# The Copper Coast and Waterford Greenway

> The Copper Coast and Waterford Greenway: outdoor idea in Waterford. Old railway viaducts, sea stacks and fishing villages. Waterford’s coast is one of Ireland’s best outdoor escapes, by bike or on foot.

- Page: https://ireland360.ie/things-to-do/copper-coast-waterford-greenway
- Section: [Things to Do](https://ireland360.ie/things-to-do)
- Last updated: 2026-10-21

## Key facts

- **Category:** Outdoor
- **County:** Waterford
- **Province:** Munster
- **Destination:** Waterford

## Details

County Waterford’s coast is quieter than the Wild Atlantic Way and every bit as dramatic. It suits a long weekend, with a day on the Greenway, a day on the coast road and seafood every night.

### Waterford Greenway

The Greenway runs 46 km from Waterford city to Dungarvan along an old railway line, so it’s almost flat and traffic-free. Highlights include the Kilmacthomas and Durrow viaducts and the Ballyvoile tunnel. Bike hire and shuttle buses mean you only need to cycle one way, and families often ride just a section.

### The Copper Coast

Between Tramore and Dungarvan, the Copper Coast is a UNESCO Global Geopark named after its 19th-century copper mines. The coast road passes coves, sea stacks and old mine engine houses at Bunmahon. Stop at the beaches and lay-bys along the way.

### Seaside towns

**Tramore** has a long sandy beach and surf schools. **Dunmore East** is a pretty fishing harbour with cliff walks. **Dungarvan** has a castle on the harbour and a strong food scene. **Ardmore** has a round tower, St Declan’s cliff walk and the Cliff House Hotel.

### Into the hills

Inland, the Comeragh Mountains have Mahon Falls and the Comeragh Drive. Lismore, with its castle gardens, makes a good half-day trip.

Tip: the Greenway is busiest on sunny weekends, so start early or go midweek.

## Recommended places to stay

- [No.12](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/no-12-dungarvan) (Dungarvan, Co. Waterford)
- [The Hat Maker Hotel](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/the-hat-maker-hotel-dungarvan) (Dungarvan, Co. Waterford)
- [Comeragh Pods](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/comeragh-pods-kilmacthomas) (Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford)
- [Coach House](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/coach-house-butlerstown) (Butlerstown, Co. Waterford)
- [Newtown Cove Caravan and Camping Park](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/newtown-cove-caravan-and-camping-park-tramore) (Tramore, Co. Waterford)
- [Cliff House Hotel](https://ireland360.ie/accommodation/cliff-house-hotel-ardmore) (Ardmore, Co. Waterford)

## Recommended pubs and restaurants

- [The Moorings Dungarvan](https://ireland360.ie/food-and-drink/the-moorings-dungarvan) (Dungarvan, Co. Waterford)
- [The Strand Inn Dunmore East](https://ireland360.ie/food-and-drink/the-strand-inn-dunmore-east) (Dunmore East, Co. Waterford)
- [Merry’s Gastro Pub Dungarvan](https://ireland360.ie/food-and-drink/merrys-gastro-pub-dungarvan) (Dungarvan, Co. Waterford)

## Hidden gems nearby

- [Dungarvan Castle](https://ireland360.ie/hidden-gems/dungarvan-castle) (Co. Waterford)

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Source: Ireland360 (https://ireland360.ie), an independent all-Ireland travel guide. Please cite https://ireland360.ie/things-to-do/copper-coast-waterford-greenway when using this information. Some booking links are affiliate links that support Ireland360 at no extra cost to the traveller.