A sheltered bay, a distinctive lighthouse and a cliff-top path give Dunmore East its maritime character. If you are looking for accommodation here, you can first decide whether your trip should focus on the beach and water sports, a coastal walk, maritime history or golf.
Beach and water activities
Counsellors' Beach is in a small, sheltered bay in Dunmore East. Swimming and underwater activities such as snorkelling are possible at the beach; access and conditions depend on the tide and time of year. Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season, from June to the end of August. If you are factoring this seasonal lifeguard service into your plans, confirm the latest information before travelling.
Dunmore Adventure offers everything from the Wibit Wipeout Water Park, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing to indoor climbing walls, adventure caves and archery. This brings together activities on the water and on land. The programme may depend on the season or booking availability, so check what is offered for your travel dates. Facilities include changing rooms, hot showers and a café overlooking the water activities. As operator policies can change, check the latest details in advance.
Dunmore East Adventure Centre also offers sea safari trips to Hook Head Lighthouse; advance booking is required. South Coast Sailing offers trips on a crewed sailing yacht from Dunmore East harbour. Schedules and availability may change, so check your preferred trip in advance. Dunmore Adventure's Sailing Academy takes beginners through to advanced sailing skills and prepares them for a career in water sports; this offering is also subject to the operator.
The Dunmore Coastal Walk
The Dunmore Coastal Walk starts at the Dunmore East harbour car park and follows a scenic 6 km cliff-top path to Portally Cove. Features of the route include views, red sandstone cliffs and a variety of birdlife. Along the way, you can spot kittiwakes, fulmars, choughs, cormorants and shags; seals can occasionally be seen too. Bird sightings vary with the season and natural conditions.
The path should not be walked in windy or foggy weather. There is no parking along the route at Portally Cove or Rathmoylan Cove; check the signs locally. The harbour car park is the stated starting point, while neither cove has a parking option on the route.
Lighthouse and events
In the harbour area, Dunmore East Lighthouse is a distinctive landmark. Alexander Nimmo designed it as a fluted Doric column with a lantern on the capital. Its column form and lantern-topped structure give the town's maritime history a tangible architectural expression.
The Dunmore East Walking Festival takes place in May and includes guided cliff and forest walks. In August, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival celebrates the roots of country and bluegrass music. Check dates and programme details for the year you plan to visit. Sailing events and regattas are also often held in Dunmore East, where spectators can watch colourful boats race; you should also confirm specific event dates before your trip.
Golf on the coast
Dunmore East Golf Club is a coastal, 18-hole, par-72 course with views of the village of Dunmore East. Nine holes lie along the cliff edge overlooking the coast, while the other nine are set among trees and dense vegetation. The course therefore features both open coastal stretches and more densely vegetated areas. Visitor policies may change; if you are planning a round, check visitor access in advance.
Discover more destinations: Dungarvan, Harrylock, Cappoquin, Rathgormack, Woodstown, Ballymacarbry, Lismore, Ringville.
For the main travel overview: Waterford.
