A 2.5 km sand beach, sloping rock layers and a Geopark visitor centre give Bunmahon several different sides: coastline, geological history and mining heritage. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the beach and geology as separate highlights. Surfing, canoeing and kayaking are the focus at the beach; at Bunmahon Head, cliffs and rock layers shape the landscape.

Sand Beach and Cliffs in Bunmahon

Bunmahon Beach is a 2.5 km sand beach in the village, in County Waterford. The beach area borders a Natural Heritage Area (NHA). Bunmahon Head offers a striking contrast to the sand: it is made up of Devonian red sandstone and conglomerate. Its rock layers are tilted to vertical and form cliffs.

The mining heritage is also visible along the coast. At Tra na mBo and Bunmahon Head, small tunnels have been cut into the rocks. At this destination, sand beach, distinctive rock formations and visible traces of mining come together, without these experiences blending into a single type of coastline.

Geological History at the Geological Garden and Visitor Centre

The Time Path in the Geological Garden uses 28 designed slabs to illustrate geological eras, key developments in Earth’s history and the evolution of life. The slabs give this vast span of time a tangible form. In the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark visitor centre, exhibitions provide further insight into geological and mining heritage: the exhibition on this topic is free and family-friendly. Interactive exhibitions also explain how earthquakes occur and are measured.

The focus is therefore broader than the visible rocks at Bunmahon Head. The garden focuses on geological eras and the evolution of life; the visitor centre adds mining history and explanations of earthquakes. Those with a particular interest in geology will find different ways to explore the subject here – from the designed slabs to interactive exhibitions.

Visitor Centre, Café and Local Crafts

The visitor centre has a café and a gift shop. The shop sells locally sourced products from small businesses and craftspeople. So, as well as exhibitions, there are places to stop for refreshments and browse. The exhibition, café and shop are part of the visitor centre; the rocks, beach and coastal paths offer separate outdoor experiences.

Coastal Paths and Guided Tours

Tra na mBo and Bunmahon Head can be reached from Bunmahon via a cliff path. Tra na mBo also has a path leading onto the headland; at Bunmahon Head, a path with a handrail system leads down into the bay. The destinations are therefore different: one path leads onto the headland, while the other goes down into the bay.

Guided tours in the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark can be booked via the website. When planning your visit, check which dates are available. Surfing, canoeing and kayaking are also among the activities available at Bunmahon Beach. The beach, geology and tours offer different themes around which to plan your time in Bunmahon.

Bunmahon in the Wider Waterford Destination

Those exploring the wider Waterford destination will find additional day-trip options with a different focus. The Waterford Greenway is a 46 km car-free walking and cycling route from Waterford City to Dungarvan, following the former Great Southern and Western Railway line. It crosses eleven bridges and three viaducts and passes through a 400 m tunnel. The Copper Coast Drive runs from Tramore to Dungarvan.

Discover more destinations: Aird Mhór, Dungarvan, Woodstown, Waterford, Ringville, Harrylock, Lismore, Dunmore East

Go to the wider travel overview: Waterford.