|
The panorama of Tramore Bay, with Brownstown Head beyond, with the setting sun on the horizon, has to be seen to be believed. Tramore originates from the Gaelic words ‘Trá Mhór’ meaning Big Strand, aptly named as it is built on 5 km of golden, sandy beach surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Tramore is easily accessible from Waterford city, (a mere 10km), but we would recommend taking the coastal road. Tramore hosts a wide variety of watersports which meet the needs of every individual – from kayaking to surfing, from swimming to bodyboarding. The odd kitesurfer and windsurfer have also been found lurking on the strand. For those who prefer dry land, there is an abundance of nature trails, whether you prefer trekking over the sand-dunes or exploring the clifftops overlooking the ocean. Historically speaking, Tramore is the site of one of the most unusual landmarks in the South East, with the famous Metal Man, dating from 1812, overlooking the bay. According to local legend, hopping around the Metal Man 3 times means that you’ll be married within the year. Don’t miss the Trá Fest (free!) outdoor music festival, which takes place on the first weekend of July! A colourful one-street village which sits on the side of a hill, overlooking the Anne valley and a rugged Atlantic bay with a safe, golden sandy beach. Those in the know may spot the Iron age fort, the choughs or the thrift, but really, this is just a haven of beautiful peace without a pub or shop...... This charming little fishing village is very popular for boating and swimming in the summer months. A path leads to Dunbrattin Head's stunning views of the coastline - Eastward towards the stacks and Sheep Island and looking Westward, the 252 ft high cliffs of Mine Head and nestled inside, the pier at Helvick. Bunmahon's blue flag beach is a jewel flanked by spectacular cliffs where one can see the remains of the intensive copper mining of the 19th century. For all the middle part of the last century copper mining took place around Bunmahon employing up to 1300 people. The mines are nearly one quarter of a mile deep and carry on out under the sea bed. For those not enticed by mining, one can visit the Geological garden and it's ogham stone, the quieter inland walk past the remains of a medieval monastery or a shorter walk along the cliffs to the West. This is the Western gateway to the Copper Coast and a unique village of medieval charm. This special community, nestled between the Comeragh Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, has been recipient of many awards over the years including 'Best Thatched Cottage Award' and 'Tidy Town Awards'. While at Stradbally why not get the sand between your toes at one of the three enchanting beaches within walking distance of the village. Ardmore, on Ardmore Bay, is an attractive little resort with a long sandy beach and a language college. It is renowned for its fine Round Tower, 12th century beautifully proportioned monument to Irish monastic life and is one of the finest, if late, examples of this type of structure in Ireland. Round Towers were built between the 9th and 12th centuries and were used as bell towers and places of refuge for the monks and their treasury of manuscripts and altarware in times of attack. Ardmore is the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland. St. Declan lived in the period 350-450 AD and christianised this area before the coming of St. Patrick. St. Declan's feast day is "Pattern Day" every 24th of July. Dunmore East is a charming little fishing port and seaside resort on the southern coast of Ireland, near the mouth of Waterford Harbour. The coastline in both directions is pretty and unspoiled, with headlands, coves and beaches. It is a particularly good spot for sea-angling. It is built in the Breton style, and has several thatched cottages and a number of coves, including Badgers Cove and Ladies Cove. At the entrance to the large fishing and yachting harbour is an anchor recovered from Waterford harbour and believed to have come from 18th Century merchantman. |
|
