Towns & Villages
The South East of Ireland offers visitors the opportunity to experience that an old, historical place has to offer with modern facilities catering to all requirements. From sweeping coastlines and lush farmland, to castles, monasteries and a vast array of heritage sites, there is plenty for everyone, from the fit healthy and outdoor type, to the historical traveller and connoisseur of the finer things in life.
By Michelle Clancy
Coast to coast activity
The coastline, along with the estuaries of rivers Suir and Blackwater, provide the perfect location for shore angling, while fully equipped sea angling boats are available for hire on charter at Dunmore East and Dungarvan.
Trout angling or coarse angling does not require a State Licence. However, it is necessary to secure a permit from the Angling Club on whose waters it is intended to fish. The salmon angling season commences on 1st February and trout on 17th March. Both close on 30th September.
Water sports are also abundant along the coast and the harbour of Dunmore East has its own Adventure Centre. (email: dunmoreadventure@hotmail.com).
The city and county have an array of 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, complemented by par-3 and pitch and putt facilities, where both the serious and casual golfer can find enjoyment or a real challenge.
The numerous equestrian centres offer an alternative mode of transport for exploring the countryside, mountains, valleys and beaches, or why not choose the healthy option: way-marked long-distance trails, mountain walks, old tow paths, forest trails, coastal walks, they’re all available in Waterford.
Taking its name from its 5km strand, Tramore is a favourite summer resort for all the family. Located 8km from Waterford city, the beach has now become a surf capital of the south east.
The large amusement park opposite the promenade includes a miniature train ride, a boating lake with pedalos and rowing boats for hire and an array of stomach-churning rides.
Regular horse racing meetings are held at Tramore Racecourse, while weekly greyhound nights are also held in the city.
For the more adventurous, Tramore Racecourse now offers easy to drive quadbikes on specially prepared tracks. Alternatively you could organise a paint ball team at a choice of two outdoor ‘Battle Theatres’ – woodland or street scene. (email: trackattack@gofree.indigo.ie).
Also in Tramore, Splashworld is a popular attraction impervious to the weather, with an indoor aqua adventure that maintains balmy temperatures all year round. Features include wave machine, indoor/ outdoor helter skelter ride, twilight zone white knuckle ride, drop zone-free fall slide, babies paddle pool, water cannons, roaring rapids, therapeutic whirlpool, splash slides, pirate ships, water cannons, whirlpools and geysers.
The town has long been associated with Irish tourists and offered a very traditional seaside experience of ice-cream, fairground and sand. The beach front features a long promenade and an amusement park. It is a popular resort for tourists in the summer and has 5 km (3 mi) of beach and sand dunes looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Tramore has a reputation for surfing, and the T-Bay Surf club which was established in 1967 has produced national and international surfing champions.A full listing of all heritage sites in the South East of Ireland are available here
Drives around Waterford
For all the required details on driving and touring in county Waterford click here
And for those occasions when the kids need to be occupied on journeys, see here
Walking around Waterford
For all the required details about walking in county Waterford click here
Activities in Tramore
Tramore (Irish: Trá Mhór, meaning big strand (or beach)) is a seaside town in County Waterford on the southeast coast of Ireland. A small fishing village until the arrival of the railway in 1853, the town has continually expanded since. Initially as a tourist destination and latterly as a seaside suburb of Waterford City, which is 13 km to the North. Waterford Airport is located about 6 km northeast.
The town is situated on the north-western corner of Tramore Bay on a hill that slopes down to the strand, or sand spit, that divides the bay. Behind the spit lies the tidal lagoon known as the Cúl Trá (Back Strand). Tramore has an imposing Gothic Revival Catholic Church (which is dominated by an asymmetrical tower and spire), on a monumental site overlooking the town, built 1856–1871 by J. J. McCarthy. Among the noblemen to have made Tramore their home through the centuries are James 1st, Brian Ború and Gregory Moorlock[citation needed].
