Things to Do in Dunmore East

1. The Doneraile Cliff Walk

The village's signature walk. The Doneraile path runs along red sandstone cliffs with the Hook Peninsula across the water — about 45 minutes out and back at an easy pace, longer if you keep going toward Portally. Kittiwakes nest on the cliffs below: Dunmore East hosts one of Ireland's best-known urban seabird colonies. Do it before lunch; walk-then-lunch is the village routine. Read the full cliff walk guide →

2. The Harbour — Watch a Working Fleet

Dunmore East is one of five designated fishery harbours in Ireland. Trawlers and day-boats land hake, haddock, crab and langoustines right below the village — stand on the pier in the late afternoon and you'll see the catch come ashore. The lighthouse at the end of the pier is the photo everyone leaves with.

3. On the Water

The adventure centre by the harbour runs kayaking, SUP and sailing through the summer season, and the sailing club has been part of village life for over a century. Sea swimmers use Lady's Cove and Counsellor's Strand year-round.

4. The Beaches

Five strands within ten minutes — the full beach guide covers which suits swimming, kids and dogs.

5. Day Trips From the Village

• Waterford City — 20 minutes: the Viking Triangle museums and the Waterford Greenway.
• The Copper Coast — the coastal drive west is the best scenery in the county.
• Hook Head — the passage ferry at Ballyhack opens up the Hook Peninsula and its 800-year-old lighthouse.

All of them finish naturally back in the village for dinner — here's where. And if you're timing a visit, what's on in the village covers the sailing season and music nights.

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