Cliffs, coves, and folded rock along Ireland’s southern Atlantic edge
The Copper Coast follows the shoreline of County Waterford between Tramore and Dungarvan, linking coastal paths, quiet roads, and cliff-top routes through a continuous coastal landscape. The route runs through the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, where folded rock layers, old mining sites, and raised beaches shape the character of the landscape.
Walking here alternates between clifftop paths, minor roads, and short beach sections. Gradients are steady rather than severe, with frequent rises and descents as the trail moves around headlands and into small coves. The terrain underfoot varies between gravel tracks, grassy paths, paved sections, and quiet rural lanes linking scattered settlements.
Villages such as Bunmahon and Annestown provide points of shelter and services, while long stretches between them feel open and exposed. The sea remains a constant presence, with wide views southward across the Atlantic and changing light reflecting off rock and water.
A defining feature of the Copper Coast is its geology. The coastline displays layers of folded sandstone and shale formed hundreds of millions of years ago, giving the cliffs a distinct structure and colour. This geological clarity gives the route a sense of continuity, even as it moves between farmland, headlands, and village streets.
The appeal of the Copper Coast lies in its direct relationship with land and sea. It offers sustained coastal walking shaped by rock, weather, and small-scale rural settlement rather than large towns or resort development.
Trail Overview
Distance
Approximately 25 miles / 40 km
Typical time on foot
2–3 days
Start
Tramore, County Waterford
Finish
Dungarvan, County Waterford
Terrain
Clifftop paths, gravel tracks, beaches, minor roads, coastal farmland, villages