The area within a 16 km (10 mi) radius of Tramore is an area rich in megalithic structures (eg. Ballindud Cromlech; Ballynageeragh Cromlech; Knockeen Dolmen; Gaulstown Dolmen), signifying habitation long before Christianity, although very little has been recorded about Tramore between St Deglan’s visit and recent times.
Playground
The town playground is situated on church grounds and opens every day all year round. This recent addition to Tramore is both very welcome and well utilised by the townspeople and tourist alike.
Splashworld
Fun! Games! Frolics! For the young, younger, youngest and young at heart … Something exciting for each member of the family at Splashworld – The South East’s biggest, brightest and best Indoor Waterpark ! Take your time and enjoy the facilities which cater to all ages and interest. Forget about the weather outside, enjoy all year round the warm aqua adventure centre that is Splashworld.
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Oceanic Manoeuvres
One of Ireland foremost surf academies, Oceanic Manoeuvres was established in 1998. The staff have many years of valuable experience and are keen to share this with you. And for those who may not be quite the water babies there is a range of non-water activities, with guided tours and hikes, where you get to experience Tramore’s unique ecology and maritime history.
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T-Bay Surf School
T-Bay has been here since surfing first came to our shores, back in 1967. Fully approved by both the Irish Surfing Association and the European Surfing Federation, Tramore Bay Surf School provides the public with fully qualified and certified lifeguards, on top of which all instructors are approved by the Irish Surfing Association.
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Sea Paddling
With the South East coast to explore at your leisure, www.seapaddling.com lets you experience what it’s all about. You have the unique opportunity to discover the coastline from perspectives you had only imagined. Seapaddling warmly welcomes all people, whatever experience they may have. Inexperience is no excuse.
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Waterford and Tramore Races
With over 200 years of providing racing entertainment to its credit, Waterford & Tramore Racecourse is proud to continue on this tradition. In order to do this the 80-acre venue offers plenty of free parking, covered stands to weather-proof your day and family-friendly enclosures to ensure everyone has a great day out. The Summer festival in mid-August is the highlight of the holiday season.
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Tramore Golf Course
From humble beginnings in the back-strand over 100 years ago, the golf club has evolved into what it is today, an excellently located golf course, fully matured and offering golfers an unforgettable experience.
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Tramore Amusement Park
Set directly opposite the beach and surrounded by video arcades and traditional fish and chip shops. The amusements in are a must for all families visiting Tramore. With games of skill, fantastic thrill rides and slower ones for the faint of heart and small kids, there is something for everyone.
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Run Amuck
A relatively recent very welcome addition to what Tramore has to offer for locals and tourist alike. With a 3-level main play frame, a toddler area, and a baby area catering from ages 2-12, Run Amuck is a 10,000 sq ft purpose built children’s activity centre which combines fantastic play facilities with an excellent, healthy eating café.
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LaserBlast
Paint-balling without the pain or paint. Located in the Riverstown Industrial park in Tramore, LaserBlast is in a futuristic setting, allowing for live laser gun action. There are many varieties of games possible, with suitable names from Team Death Match to Annihilation. Suitable and great fun for all ages, and of course weather-proofed.
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LakeTour Stables
From novice to experienced horse riders alike, LakeTour stables offers the opportunity for gentle cantering and beach trekking. If you are looking for something completely different LakeTour stables offers just the thing. Come and see how much of a cowboy or girl you really are.
Bay Spa Tramore
The Bay Spa in Tramore is a must for all those who are looking for a relaxing break at the seaside. The Bay Spa is a stones throw from the beach and features all the most modern relaxation techniques and beauty treatments.
Tramore Pitch and Putt Club
Situated on the coast road to ward the metalman, and near Rockett’s pub, this lovely littlepitch and putt club has bene around for many years and is carefully maintained.
