Places To Visit

Abbeyside
If you’re interested in local history, cross the causeway to Abbeyside where youll find the old thirteenth-century Augustinian abbey. Before the bridge was constructed in the 19th century women had to raise their skirts to wade across the shallow river and the crossing became known as Dungarvan’s Prospects. Abbeyside was the birthplace of Ernest Walton who won the Nobel Prize in 1951 for his work on Nuclear fission. Find out more about local history at the Abbeyside Reference Archive.

An Rinn/Ring
You will find An Rinn (or Ring as it is also called), the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) district, on the west side of Dungarvan bay. The area is noted for its fine traditional musicians and set dancers and it’s worth a visit to experience at first hand the craic of Irish music, dancing and chat.

Ardmore
Take a walk along the clifftops of St. Declan's Hermitage with its ruined church, holy wells and spectacular views. The twelfth-century Round Tower at Ardmore is one of Ireland's finest monuments to Irish monastic life. The Round Tower served as a belfry and as a place of refuge for the ecclesiasticals and for the safe custody of their books, chalices, shrines and relics. It stands next to the ruins of St. Declan’s Church which has a series of stone carvings on its outer wall. These depict scenes such as Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, the Adoration of the Magi and the weighing of souls. Inside the church are two Celtic ogham stones. And when you’ve finished going back into the past, come back to the present to take a swim on Ardmore’s beautiful blue flag sandy beach.

Ballymacarbry/Nire Valley
Tucked away in the rugged Comeragh Mountains, the unspoilt area known as the Nire Valley is a haven of peace and tranquility. It is also ideal for hill-walkers who wish to explore the spectacular Comeragh Mountains or follow the trekking trail up the Nire Valley.

Cappoquin
Famous for its coarse angling and situated on the River Blackwater at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, Cappoquin village was first established by Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, in the mid-seventeenth century. Stop and have a cup of tea there or call to nearby Mount Melleray on the Vee Road (the Cistercian abbey mentioned by James Joyce in Dubliners) for some peace and tranquility. Glenshelane woods just outside town is an ideal place for a woodland walk or picnic.

Dungarvan
The Déise tribe settled in Dungarvan around the 3rd Century AD, giving their name to the surrounding area of West Waterford. It is a lovely town at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains where the river Colligan flows into the sea. There’s plenty to do in Dungarvan: Investigate the town’s museum or take a tour of the newly refurbished King John’s Castle. Visit the library, look out for local talent at the arts centre or drop into Dungarvan’s museum where you’ll find plenty of information on historical Waterford. Dungarvan’s many pubs host local bands and traditional Irish music, and the town has its own festival, Féile na nDéise, during the first weekend in May. Contact Dungarvan Tourist Office for more information: +353 58 41741.

Lismore
Take in the rich history of the heritage town of Lismore where your first sight will be the spectacular Lismore Castle. This historic town is the site of an ancient monastic centre, with Protestant and Catholic cathedrals. Learn more about its history in the interpretative centre in the Old Courthouse or bring a picnic to the The Towers outside the town. If you like to fish, the nearby River Blackwater is renowned for its game fishing.

Stradbally
Situated on the coastal drive from Dungarvan to Tramore, Stradbally is many times winner of Ireland’s Tidy Towns award. Within walking distance from this village is the spectacular Stradbally Cove and a short drive away are the equally dramatic and stunning coves of Ballyvooney and Ballydwane.

Tramore
Eight miles south of Waterford City, Tramore is one of Ireland's most popular seaside resorts. Situated on a hillside overlooking Tramore Bay, the town has a fine promenade and a sandy bathing beach which is 5 km long.

Youghal
The film Moby Dick was shot in this historic seaside town with its clock tower, narrow winding streets and fine beach. Have a drink in Moby Dick’s bar and take a look at memorabilia from the recording or take a boat up the beautiful Blackwater River. Contact Youghal Tourist Office for more information on visiting the area: +353 24 92447.