Beaches & Coves

With 147km of coastline any visit to Waterford would not be complete without a visit to a beach.

Dunmore East
Here there are a half dozen sheltered and picturesque coves where excellent swimming and snorkelling can be enjoyed. The most popular are Councillors, a south facing beach between lofty red sandstone cliffs, and Lawlors, right in the village.
Within the village of Dunmore East are several beautiful secluded coves. These include:

• Stony Cove
• Ladies Cove
• Mens Cove
• Badgers Cove

Portally
This is a tiny cove in a narrow sea inlet; the cliffs above clothed in thrift and thyme in summer. A good place for snorkelling, Portally is connected back to Dunmore East by a narrow and scenic cliff path, a lovely walk. Parking is limited, so leave your car by the main road.

Rathmoylan
A sandy beach in a rocky cove, a good place for children, again linked back to Dunmore East by a cliff walk via Portally.

Ballymacaw
A coastguard station in the old days, this picturesque hamlet has a broad sandy beach, and is a good place for shrimping.

Woodstown
Almost a mile long, this shell strewn sandy beach is particularly good for children, and has suitable waters for bathing when the tide is in. It is a great beach to walk.

Fornaught
A secluded bay between wooded Knockaveelish and Creadan Head, where swimming is great at full tide.

Saleens
This long sandy beach looks across a narrow swift-flowing sound to the eastern end of Tramore Strand. The dunes and heathland backing the beach here makes it a great place for children, but swimming is not advised.