Easy Wheelin’ Scenic Guided Cycle Tours
Starting in Tramore, this unique service offers cycling tours of Waterford county, south Wexford and south Kilkenny and a fun and healthy way to explore the south east. A knowledgeable leader will be there to point out local point sof interest in your 25-40 mile trip.
Telephone: 051-390706, 086-374 5809
The Metal Man
Placed on one of the headlands encompassing Tramore, the Metalman was constructed by the Birtish Navy after the sinking of the Seahorse with the loss of 363 lives in in 1816. The Metalman is aid top call out to sailors, ‘Keep out good ship, keep out from me, for I am the rock of misery’.
There is also an old romatic legend stating that if a girl hops around the Metalman three times on one foot , that she will be married within the year, ye have been warned, notified.
Copper Coast Mini-Farm
with plenty of in-door and out-door facilities, there is plenty to do in this farm, about 4 miles out of Trmaore on the coast road. Also available for birthday parties
Telephone: 051- 396870
Driving Range
On the coast road to the Metalman, you pass the golf driving range. Opne to the public all year round with all the facilities you would come to expect with putting green as well
Telephone: 051-381322
Tennis Club
Established in 1880 and going strong ever since, the four hard courts, on the edge of the Doneraile offer a great all year round opportunity for Tennis players. The flood-lights also add to the overall facilities.
Beaches
Tramore Bay
Newtown Cove
The Guillamene
Garraus
Kilfarrasay
Annestown
Bunmahon
Stradbally
Activities in Waterford City
By Michelle Clancy
Waterford City
One of Ireland’s oldest cities, Waterford has a history of continuous habitation since 914, when the Vikings established a settlement there.
The area has a strong historical tradition and both city and county are repositories for fascinating sites and artefacts of national importance. This deep sense of the past is mingled with a modern outlook in the city centre.
Reginald’s Tower, located on The Quays, is the most historic urban monument in Ireland. It is likely that the Anglo-Norman lord Strongbow first met Aoife, the daughter of Diarmuid McMurrough, deposed King of Leinster, at the Tower, while their subsequent marriage, which changed the course of Irish history, took place at Christchurch Cathedral.
Meanwhile, the central shopping area of the city is located on and nearby the pedestrianised John Roberts Square, recently renamed after the famous 
18th century Waterford architect who designed the city’s Protestant and Catholic cathedral’s, City Hall and magnificent Georgian Chamber of Commerce building.
Such historical gleanings even transcribe to the city’s culinary delights. No visit to Waterford is complete without sampling the famous blaa, a bun-like piece of bread unique to the city which is said to have been introduced by Huguenot refugees in the 1690s.
One of the best ways to gain a knowledge of Waterford is to take an interactive walking tour, during which your guide will weave a vibrant and colourful tapestry around the rich history of the city. Walks are conducted from March to September, twice daily, 12.00 and 14.00 and start at the Granville Hotel on The Quay. Other times by arrangement and groups are catered for. There is a participation charge. Details on 051 – 873 711.
The Granary
With 1000 years of history to experience and explore, the Granary offers people the opportunity to drift back in time and imagine being at Stongbow and Aoife’s wedding, or to envision Vikings on the high seas. You can even get an impression of Georgian times and view the finest and most beautiful of crystal production. Waterford Treasures truly does offer a trove of information, artifacts and exhibitions from past and present which Waterford has to offer.
Waterford Crystal
Known worldwide as a symbol of master craftsmanship and classic design, Waterford Crystal is one of Waterford’s most well known and loved tourist attractions. The tour of the factory and manufacturing area is a must for all visitors to Waterford. After the tour why not have some lunch in the on-site restaurant or wonder around the showrooms to see some of Waterford Crystals finest works.
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Waterford Crystal Sports & Leisure Centre
Offering a public swimming pool with lane swims, a sauna and separate kids pool. The complex is also equipped with a gym and bar. For when the weather turns, a trip to the leisure centre is a must!
