Seven years ago, I got so stressed out from work that I decided to drive around Waterford just to find a cozy and peaceful spot to clear my mind. With no clear itinerary, I decided to drive to a nearby beach just to let myself breathe some fresh air.
That day, as I parked by the beach and sat by the shore, I instantly felt refreshed. Since then, I have taken the time to visit all the beautiful beaches Waterford has to offer—each with a different personality.
So if you need to refresh your mind and spirit, even for just a day, continue reading this blog as I go over each blue water and sandy shore in town!
1. Bunmahon Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/bunmahon-beach
Address: Muir Cheilteach
Contact Details: +353 87 6398210
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Bunmahon Beach has been a favorite among advanced swimmers and surfers. This beach has strong rip tides from the river mouth, so make sure that the kids stay out of the waters.
Several water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing, can be done here. While not everyone can swim and enjoy water activities, you can still set up a picnic corner or simply walk along the shore.
There’s also an outdoor playground behind the beach, perfect for those who love playing basketball. You can also find pubs and restaurants in this area, so you won’t have to worry about bringing food when you visit this beach.
When it comes to parking, you’ll love the fact that you can conveniently find a parking spot in the large car park beside the beach.
Pro tip: While Bunmahon Beach welcomes your furry pals in the area, they’re not allowed between 11 in the morning and 7 in the evening during summer months.
2. Tramore Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/tramore-beach
Address: Tramore West, Tramore, Co. Waterford
Contact Details: +353 (0)86 3789424
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a long sandy beach when you’re in Waterford then you shouldn’t miss Tramore Beach. Trá Mór which means big strand in Gaelic offers you a 5-kilometer of golden sand and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
For those who love fishing, this beach also offers you a great spot for angling. At the mouth of the lagoon, you can catch flounder fish, dabs, pollock, and coalfish, just to name a few.
Meanwhile, the waves are gentle here at Tramore so it’s a perfect spot for surfing, even for beginners. If you’re relatively new to the sport, you may tap the Tramore Surf School for some surfing lessons.
Pro tip: If you want a better view of the coastline, consider walking along the Doneraile Trail, a clifftop path found above Tramore Beach. Don’t worry, it’s just a short climb so even beginners can join this walk.
Additionally, schedule your walk just before the sunset.
3. Tra na mBó Beach
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Website: https://allaroundireland.ie/tra-na-mbo/
Address: Tra na mBó, Waterford
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who are looking for a pet-friendly beach in Waterford then Tra na mBó Beach is for you!
While this beach has a few amenities, you’ll love that they have clean toilets and changing rooms around the beach. The best part is that lifeguards are always on duty, leaving your worries away, especially if you’ve got kids in tow.
You can also conveniently park just beside the beach—for free!
If you need to refuel in the middle of the day, you’ll love that you can go to Seaside Bistro where you can order your favorite seafood meals and craft beers.
Meanwhile, there’s also a cafe that can offer you light snacks and refreshing drinks, perfect if you want to lounge by the beach.
Pro tip: Tra na mBó Beach offers one of the best sunsets in Waterford, so consider making the most out of it by scheduling your visit late afternoon.
4. Councillor’s Strand Beach
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Website: https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/republic-of-ireland/county-waterford/councillors-strand.htm
Address: Nymphhall, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
Contact Details: +353818102020
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach trip then Councillor’s Strand Beach is for you. The beach is relatively small so it’s perfect for intimate trips for couples and small groups of friends.
What’s great about this beach is that it’s known for its clear waters. Because of this, we’re not surprised to see that a lot of visitors also enjoy snorkeling.
You’ll love that the waters are gentle here, making it a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
For those of you who love to catch some wildlife, you can head to the nearby cliff and catch different birds that treat this beach as their home.
Meanwhile, clean toilets are provided in the area, making your stay more convenient. Additionally, you can spend your time at the beach bar, overlooking the beach and the car park.
Pro tip: Councillor’s Strand Beach can only be accessed via a steep slipway. With this, this beach may not be suitable for those who use wheelchairs.
5. Benvoy Beach
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Address: Annestown Village, Co. Waterford
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Benvoy Beach is one of the best beaches you can visit while you’re in Waterford. Because of the rich rock formations and geological history, this beach has been recognized as part of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.
Moreover, this beach has been one of the most favored spots for both hikers and photographers due to the surrounding cliffs and rock terrain.
So if you need a little break from the other crowded beaches, then it’s your lucky day! Additionally, if you love some black sand and colored stones then you’ll love walking along this beach too.
The beach also has calmer waves, perfect for an afternoon swim or a good paddle.
