Driving the Copper Coast in Waterford

You’ve probably heard of the Wild Atlantic Way coast in Ireland, the longest coastal route, however, the Copper Coast in Waterford is a lesser known route but also offers some superb scenery.

Let’s start with a little bit of information on the route. This is one of Ireland’s beautiful self-guided routes to drive along with Wild Atlantic Way, The Ring of Kerry and Giant’s Causeway. The Copper Coast section is between Tramore and Dungarvan in County Waterford and approximately 160 kilometers / 100 miles driving loop. Exploring along the coastline of rugged clifftops, coves, UNESCO Global Geopark and complete with a rich ancient history.

Locations

Base yourself in Tramore and drive through these locations Waterford -> Tramore -> Bunmahon -> Stradbally -> Clonea Beach -> Dungarvan. This route is also suitable for cycling.

Attractions

The Copper Coast is a great place to go for family holidays with lots of things to do, exploring the coast, finding prehistoric fossils like a shark tooth and water activities like kayaking! These are some of the attractions that are highly recommended.

Clonea Beach

A long golden sandy beach hugging the coastline and is one of Waterford’s three blue flag beaches. Not to be missed.

A beautiful view on a long walk. #ireland #beach #beautiful #picoftheday #beautifulsky #waterford #munster #cloneabeach #celticsea #sea #sand #discoverireland #scenic #landscape

A post shared by Craig Hayes (@chayes18) on May 28, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

Stradbally

A pretty village of thatched cottages which presents photo opportunities and visit the lovely Stradbally cove. This is a dog friendly beach.

The sun shone for us today in Ireland perfect for discovering a new cove on the coast #sunnydays #ireland #stradballycove #coastline #river #ocean

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Bunmahon

There a few attractions in this area; Copper Coast Geopark Centre and Bunmahon Beach. Bunmahon was the center of copper mining in 18th/19th century, do visit Copper Coast Geopark visitor centre to learn the fantastic history.

Do a spot of surfing on Bunmahon beach if you can brave the cold waters!

#Spring on the #CopperCoast #Waterford #loveireland #Munster #Comeragh #Bunmahon #Bonmahon #ireland #inspiration

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Ballydowane Beach

Yet another cove on Waterford’s coastline however this offers a unique view of sea stacks scattered along the cove. A fun place for families with countless rock pools to try finds life in.

Ballydowane Cove, Waterford - Ireland I've been trying to change up my photography a little lately. I tend to shoot in portrait a lot and use very dominant foreground elements. This is cool and all but I'm feeling samey and stagnant so a change was needed. I went to Waterford with this in mind... ... ..... Until I saw these rocks and decided "Screw that! Dominant foreground elements FOR THE FRICKIN' WIN!" Sometimes a photos has a meaningful story or reveals something about the photographers emotional state at the time, then there's me! Do you guys have a shooting style you love? Let me know! #tourismireland #Irelandaily #ireland_gram #wanderireland #insta_ireland #Ireland #discoverireland #instaireland #inspireland_ #unlimitedplanet #global_hotshotz #ig_photosentez #splendid_earth #ig_bliss #waterford #landscape_captures #landscapelover #nature #ballydowane #nofilter #like #tramore http://paulohanlonphotography.com/product/ballydowane-cove-waterford-ireland/

A post shared by Paul O' Hanlon (@paulohanlon_photography) on Apr 6, 2016 at 3:01am PDT

If you stay in a homestay when you visit Waterford or Tramore, your host should be your first port of call for advice during your stay. The hosts will be able to tell you the local restaurants and beaches to visit.