Reginalds Tower
Take a trip back through the ages by visiting Waterford’s Reginald’s Tower. The tower is over 800 years old and has been used as defensive structure, a minting place for the Irish parliament and a royal residence. When the weather turns sour take a trip to the Tower to explore some of Waterford’s past!
More Info
Waterford Castle Golf Club
Situated on an island near the city centre but just far enough away to fully encompass the beauty and tranquility of what Waterford has to offer. Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Club offers the visitor a unique experience in golfing and leisure, with many of Irelands premier golf courses also located nearby.
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Willamstown Golf Club
An impeccable course, freely open to the public and designed by Eddie Hackett, Willimastown offers the opportunity for anyone to simply book in on the time sheet up to seven days in advance. As a way of exploring the golfing world, or simply relaxing with a round, enjoy.
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Waterford Golf Club
On the north side of the river Suir, Waterford Golf Club offers a parkland course designed by James Braid, five times Open champion. With a perfect golfing combination of great greens and friendly atmosphere, a treat for those interested.
Faithlegg House Hotel and Golf Club
Opened in May 1993, Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club in Waterford surrounds an 18th century mansion, since converted to a four star hotel. The course itself has been designed by Paddy Merrigan, renowned amongst his peers as a fine course designer. A subtle combination of blind tee shots, carefully positioned sand traps and the odd tricky dog leg means that the course offers a fair challenge to all-comers.
Spraoi
Visitors during the August Bank Holiday weekend will experience the street spectacular that is the Spraoi Festival, Ireland’s premier street festival. Running from Friday evening to Sunday night Spraoi features a large array of local, national and international pieces. The festival is being brought to a close on Sunday night with a spectacular parade and astounding fireworks display.
2008 Programme Guide
Storm Cinemas
A recent arrival to Waterford, Storm cinema offers the opportunity for a Ben and Jerry’s before you even go in, and 1, 112 seats across eight screens, which all have Dolby Digital EX full surround sound. Catering for the movie buff and blockbuster fancier alike, Storm offers something for everyone interested in the cinema.
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Waterford Cineplex
Situated on one of Waterford’s busiest streets Waterford Cineplex shows all the latest movies in comfortable screens with a fully stocked refreshments stand.
Cinema Listings
Leisure Zone
Fully fitted out with a ten lane ten-pin bowling alley, american pool, kids play area, american themed diner and a selection of arcade games. Leisure Zone cater to all ages.
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Stonehaven Equestrian Centre
Ever travelled on a bus and seen parts of the coutryside you never saw? Well take the time to do this properly by sauntering around the beautiful countryside which Waterford has to offer on horseback. Each group is specifically catered for, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the novice or more experienced.
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Kilcohan Park Greyhound Track
Hosting greyhoud racing three time a week and open since 1938, Kilcohan has bene synonomous with dog racing and the local socccer team until they departed for their own ground in the 1990’s. Three lively bars and two restaurants, with convenient betting all indoors, help make a night at the dogs a great night to remember.
Telephone: 051-874531
By Michelle Clancy
Historical attractions
Voted Ireland’s Museum of the Year, Waterford Treasures at the Granary is both a treasury and a treasure trail that will take you through 1000 years of the city’s history. A sound guide will allow you to encounter the past at your own pace, to stop and marvel at the fascinating artefacts and explore them in depth through a series of interactives and audio-visual presentations. The South East’s main tourist office is also housed at The Granary, while the upstairs gallery regularly hosts visiting art exhibitions.
Established in 1783, Waterford Crystal is now a household name. At Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre tourists can meet craftspeople at work, see a re-creation of the earliest glasshouse, enjoy the audio-visual which explains the evolution of glass making and marvel at the world’s largest display of Waterford Crystal in magnificent surroundings.
‘Let the Pillars Speak’ is a sound tapestry spanning 1,000 years of the Christchurch Cathedral’s history. The location of Anglo-Norman lord Strongbow’s marriage to Aoife, daughter of Diarmuid McMurrough, the cathedral was rebuilt by the Anglo-Normans in the early 13th century. The present structure was erected in the 18th century.
