Car-free in Dunmore East and Tramore

If you plan on visiting Dunmore East on a day trip, we advise staying a while. Swimming, snorkelling and paddling on Councillors and Lawlors Beach are lovely ways to pass the time, but if you’re here out of season, then there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied.

Soak up the best of the expansive sea views on the Dunmore East to Ballymacaw Cliff Walk, a 19th-century favourite along a clifftop path with a view of Hook Head Lighthouse. It’s a linear route of 5km.

Walks of a very different nature can be enjoyed at Dunmore East Woodland, which comprises 42 acres with wild cherry trees, silver birch and yew, with various trails. Golfers should head to Dunmore East Golf and Country Club. If paddleboarding is more your thing, check out Dunmore East Stand Up Paddleboard & Yoga with sunrise and sunset sessions around the beautiful Waterford coastline.

Tramore

Super-popular in the summer, the seaside town of Tramore is just 20 minutes by bus from Dunmore East (take the 358 Local Link from the Bay Café in Dunmore East, which runs three times daily). Tramore is a go-to for beach lovers who come for the 5km-long golden strand that gives the town its name – Trá Mór in Irish means “big strand”.

Fun times await along the lively promenade, but Tramore has plenty of quiet charms, too. The 2km Doneraile Cliff Walk boasts spectacular views of the scenic bay. Or head to Newtown Cove and the Guillamene, both of which are beautiful swimming spots popular with locals throughout the year.

Back in town, a must-visit is the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, which boast 11 unique garden areas all of which exude peace and tranquillity. The gardens are dedicated to Irish/Greek writer, translator and journalist, Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who was born in 1850 and spent his childhood summers in the town.

Food-wise, you’re in for a treat in Tramore with its collection of buzzy little restaurants, great cafés and laid-back fish and chip shops. Our advice? Book yourself a table at Beach House. Expect amazing seafood dishes, including plates of Woodstown Bay oysters, dressed crab, grilled langoustine and fried John Dory.

On sunny days, tables on the small terrace at The Vee Café are highly sought after. And finally, grab some excellent breads from the Seagull Bakery – and enjoy a picnic of kings overlooking the ocean. Perfect.

To get back to Waterford city, hop on the 360 bus (19 minutes, every 30 minutes) from various stops in Tramore, including the Tramore Bus Station.