmly welcomed into the space, where rotating exhibitions by Irish artists are brought to life through storytelling.

Joan shares personal insights from her life and experiences, including her connection to the legendary Clancy Brothers, creating a unique and deeply personal encounter with both art and local culture. You may even pick up a few words of Irish along the way.

Evening: Arrival in Dungarvan

Continue on to Dungarvan and check into The Park Hotel, Dungarvan. After a full day along the Copper Coast, settle in for a relaxed evening at the hotel’s Meladon Bar. Here, you can enjoy a casual but high-quality dining experience, with a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, it’s an easy and comfortable option after a day of exploring. After dinner, take a short stroll into town, or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy a quiet night.

Day 2: Coast, Culture & Slow Moments 

Morning: Breakfast & A Choice of Pace in Dungarvan 

Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore. 

 

Mid-Morning: Choose Your Pace 

After breakfast, choose how you’d like to spend your morning: 

Option 1: Harbour Walk & Castle Visit 

Stay in Dungarvan town and enjoy a gentle stroll through the town. 

  • Walk along the harbour, with views across the bay 
  • Continue towards Dungarvan Castle, a striking Norman structure set right on the water 
  • Take your time exploring the area at a relaxed pace 

Option 2: Morning Gold by the Coast 

For a more active start, head out to one of the area’s scenic courses: 

Both offer a scenic and enjoyable round, perfect for easing into the day. 

Lunch: Casual Dining in Town 

Head to The Ormond Café for lunch.  A warm and welcoming café known for its great coffee and freshly prepared dishes – ideal for a relaxed lunch before your afternoon plans. 

Afternoon: Wellness by the Coast 

After lunch, make your way to Solas Na Mara.  This coastal wellness centre offers a deeply restorative experience, inspired by the natural surroundings. 

Choose from: 

  • Traditional seaweed bats 
  • Holistic treatments, such as massage, facials, and reflexology 

It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, reset, and reconnect with the sea – a calm contrast to your time on the road. 

Evening: Arrival in Ardmore  

Continue on to Ardmore (approx. 30 min drive) and check into Cliff House Hotel. Perched dramatically above the sea, this luxurious coastal hotel offers breathtaking views and a truly special setting. 

Spend the evening enjoying: 

  • A relaxed dinner featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients

  • Drinks overlooking the ocean

  • The peaceful atmosphere of the coastline at sunset

Day 3: Clifftop Views, Heritage & Craft

Morning: Breakfast with a View

Start your day with breakfast at Cliff House Hotel, enjoying the sea views before heading out to explore.

Late Morning: Ardmore Cliff Walk

Set out on the Ardmore Cliff Walk, one of the most scenic coastal walks in Ireland.

This route offers:

  • Panoramic views over Ardmore Bay
  • The historic lighthouse and lookout tower
  • Dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and open ocean views

Lunch: Traditional Dining in the Village

After your walk, head to Round Tower Hotel. A charming and welcoming spot, perfect for a relaxed lunch with hearty, satisfying dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Afternoon: Heritage & Local Craft

Take some time to explore Ardmore’s rich history.

  • Visit the iconic Round Tower, one of the best-preserved examples in Ireland
  • Wander through the village and soak up its coastal charm

Then continue to Ardmore Pottery & Gallery. Browse handcrafted ceramics and locally inspired artwork to connect with the creative spirit of the area.

Evening: Departure

From here, begin your journey home, taking with you a sense of Waterford’s slower, more scenic side.

Where the Sea Meets the City

If you have time to linger a little longer, consider extending your stay with a visit to Waterford City, Ireland’s oldest city and a place shaped by the very waters you’ve been exploring.

Arriving by sea over a thousand years ago, Viking settlers established their stronghold here, later followed by the Normans, who left their own mark on the city’s streets, structures, and stories. Today, that layered history can still be felt as you wander through the Viking Triangle, where museums, historic buildings, and guided experiences bring the past vividly to life.

It’s a natural continuation of your journey along the coast, offering a deeper connection to the people and events that shaped this landscape, and a chance to see how the sea has long influenced life in Waterford.

Three days of coastal drives, hidden coves, and slow, scenic moments.

Discover the wild edge of Waterford through sea swims, coastal trails, harbour towns, and unforgettable views. From dramatic cliff walks to quiet beaches and laid-back evenings by the water, this itinerary is for those who feel most at home where land meets sea.

ArdmoreBunmahonCopper CoastDungarvanTramore

The Wild Coast Wanderer

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Three days of coastal drives, hidden coves, and slow, scenic moments.

Discover the wild edge of Waterford through sea swims, coastal trails, harbour towns, and unforgettable views. From dramatic cliff walks to quiet beaches and laid-back evenings by the water, this itinerary is for those who feel most at home where land meets sea.