Meanwhile, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Barronstrand Street has the distinction of being the earliest post-Reformation Roman Catholic cathedral in Britain and Ireland and the only one built in the 18th century.
Other buildings of architectural or historical interest include the remains of a Franciscan chapel and monastery at Greyfriars (The French Church).
Waterford and Suir Valley Railway
Running along the abandoned Waterford-Dungarvan railway line, The Waterford & Suir Valley Railway is a community heritage project and runs on a narrow gauge for 12 km.
Accessible by wheelchair, with tickets available in the restored railway carriage.
Situated near the village of Kilmeaden, just off the main Cork road, the train provides sitting for up to 20 people.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Built in 1793, and designed by John Roberts, Waterfords’ Roman Catholic Cathedral is Ireland’s oldest. The interior has been renovated and update continuously over the last 30 years with the lastest completed in November 2006. It now offers a majestic religious site in the heart of the city.
Christ Church Cathedral Waterford
First erectd in the Eleventh Century, Christ Church is the only neo-classical Georgian Cathedral in Ireland. As well as continuing to be a place of worship for the local congregation of the Church of Ireland, the Cathedral also hosts concerts, recitals and exhibitions.
Blackfriars Abbey
Dating from 1226, the Abbey was built by the Dominican’s. The only remaining parts of the abbey are the chancel of the church and the belfry. It is situated in the oldest part of Waterford, close to Reginalds tower.
Waterford Libraries
There are three public libraries in Waterford city, with the main one in the city centre, offering a range of activities from story-telling to photographic exhibitions, music sessions, literary competititons, poetry readins and workshops. It also acts as the repository for local books and various other publications, as well as offering free internet access to visitors.
French Church and Heritage Centre
The original monastery was founded in 1240, however the nave, chancel and towere are all that remain of a later fifteenth century construction. The heritage centre is also located on the same site
Waterford Heritage Genealogy Centre
All records from church and state are gathered here in one spot to allow for ease of research and tracing of one’s family tree. If your relations are from the area, then chances are that some record of them will be found here.
Garter Lane
With something going on all year round, Garter lane offers something for everyone, from visual and audio arts and theatre, dance, comedy, film and children’s arts. The centre also often hosts exhibitions, see their website for upcoming events.
Theatre Royal
The theatre is housed in City Hall on the Mall, and has since 1876 being offering entertainment to Waterfords local inhabitants and tourists alike. In 1996 funding was obtained to upgrade and extend the theatre, incroporating local heritage sites, including the old city walls. See site for details on activities.
William Vincent Wallace Plaza
This recent development on Waterfords quay’s offers the public the opportunity to sit and relax and watch the world go by. Built as a legacy to the maritime nature of Waterfords development over the centuries.
Activities in Dungarvan
Dungarvan (Dún Garbháin in Irish) is a town and harbour on the south coast of Ireland in the province of Munster. Dungarvan is the administrative centre of County Waterford. The town’s Irish name means “Garbhan’s fort”, referring to Saint Garbhan who founded a church there in the seventh century. The town lies on the N25 road (European route E30), which connects Cork, Waterford and Rosslare Europort.
Dungarvan is situated at the mouth of the Colligan River, which divides the town into two parts connected by a causeway and bridge of a single arch. Both bridge and causeway were built by the Dukes of Devonshire. The neighbouring parish is called Abbeyside, where portions of an Augustinian friary founded by the McGraths family in the fourth century survive incorporated with a Roman Catholic church. In Dungarvan proper, a castle built by King John of England stands by the harbour. Of the walls John built at the same time to fortify the town, no trace remain.
By Michelle Clancy
Into the West
West Waterford boasts an equally wide array of activities, to cater for all the family.
On the heritage front, popular tourist haunts are the towns of Lismore, with its double monastery founded by Saint Carthage in the seventh century and the round tower at Ardmore.
