Exploring Ireland's South and East Coast
Ireland's South and East Coast stretches from the harbours, headlands and sheltered bays of County Cork through County Waterford, County Wexford, County Wicklow and County Dublin. The coastline brings together sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, estuaries, fishing villages and historic ports, with landscapes shaped by the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Inland, wooded valleys, farmland and mountain ranges provide a contrasting setting, while coastal towns and maritime settlements reflect centuries of fishing, trade and travel along Ireland's southern and eastern shores.
Protected landscapes reveal the geological and ecological diversity of the region. The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark in County Waterford encompasses cliffs, coves and coastal formations shaped by ancient geological processes, while the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford is known for its rocky shoreline, maritime heritage and historic lighthouse. Further north, Wicklow Mountains National Park protects upland landscapes, blanket bog, wooded valleys and glacial lakes close to the coast. Beaches, dunes, wetlands and estuaries along the Wexford and Dublin coastlines also provide important habitats for wildlife and opportunities for exploring on foot.
Walking routes connect coastal communities with the surrounding countryside. The Waterford Greenway follows a former railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan, passing through rural landscapes, historic railway infrastructure and views towards the coast. The Wicklow Way crosses mountain valleys, forests and upland terrain between Dublin and County Carlow, offering a longer inland journey close to the eastern seaboard. Around County Waterford, the Copper Coast Trail provides opportunities to explore coastal scenery, historic villages and geological landmarks, while shorter coastal paths connect beaches, harbours and headlands throughout the region.
Other routes and historic places reveal the region's maritime and cultural heritage. The Dublin Coastal Trail links seaside communities around Dublin Bay, while the Ballycotton Cliff Walk in County Cork follows a dramatic stretch of coastline overlooking the Celtic Sea. In County Wexford, Hook Lighthouse and the surrounding peninsula reflect the importance of maritime navigation along Ireland's southern coast. Further inland, the monastic landscape of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains provides a connection between the region's walking routes, early medieval history and protected natural landscapes.
Beyond the established routes, Ireland's South and East Coast offers opportunities to explore fishing villages, nature reserves, historic towns, beaches and quiet countryside on foot. From the coves and harbours of Cork and Waterford to the Hook Peninsula, Wexford's sandy coastline and the coastal communities of Wicklow and Dublin, the region provides a varied setting for shorter walks, walking breaks and multi-day journeys, with places to stay across its towns, villages and coastal landscapes.