Those lucky enough to live in Waterford are surrounded by nature and enjoy plenty of quality walks overlooking beaches, cliffs, mountains and oceans.
Here are our top five tips for walks in Waterford at Christmas.
Ardmore Cliff Walk
Stunning views steeped in history await you on this trail, considered one of – if not the best – cliff walks in Ireland. Follow the cliff paths near Ardmore offering coastal vistas and roads and lanes that take you past fascinating early Christian sites.
Starting and ending at the Cliff House Hotel, this easy and accessible walking trail takes in a particularly idyllic part of the Waterford coastline. Passing the dramatic cliffs of Ardmore Head and Ram Head, the walk features majestic seascapes and historic sites that span centuries.
From the 5th century site of St Declan’s Well and a Napoleonic-era lookout post, to the second coastguard station at Ardmore – later a Civil War-era lookout tower – and even the wreck of the ship Samson in 1987.
Nature lovers will also appreciate the variety of coastal flora, fauna and birds that abound along the route. Continuing towards the town itself, pay attention to the beautifully preserved Ardmore Round Tower.
Follow the loop to the Cliff House Hotel and enjoy a hot drink in its Seafront Bar. This 3.9 km hike is classified as “easy” and the climb is only 40 m, suitable for everyone. Dogs are allowed.
Waterford Estuary Coastal Path – Dunmore East to Ballymacaw
The rugged cliffs of Dunmore, County Waterford, offer stunning views of the Celtic Sea. Head out on the Dunmore East Cliff Walk and stop for a picnic at pretty Portally Cove.
Start the Dunmore East Cliff Walk from the waymarked point behind the Old Convent in Dunmore East village. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Hook Head and the famous Hook Lighthouse.
Your route can range from a few miles to a longer hike, depending on how far you want to go. Rest when you reach Portally Cove, west of the village, and listen to the waves crashing on the rocks.
Keep your eyes peeled for red-legged choughs, cormorants and kittiwakes, and watch out for seals in the clear blue waters. In the evening, have dinner in the village of Dunmore East.
This 7km walk takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes, starting at Dunmore East Harbor car park and arriving at Ballymacaw Cove. Facilities at the trailhead include parking, toilets, restaurants, cafes, shops and accommodation.
Mahon Falls
Mahon Falls is located in the Comeragh Mountains, near the village of Lemybrien. The falls are lined with sheer rock walls and offer a space of peace and tranquility.
Mahon Falls is an 80m waterfall formed where the waters of the River Mahon plunge over the sandstone cliffs on the southern slopes of the Comeragh Mountains. There is parking near the falls with a moderate walk to their base and beautiful views of the sea and Dungarvan town.
Mahon Falls Walk is a linear walk to the base of the magnificent falls. Following signs to Mahon Falls, from Dungarvan and Waterford City exit the N25 westbound from the R676 at Mahon Bridge.
Turn immediately right and follow signs to ‘Comeragh Drive’. Continue for approximately 1 km, turn right and continue inland with the Mahon River on your right. There is a parking lot on your left, near the trail to the falls.
This 4 km round trip walk takes approximately 45 minutes. It is classified as “easy” and has an elevation gain of approximately 20 meters, suitable for all fitness levels. Bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, fluids, a snack and a cell phone.
Coumshingaun
The demanding 7.5km hike around Coumshingaun Lough from Waterford in the Comeragh Mountains is a spectacular trail full of unique features you won’t find anywhere else in Ireland.
The natural amphitheater, also known as corrie, was formed during the Ice Age when a glacier eroded the mountain, leaving behind vertical cliffs and a vast lake. The route takes hikers to very high viewpoints and then back down to the water’s edge, taking two to three hours to complete.
Seasoned swimmers can brave the cold water for a quick swim while others head to Coumshingaun for rock climbing in summer and ice climbing when temperatures drop.
The Coumshingaun Lake Full Hike is a difficult 6.13 km loop trail which poses a real safety risk in places and should only be attempted by seasoned and experienced hikers.
The entire loop, which must be completed clockwise, takes between three and four hours. Starting from Kilclooney Wood car park, it takes you along a steep grassy path before crossing a dangerous section where you have to climb.
For those who simply want an easier hike, the 4km return walk to the lake itself, minus the full loop, is suitable for all fitness levels and takes around 2.5 hours, with an elevation gain of 250m.
Lake Coumshingaun is a superb example of Lake Corrie and is well worth the climb. This walk starts at Kilclooney Bridge on the R676 Dungarvan – Carrick-on-Suir road. The River Ire coming from the lake crosses under the road at this bridge. It is possible to park on a secondary road on the right just before the bridge.
Cross the road to the Comeraghs side, go through a gate and cross a wetland near the river to join a grassy path which will take you to the lake. This completes the shorter version. On a clear day, this lake with its cliffs on three sides offers a magnificent spectacle. Soak up the atmosphere and come back at your leisure.
Doneraile Walk
The vastness of Tramore Bay becomes evident on the easy 1km walk from Doneraile. It offers spectacular views of Tramore Bay, the Sandhills and Brownstown Head across the bay.
In good weather, there’s nothing like a walk to the top of the cliff where there are great areas to sit and even have a picnic. It is named after a local landowner, Lord Doneraile, who donated the land to the town’s residents.
During the walk with its wide open spaces, you will pass in front of a monument dedicated to one of the worst shipwrecks that Tramore Bay has ever known: the loss of the British “Sea Horse” in January 1816.
More than 360 lives were lost and this tragedy inspired the construction of the Beacon Towers in 1821, where the Metalman overlooks the bay. Halfway along the walk is the old coastguard cannon which overlooks the bay from its location on a cliff top outcropping.
A point of interest is the coastguard station, now a cultural center with beautiful gardens, a café and an exhibition space. It’s a fantastic place to take a break where you can sit and enjoy the view of the bay and also enjoy a menu of locally sourced dishes.
Take the R675 from Waterford City towards Tramore. Follow this road through the roundabouts as you arrive at Tramore – until reaching Church Road. Look for the Doneraile entrance on the left side of Church Road, near the top of Galway’s Hill, where the trailhead is.
The terrain is tarmac and gravel, but all you need are your walking shoes and rain gear.