Comprehensive details of the numerous field monuments dotted around the county are to be found in the reference section of Waterford Municipal Library, Lady Lane, but a recommended guide is Sean O. O’Riordain’s Antiquities of the Irish Countryside.
For nature lovers, the cliffs at Ardmore offer an ideal vantage point to observe the spectacular ‘dive bombing’ methods of fishing by seabirds, which is a feature in this area. Clonea is an excellent site for viewing waders and some 1000 Barnacle Geese are to be seen here from November to March while many noisy kittiwakes nest in the steep cliffs overlooking the harbour at Dunmore East.
Well worth a visit is the tumbling Mahon River and Mahon Falls, in the Comeragh Mountains. Lying at the end of a sensitively developed footpath, the route is signposted off the N25 at Lemybrien.
A new programme presented by the well known Ballyrafter Equestrian Centre, Lismore, The Irish Horse Experience is illustrated by live ridden demonstrations. Topics covered in the 30 minute include the legends, history and origins of the Irish Horse in addition to breeding aspects and the future of the horse in the new millennium.
Rally Connections
Petrol head?, speed freak, or perhaps just interested in trying something new? Rally Connection offers anyone the chance to develop their potential rally skills, have a great corporate day out, or hone your existing rallying skills. Rally Connection is proud to be able to cater for all levels of experience and interest.
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Elite Paintball
Go to war in 47 acres outside Dungarvan. Well you might not be the first, but you will be enjoying yourself. Fully insured and with an ex-Irish Defence Forces Army Ranger as founder and all marshalls being ex-military personnel, you are sure to be safe while you enjoy it all.
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Comeragh Crystal
If you are in the glass crystal market for anything from stemware to giftware, for occasions from weddings and birthdays to anniversaries and presentations, Comeragh crystal offers you the opportunity to have your piece of crystal personalised. The tradition of crafting crystal, going on for hundreds of years is carried on by the finest of skilled craftsmen. And of course Comergah crystal offers something for all price ranges.
Slateways
With individuality of design and construction through expert craftsmanship, Slateways offers visitors a unique opportunity to transform locally sourced antique slate and mirror into stunning pieces of art. Each piece hand-crafted by David himself, offers a distinct artistic experience and pedigree in Irish heritage.
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The Old Market House
Once the centre of local trade, the Old Market House has been restored as an Arts Centre. This incarnation continues a long, distinguished, and varied history. It now offers a year-round public place for local, national and touring exhibitions, alternating monthly. Upstairs the Seomra de Paor (Power room) offers an ever-changing gallery for those looking for a gift or indeed, investment!
King John’s Norman Castle
A classic Irish tale, from being one of the only royal castles built in Ireland, to being burned by republican IRA forces in the War of Independence in 1922, King John’s castle has also played host to the local Gardai from 1922 when it was restored up until 1987, when Duchas, the Heritage Services re-restored it, and now offer guided tours, an audio-visual show and various exhibitions during the summer months.
St. Mary’s Church
With the very interesting site of a mass grave, a memorial to those who perished in the Moresby shipwreck of 1895, St. Mary’s Church offers up evidence of its pre-Reformation past in the form of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. A gentle amble through the graveyard yields some very interesting facts from the multitude of old gravestones thereabouts.
Waterford County Museum
Located at the plaza in Dungarvan shopping centre, the county museum, as the name suggest offers visitors the opportunity to come face to face with all the key events of the local area in history, including maritime history and genealogy.
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Hillview Riding Centre
More horse riding, with this time access to a surrounding forest. Situated in west Waterford near Dungarvan bay, cantering around this area you will be assaulted by the full rural experience, from broad majestic panoramic views, the faint aroma of pine in your nostrils, and a horse which you are holding on to for dear life, what more could you want?
Dungarvan Golf Club
Not for the faint-hearted golfer, deliberately constructed to mount a serious challenge to the golfing inclined, this course offers 18 architecturally designed holes to test all levels to the limit.
