Nature spot · County Waterford
Ballyscanlon Forest
Ballyscanlon Forest is located 6.5km west of Tramore on the road to Dungarvan in County Waterford. The site overlooks Ballyscanlon Lake and the Comeragh and Monavillagh from a distant back-drop.
Ballyscanlon Forest is located in Fenor, the getaway to the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. The Comeragh Mountains and Monavillagh form a distant back-drop. There are walking trails that vary in length from three to 4km. The fauna includes foxes, badgers, rabbits, some hares, red squirrels and many types of bird life. Facilities include a car park, picnic site, forest and lakeside walks. The main tree species are Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine and Norway spruce. Furze, woodrush and bilberry thrive on the woodland floor while lichens, mosses and saxifrage grow on the rocky ridges along the area.
The Waterford Copper Coast is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark. The Copper Coast gets its name from the 19th Century copper mines that lie at its heart. It comprises some 25 kilometres of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks, which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Copper Coast.
Outdoors in County Waterford this week
Best day outdoors: Sat, 31 Oct — dry by day, light winds, up to 14°C
- Thu, 29 Oct13° / 11°Grey cloud
- Fri, 30 Oct13° / 8°Sun with grey cloud
- Sat, 31 Oct14° / 6°Scattered clouds
- Sun, 1 Nov12° / 6°Sun with grey cloud
Forecast: Met Éireann · outdoor rating by Winsome Planet
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 4.4 km awayLafcadio Hearn Japanese GardensGardenTramoreNestled in the picturesque seaside town of Tramore in County Waterford, the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens are a captivating tribute to Irish writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, celebrated as Japan’s most famous Irishman. These beautifully crafted gardens trace the remarkable journey and legacy of Hearn through a series of enchanting, themed landscapes.
Nature spot · 10 km awayWaterford Nature ParkParkWaterford CityWaterford Nature Park is an oasis of approximately 150 acres, located near Waterford City, in County Waterford. There are a number of walking trails available, suitable for all levels of fitness.
Nature spot · 13 km awayWaterford Garden TrailGardenWaterford CityWaterford Garden Trail features 14 delightful Garden attractions throughout County Waterford. There are a wide variety of gardens open for viewing ranging from the gardens of the great old houses to smaller gardens and garden centres.