The Wild Coast Way

The Wild Coast Way is a two-day journey along Waterford’s ever-changing coastline, where dramatic cliffs, wide beaches, and creative coastal communities come together. Beginning in Waterford, this route takes you west along the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark before continuing towards the harbour town of Dungarvan and the coastal village of Ardmore. Designed around slow travel, it blends public transport with local experiences, coastal walks, and overnight stays by the sea.

Day One: Copper Coast to Ardmore

Morning: Waterford to the Copper Coast

Depart Waterford by TFI Local Link (Route 667) towards Bunmahon, located within the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.

This takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, On arrival, connect with local guides and community experiences in the geopark. Take part in a guided walk, explore the area’s unique geology, and spend time discovering local art, heritage, and creative spaces. Pause for a coffee and take in the atmosphere of this distinctive coastal landscape.

Midday: Lunch in Bunmahon

Enjoy lunch at The Engine House. Known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a standout stop along the Copper Coast, with locally sourced food, a strong focus on quality ingredients, and a beautiful outdoor space that’s perfect on a sunny day.

Afternoon: Beaches and Coastal Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding coastline at your own pace. Discover nearby beaches, cliff viewpoints, and quieter stretches of shoreline that make this part of Waterford feel truly wild and unspoilt.

Evening: Continue to Ardmore

In the late afternoon, travel onwards towards Ardmore (via Dungarvan route 667), then 361 towards Youghal). The journey west along the coast brings a change in pace, with softer landscapes and a strong sense of coastal heritage. This journey take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, but takes you all along the stunning coastline.

Night: Stay by the Sea

Stay overnight in Ardmore, where a range of accommodation options offer a relaxed coastal base. Choose from the welcoming Round Tower Hotel, the luxurious Cliff House Hotel, or, for families, enjoy something a little different with a stay in the glamping pods at Ardmore Open Farm.

With its cliff walks, beaches, and peaceful setting, Ardmore is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a night by the sea.

Day Two: Ardmore and Helvick Head

Morning: Ardmore Cliff Walk

Begin your day with the Ardmore Cliff Walk, one of the most scenic coastal walks in the region. Follow the path along dramatic cliffs, passing historic landmarks and taking in uninterrupted sea views. For those looking to explore further, you can also join a section of Saint Declan’s Way, an ancient pilgrim route that begins in Ardmore and winds inland through rolling countryside, offering a deeper connection to the area’s heritage and landscape.

Late Morning: Explore Ardmore

Take time to explore the village, including its round tower, beach, and small harbour. The compact layout makes it easy to enjoy on foot. Ardmore is one of Ireland’s oldest Christian settlements, rich in archaeological heritage, with its iconic round tower, early monastery, and ancient church ruins offering a glimpse into over a thousand years of history along the coastline.

Afternoon: Helvick Head

From Dungarvan, continue to Helvick Head by bike or Local Link (361) this will take about 45 minutes. This quiet peninsula offers a more remote coastal experience, with rugged cliffs, a small harbour, and sweeping views across Dungarvan Bay. Along the way, take in the oyster farms that line the coast a defining feature of the area’s coastal heritage.

Spend time overlooking the bay before visiting Joan Clancy Gallery, where you can view a collection of authentic Irish artwork. The gallery hosts an annual exhibition, but visits outside of this period are by appointment. If you’re in need of some relaxation after your travels, finish with a visit to Sólás na Mara, where traditional seaweed baths offer a restorative and uniquely coastal experience.

Evening: Return

Return to Dungarvan and take the bus back to Waterford, or extend your stay along the coast.