Website
West Waterford Golf and Country Club
Picture the setting, Comeragh mountains to the east, the Knockmealdown mountains to the north, the Drum hills to the south, and the Brickey River running by your feet, why bother looking for the ball, just enjoy the stunning view. Then relax, and resume the search for the ball so you can bring the challenge to the course, enjoy.
Website
Gold Coast Golf Club
Fancy a real challenge, then here it is, 6, 788 yards of tough fairways, greens and rough, the Gold Coast Golf Club offers golfers the chance to pit their wits against the elements and the course. Set between the Atlantic Ocean and Dungarvan Bay and the Comeragh mountains surrounding you, this course will test you to your limit.
Website
Activities in Dunmore East
Dunmore East (An Dún Mór Thoir in Irish) is a popular tourist and fishing village village in County Waterford, Ireland. Situated on the west side of Waterford Harbour on Ireland‘s southeastern coast, it lies within the barony of Gaultier (Gáll Tír – “foreigners’ land” in Irish): a reference to the influx of Norman settlers in the area.
Iron Age people established a promontory fort overlooking the sea at Shanoon (referred to in 1832 as meaning the ‘Old Camp’ but more likely Canon Power’s Sean Uaimh, ‘Old Cave’) at a point known for centuries as Black Nobb, where the old pilot station now stands, and underneath which a cave runs. Henceforth the place was referred to as Dun Mor, the Great Fort.
Fish was an important part of the people’s diet, and for hundreds of years a fishing community lived here.
In about 1640, Lord Power of Curraghmore, who owned a large amount of property in the area, built a castle on the cliff overlooking the strand about two hundred metres from St. Andrew’s Church. The castle was falling into ruin by the middle of the next century and now just one tower remains.
The old church of Killea (Cill Aodha — Aodh’s Church) is thought to have been built in the twelfth century and one wall still stands, opposite the Catholic church of The Holy Cross, at the top of Killea hill.
In 1814 dramatic changes took place when Alexander Nimmo, the Scottish engineer (builder of Limerick’s Sarsfield Bridge) commenced work on the new harbour at Dunmore to accommodate the packet station for ships, which carried the Royal Mail between England and Ireland. The work consisted mainly of a massive pier or quay with an elegant lighthouse at the end. Nimmo’s original estimate had been £20,000 but at the time of his death in 1832 £93,000 had been spent and the final cost was £108,000. By then (1837) the harbour had started to silt up, and the arrival of steam meant that the winding river could be negotiated easily, so the packet station was transferred to Waterford.
However the existence of what for that time was a great sheltered harbour meant that Dunmore East was to gradually become an important fishing port.
Dunmore East Adventure Centre
One of Dunmore East’s most well-known activities, the Adventure centre has deservedly earned itself a fine reputation for relaxing sailing, numerous water sports, as well as land-based activities for the newbie and old pro alike. Truly something for everyone to get the most from.
Website
Beaches and Coves
Dunmore East has several coves dotted along its coastline, which are sheltered with stunning backdrops. The two most popular beaches are Counsellors Strand, which is south facing and located between a series of sandstone cliffs, and Lawlor’s which can be found at the heart of the town itself.
Dunmore Golf & Country Club
A combination of idyllic setting, stunning views, fresh clean air, and a course to challenge the best, Dunmore Golf and Country club offers the enthusiast and novice alike an unforgettable experience.
With a full 18-hole course including all manner of hazards and hurdles, the views of the Waterford estuary, the local village and bay, and the Hook peninsula may distract you from the immediate task at hand, getting that little round thing in the hole.
Website
Bird Watching
An enviable urban location offering great access and vantage points for watching the noisy Kittiwake in particular, Dunmmore is just the centre of what is an excellent focal point for birdwatching. From chartering a boat for the day to visit some islands, to traversing the many local beaches, there are numerous locations where wildlife can be observed.
