Waterford Estuary Coastal Path – Dunmore East to Ballymacaw

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.

Walking
County Waterford
5/5
1 review
Grade Moderate
Length 7 km
Am 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
Format Linear
Dogs Allowed On a lead
Waymarking Red arrow on white background
Start Point
Dunmore East Harbour Car Park
Finish Point
Ballymacaw Cove
Nearest Town to Start Dunmore East
Grid Ref. X 6897 9970 / X 6467 9904
Lat. and Long. 52.145204, -6.993095 / 52.139771, -7.056026

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 other information

Trail Management

Facilities

In Dunmore East/At Trailhead: Car Parking, toilets, restaurants, cafes, shops, accommodation

Map Guides

Map Guides

Walk Waterford Booklet: From Sea to Mountains

OSI Maps

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 76
Public Transportation

Public Transportation

5/5
02/13/2023

Martin Mc Cabe from Waterford

Great views of the cliffs in their natural beauty .Need to bring a back pack with water and light snacks as there is no cafes in Ballymacaw or portally. Wear good footwear as from Ballymacaw to Portally is a clay path and after rain could be muddy and slippy also you would want to be careful near cliff edge in places as the drop can be sheer, dogs should be on leads and children closely watched in case they get to close to the cliff edge,for fresh air and scenery a fantastic day out.I would highly recommand it.

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