The land of the Déise (County Waterford) is full of tiny towns and villages full of tradition and treasure.
Dunmore East is one such village, a popular tourist and fishing village, and a brilliant spot for families and backpackers alike.
The village is well-known for hosting the Bluegrass Festival which is usually held in August.
During this festival over 40 shows are played all over the beautiful coastal town.
Dunmore East really is a hidden gem that you should definitely visit during a visit to the sunny south-east.
We’ve put together a fantastic itinerary outlining how to spend a full day in Dunmore East.
Morning
Breakfast at The Lemon Tree Catering & Café
Start your morning the right way by tucking into a full fry at the Lemon Tree. If something else takes your fancy, don’t worry!
The menu is jam-packed of tasty dishes to kick start your day.
Why not try the homemade granola with yoghurt? Or the French toast with bananas and Cinnamon Cream?
If you’re lucky you could visit the café on a day when the owner & head chef Joan Power holds one of her cooking demonstrations.
Address: Seafield, Coxtown Road, Coxtown East, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Lost at Sea Memorial and Harbour Wall
If you stroll along the road, you’ll find yourself in the hub that is the little fishing town of Dunmore East.
An important site to visit is the Lost at Sea Memorial. Although it is a sobering experience, it is an important tribute to all those who have lost their lives at sea.
It was unveiled in the year 2000 by the then president, Mary McAleese.
The harbour, a few metres of a walk down from the memorial will be chockablock with seaworthy vessels of all shapes and sizes.
If you continue down towards the harbour you’ll see the high harbour wall.
This has been fenced off so that visitors can walk along the top of it and gaze out at the sea that stretches out for miles and miles.
In the distance, you’ll be able to see Co Wexford and the spooky Loftus Hall.
Dunmore East Coastal Walk
If you love walking, then the Dunmore East Coastal Walk is just for you.
This beautiful cliff walk is located between Dunmore East Village and Portally Cove Waterford that takes about half an hour one way.
It is well defined and although is a cliff walk does not have too many pieces very close to the edge.
Afternoon
Lunch at The Strand Inn
How about making a pit stop for food in The Strand Inn? The restaurant has a beautiful seafront view, meaning you can eat your meal with a view of the beautiful Irish sea. During the summer the Strand Inn has live music every day.
The bar attracts a younger crowd, whereas the lounge plays host to a pianist who plays a variety of genres. As for the food?
The menu is largely inspired by its coastal setting, with the likes of wild prawns with avocado and Duncannon mussels as starters. Tickle your tastebuds with the Strand seafood pie or roast rack of lamb.
The activities at both Dunmore East Adventure Centre and South Coast Sailing are time-consuming so perhaps you could choose one for your visit to Dunmore East.
Address: Lower Village, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Dunmore East Adventure Centre
A must for families with children visiting Dunmore is the Adventure Centre. The website has a sea area forecast section so that you can be sure the weather is just right for your visit to the centre.
There is a wealth of activities on offer at the family-run business including, kayaking, archery, windsurfing and outdoor climbing on the rock wall.
And let’s not forget the Wibit Wipeout Zone. This is a water-based playground complete with playgrounds, a huge iceberg to climb and an action tower. In a nutshell, there are activities available for people of all ages.
Address: The Harbour, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, Ireland
South Coast Sailing
In business since 2013, South Coast Sailing offers the chance to take in the sights of the coast by embarking on a sailing trip of Waterford bay and estuary.
Or you could alternatively take part in the sailing of the yacht ‘Riptide.’ Whether you’re a beginner or an expert when it comes to sailing, you’ll still enjoy exploring the high seas of the sunny south-east.
Evening
Dinner at The Haven Hotel
After all those water activities, you could conclude your day with a meal in the well-known Haven Hotel.
The hotel is nestled in the heart of Dunmore East. The hotel was extensively renovated after a fire in 2016 damaged some part of the ancient hotel.
Family Fun Sundays are entertaining for all the family, with live music, food stalls and a bouncy castle for the little ones.
And the food?
Think button mushrooms in garlic butter with the iconic Waterford blaa, amazing Irish steak or the mouthwatering Haven pasta.
There is also a diverse children’s menu so the entire family will be satisfied.
Address: Dock Rd, Nymphhall, Dunmore East,, Co. Waterford, Ireland
