Trail · County Waterford
Waterford Estuary Coastal Path – Dunmore East to Ballymacaw
Notice: Annual Closure Notice: Dunmore East Cliff Path Some of the property traversed by the Dunmore East Cliff Path is private property. Access is available by kind permission of all the landowners/holders on the route. Persons entering do so by permission with the consent of the landowner. No matter how often they enter, or in what numbers, they do not do so as of right. As further evidence of the permissive nature of the access, the route will be closed for one day on the third Thursday of December each year in agreement with the landowners. Nothing in this notice shall impact or address any pre-existing public rights of way. Distance and time are for walking the trail one way only - please double if returning to Dunmore East. The trail can be walked as far as Portally Cove (about 2km) or Rathmoylan Cove (about 5 km) or to Ballymacaw Cove.
This walk follows a clifftop path stretching along the Waterford coast from Dunmore East as far as Ballymacaw Cove and includes steps, stiles, footbridges and stream crossings as well as some undulations. The first section as far as Portally Cove is ideal for those with a moderate level of fitness. Continuing to Rathmoylan Cove and on to Ballymacaw Cove offers a more challenging walk requiring a good level of fitness. Throughout there are fine sea views with many beautiful coves and inlets in the conglomerate red sandstone below while Hook Head with its lighthouse can also be seen. Keep an eye out for seabirds such as Kittiwake, Fulmar, Chough, Cormorant and Shag while an occasional seal could also pop its head out of the water.
Maps and more
Outdoors in County Waterford this week
Best day outdoors: Sat, 10 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 7°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct14° / 14°Light rain
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 · 11 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 · 14 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.