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The South East
Discover Waterford Harbour & the Hook Peninsula
Waterford Harbour and Hook Peninsula is steeped in a rich heritage of lighthouses, forts, abbeys, fishing ports and beaches. It truly is a great representation of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Beaches
We love to explore the many beaches, strands, bays and coves on our doorstep. Waterford Harbour and Hook Peninsula have some of the best beaches and coves to swim, walk, rock pool, play and explore. Whatever your chosen activity there is a beach to suit. Some of the beaches seen on our boat tours include Duncannon Strand, Dollar Bay, Booley Bay, Boyces Bay, Woodstown and Councillors Strand
Walks
Waterford Harbour and the Hook Peninsula offer numerous scenic walks, from tranquil beach strolls to established coastal paths with breathtaking views. Here are some of the top walking trails in the area:
Tintern Walking Trails
Located around the historic Tintern Abbey, these easy to moderate trails take you through picturesque stone bridges, gardens, and woodlands. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful walk in nature.
Coastal walk from Slade Harbour to Hook Lighthouse
Starting at Slade Harbour this path follows the coast and leads you to Hook Lighthouse (you can of course start at Hook and walk for Slade either). This is a linear route and generally easy with a little climbing over stiles. Out and back the route is approximately 6km.
Dunmore East to Ballymacaw Coastal Path
Voted one of Ireland’s top 10 walks in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2023, this cliff path takes you from Dunmore East to Ballymacaw, passing Portally and Rathmoylan coves along the way. With route options graded from easy to moderate, it offers spectacular coastal views, perfect for any level of walker.
Arthurstown to Duncannon Coastal Walk
This beautiful scenic harbour walk through the Dunbrody demesne offers stunning harbour views down to Hook Head and Creaden Head. The trail looks across to Passage and Crooke and further down the harbour to Woodstown strand. On the left hand side of the harbour is Duncannon. Along the trail, one can also visit Glen Bay – sit and enjoy the view. In springtime, the trail is covered in bluebells.
Waterford Estuary Walks
A network of easy to moderate looped walks in the Passage East, Faithlegg, and Cheekpoint areas. On these routes you get great views of the upper estuary, the meeting point of the Three Sister Rivers, the Barrow Bridge and much more. Delight in the rich history and heritage of the area, where nature abounds.
Passage East Car Ferry
The ferry operates a continuous ferry service across the estuary linking the villages of Passage East, Co. Waterford and Ballyhack, Co. Wexford.
Places to Visit (Heritage / Attractions)
Hook Lighthouse
After seeing Hook Lighthouse from the water on our boat tour, why not get a closer look at the world’s oldest operational lighthouse? Enjoy a guided tour that takes you to the balcony for spectacular coastal views. The visitor centre also offers exhibits, a gift shop, and a café, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
Duncannon Fort
Duncannon Fort is an impressive presentation of a bastioned fort. On our boat tour, you get to appreciate the outer walls of the fort. It is definitely worth joining a guided tour of the fort to learn more of this historic fortification. This fort, with over 450 years of history, has stories as rich as its views. Positioned on a stunning vantage point, it offers some of the best panoramas over Waterford Harbour.
Tintern Abbey
Founded around 1200 by the Earl of Pembroke, Tintern Abbey is steeped in legend and history. The Earl famously vowed to build the abbey after surviving a perilous sea voyage. Today, visitors can explore the impressive remains of the abbey, including the nave, chancel, tower, chapel, and cloister. Don’t miss the 45-minute guided tour, which brings the abbey’s history to life, including its 16th-century role as the residence of the Colclough family.
Colclough Walled Garden
Colclough Walled Garden is a beautiful garden located in Tintern. It is renowned for its stunning array of flowers, plants, and serene atmosphere. The garden is named after the Colclough family, who were prominent landowners in the area. The well-maintained flower beds showcase a captivating display of colours throughout the seasons, offering a visual feast for visitors.
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum
Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather, Patrick, was born in the nearby village of Dunganstown, this arboretum near New Ross, County Wexford, contains a plant collection of presidential proportions. It covers a massive 252 hectares on the summit and southern slopes of Slieve Coillte and contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. Of special note is an ericaceous garden with 500 different rhododendrons and many varieties of azalea and heather, dwarf conifers and climbing plants.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
Located in New Ross, the Dunbrody Famine Ship is a full-scale replica of the 1840s emigrant vessel. Visitors can explore this interactive museum and learn about the harrowing journeys made by Irish emigrants during the Great Famine. The ship offers a vivid and moving insight into this significant period of Irish history.
The Duncannon Wreck
The Great Lewis, the flagship of the Cromwellian fleet, sank in the Waterford Estuary on January 26, 1645, during a tumultuous period of civil war in England. As Cromwell sought to capture Waterford, a vital port, he sent four ships to relieve the heavily guarded Duncannon Fort; while three ships escaped, the Great Lewis was caught in strong currents and sustained heavy fire, ultimately leading to its sinking. For over 350 years, its wreck remained undisturbed until discovered in 1999 during dredging work, sparking comparisons to the significance of the Mary Rose’s recovery.
The Waterford coastline, rich in maritime history, hosts numerous shipwrecks, revealing a treasure trove of activity spanning thousands of years that deserves greater recognition and appreciation.
Wander Through Time