Pro tips: Consider wearing sturdy water or beach shoes as the shore’s a bit rocky.Time your visit during low tide to enjoy more space when you’re at Benvoy Beach.
6. Woodstown Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/woodstown-beach
Address: Unnamed Rd, Co., Woodstown Lower, Waterford
Contact Details: 0818 10 20 20
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a beach with shallow waters and expansive sandy shores then you should add Woodstown Beach to your list. Here, your kids will love running around by the beach, without having you to worry about waves crashing where they are.
You’ll also love taking your dogs here for a walk. It’s also relatively peaceful here so your dogs won’t stress about loud noises when you’re on this beach.
You can also take advantage of the grassy dunes by setting up a picnic spot, perfect if you just want a good view of the beach.
And since the beach is surrounded by a forest, you can enjoy some birdwatching, especially during the early morning or late afternoon.
Pro tip: The facilities at Woodstown Beach are quite limited so make sure to bring your own food, snacks, and water for your day trip at the beach.
7. Annestown Beach
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Address: Annestown, Country Waterford
Contact Details: +353 76 110 2020
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Another secluded beach that’s perfect for those who want to enjoy some quiet time without too much crowd is Annestown Beach.
You and your kids can enjoy swimming here as the waves are much gentler than the other beaches in Waterford.
While surfing is allowed on this beach, the cove has very shallow waters most of the time. Because of this, surfers can only enjoy practicing their skills when there are large waves.
Additionally, during low tide, you’ll see that hidden islands and sea arches suddenly reappear.
If you want to explore the nearby cliffs called Lime Kiln, make sure to hire experienced guides so you can walk safely in the area.
Pro tip: Since Annestown Beach is relatively rocky, it isn’t a good trail for running. Moreover, if you’ve got kids in tow, make sure to let them wear sturdy beach shoes to protect their feet from sharp rocks.
8. Kilfarrasy Beach
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Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/ireland/county-waterford/kilfarrasy-beach
Address: Kilfarrasy, Co. Waterford
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want to see some bizarre rocks then plan a trip to Kilfarrasy Beach. The cliffs here are 460 million years old, allowing you to see the different rock formations and rock islands around the beach.
Because of this, the beach has been one of the most popular spots for photographers on the Copper Coast.
This beach is relatively safe for your kids to splash around due to its calm waters. You can also let them play on the shore and let them build some sandcastles.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can hike up the cliffs so you can have a better view of the coastline. And since the beach faces west, you’ll love catching sunsets here too!
Pro tip: Consider visiting the nearby outdoor museum at the Copper Coast. Here, you’ll see undersea volcanoes, deserts, and ice ages that are all part of the geological heritage that’s been existing for more than 460 million years.
9. Kilmurrin Cove
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/kilmurrin-beach
Address: Dunabrattin, Co. Waterford
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Kilmurrin Cove is another Copper Coast beach that provides you with a peaceful escape. This beach is small and secluded so you can expect this island to have fewer visitors even during summer.
Here, you can walk along the shores with lots of pebbles and stones around. Your kids will also love picking unique stones and shells that are scattered around the beach.
Nonetheless, you can still find a sandy area, perfect if you want to set up a picnic blanket where you can lounge around. Even better, you can take advantage of the peaceful surroundings by meditating.
You’ll also love that you can swim on this beach. Just be reminded that the waters here are a bit cooler so be ready with your wetsuits!
For those looking for a little adventure, there are surrounding cliffs that are great for hiking. You’ll even have a great panoramic view of the entire coastline once you’re on the top.
Additionally, if you love walking, there are also trails around the beach, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
On the other hand, since the beach offers a great contrast to the cliffs, the beach, and the greenery, photographers often visit the place to grab some breathtaking photos.
Pro tip: While an ice cream van visits the beach during the summer months, you still need to bring your own snacks and drinks when you plan to have a little picnic at Kilmurrin Cove.
10. Stradbally Cove
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Website: https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/republic-of-ireland/county-waterford/stradbally-cove.htm
Address: Woodhouse, Co. Waterford
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Another secluded beach that can offer you a quick break from the busy city life is Stradbally Cove. You’ll love that the bay is surrounded by grassy headlands, protecting you from strong winds while you’re here.
As you walk along the beach, you’ll notice that there are different kinds of pebbles and stones along the path. You and your kids can even enjoy a little activity of stone- and shell-picking.
When it comes to swimming, the rip tides are a bit strong on most days, so make sure you’re not a beginner if you plan to enjoy the waters. Otherwise, you and your kids can enjoy swimming during calmer days.
Pro tip: There are no public toilets available in Stradbally Cove so make sure to plan your trip accordingly, especially if you’re planning to swim.