Guinness Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival
With a great and growing reputation, the Bluegrass festival offers the finest in infectious musical experiences. Coupled with the fact that you are likely to be basking in the late August sunshine, kicking back and taking in the genuine craic, Guinness play and plays an integral part in the whole proceedings. Families more than welcome and catered for.
The Park
Just above the village the wooded park offers beautiful walks. With fully functioning tennis courts, a new playground and access to paths down to the cliffs, Lord Waterford made a good call when he presented it to the unwashed masses in 1926, fair play to him.
Waterford and Dunmore East Sea Safari
Explore the beautiful Waterford Estuary and coastline aborad a 10-meter rib boat and experience widl-life close up, hear about the many shipwrecks and vist caves which are only accessible by boat.
Telephone: 086-813 1437
Deep Sea Charters
Accessible at Dunmore East, Deep Sea charters offers the opportunity to fish for species more usually foudn in tropical waters. This is due to Waterford catching the tail end of the North Atlantic Drift.
A trip with Deep Sea Charters also offers the chance to not only deep sea fish but also to bring the family, trips to the nearby Saltee island, bird watching and the chance to see a dolphin or two perhaps.
New Ross and South West Wexford
The Hook
From numerous beaches, unique culture, history and tradition, the hook peninsula offers a wide array of activities, sites, beaches, activities, as well as flora and fauna, this little gem of a region has been referred to as, ‘the secret Ireland’.
Duncannon Fort
An exotic looking star-shaped fort on the peninsula, looking over to Waterford, this fort was built to repel the Spanish Armada. It also has one of the oldest lighthouses in Irelan. There is also a maritime museum on the site.
Dunbrody Abbey Visitor Centre
Founded in 1170 by order of Strongbow, who was married in Reginald’s tower, it is a fine example of an early Cistercian monastery. Attractions include the monastery itself, a marvelous maze and pitch and putt course.
Kilmocea Gardens
A goergian residence built in 1794, Kilmokea stands in seven acres, and has won numerous awards for its outstanding food and rooms. The perfect place to relax unwind, and sample the best culinary delights available. A recent addition is the Patterdale Spa, offering indoor-heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi, aromatherapy treatments and gym area, surrounded by a sun terrace.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
Originally a cargo ship built in 1845 for the Graves family to trade with north America, the ship became synonomous with the famime of the 1840’s, transporting many. The very low death rate of the sometimes very overcrowded ship bears testament to the nature of the ships captains. An exact replica is berthed in New Ross and offer visitors the opportunity to search the Irish Emigration Database (accessible online) and the Irish Emmigrant Wall of Honour.
Ross Adventure Playbarn
In-door children’s soft play centre, this has everything a child and those looking after them could want to pass a few hours. With all sorts of activities for children and plenty for parents to do while their charges are charging around, it offers a perfect weather-proof of passing time and enjoying yourself.
JFK Homestead
Birthplace of US presidnet John F. Kennedy’s great-great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy, this still functioning farm tells the story of five generation of the Kennedy clan. There is a fully equipped visitor centre offering the guest a unique historical experience.
JFK Arboretum
Standing on 623 acres, this park, dedicated to the former US President has 4, 500 types of trees and 200 forest plots. It also offers many special features with visitor centre, house exhibitions and audio-visual show.
Telephone: 051-388171
Sheilbaggan Outdoor Education Centre
Enjoyment, educational needs and safety are the cornerstones to Shielbaggan’s success. It constitutes a day centre catering for all types of outdoor education. With facilities including indoor sprots hall, group room, basketball court, team challenges and an archery range as well as activities utilising the nearby beach of Hook Head, grounds of Tintern Abbey and the Barrow River.
Tintern Abbey
Sometimes named ‘Tintern de voto’ after the vow made by the Earl of Pembroke in 1200, when looking for a safe place to find shleter from the rough seas, when he managed to get to safety in Bannow Bay. It was developed and kept in family hands unitl 1959 when it was taken into government care.