Waterford & Bonmahon: Local Guide
- John
- Mar 13, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Out & About: Bonmahon
Sight Seeing Around Bonmahon
Bonmahon Beach
A 2.5 km stretch of sand with a fabulous boardwalk on top of the dunes that brings you down to the Mahon River Walk and back to the village. Grab a coffee to go on your way, sit awhile on one of the many bench seats and enjoy the views across the bay.
1km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
Trá na mBó
The beautiful landscapes & seascapes en route to Trá na mBó are astounding – signposted at the top entrance to Bonmahon Beach; a walk up this hill will lead you to one of Bonmahon’s hidden gems .Trá na mBó. Look back towards Bonmahon Beach or straight ahead to Helvick Head...prepare to be amazed 😎
2km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
Tankardstown Copper Mine Engine House
Tankardstown Engine House is part of the old 18th century mining complex where copper was mined in Bonmahon. The foundation walls of the mine above the main shaft, the engine house, a chimney and fragments of a building in which the steam engine was located can still be seen. The mining area is freely accessible. Free parking.
3km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
Copper Coast
Copper Coast Geopark is an outdoor museum of geological records; it stretches along the coast from Kilfarassy Beach, near Fenor in the east to Ballyvoyle Beach, near Stradbally to the west with Bonmahon in the heart of it all. Volcanoes, oceans, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural & cultural landscapes of the area. An ideal place to begin your Copper Coast experience is at the Copper Coast Global Geopark Visitor Centre within the coastal village of Bonmahon. Here you can visit a unique mining and geoheritage exhibition, learn more about the area, or relax within a painstakingly resorted heritage building.
The Geological and Mining Heritage Exhibition is suitable for all ages and abilities. While, through a collection of guides and leaflets, you can also learn about the many local trails and activities ideal for families, sight seekers, culture enthusiasts, and adventurers.
Follow the self-guided Copper Coast walking trails (walking cards available in the Visitors Centre) Trail 1 passes right by Copper Coast Glamping Pods
The Geological Garden in Bonmahon provides visitors with a glimpse into the geology of the Copper Coast. The Time Path in the garden will guide you through geological time with 28 slabs depicting the major steps in Earth history and evolution of life. Just over 1km from .Copper Coast Glamping Pods
Bonmahon Playground
Located close to the beach and has plenty of free car-parking. There is adult exercise equipment located close by to keep all ages entertained. This playground is suitable for 2 to 12 year olds. Adult Exercise equipment suitable for ages 12+. There is also a multipurpose court next to the adult gym. All free of charge.
1 km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
A Bit Further Away - What To Do Around Waterford
Mahon Falls
The tumbling Mahon Falls are located in the Comeragh Mountains just 19km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods . This 80m waterfall formed where the waters of river Mahon plunge over sandstone cliffs and make their way to Bonmahon (the end of the Mahon). The walk to the falls is spectacular. Pack a picnic and stay awhile.
Coumshinghaun Lake
Coumshinghaun Lake is one of Ireland's most beautiful lakes. Just 20 minutes drive from Copper Coast Glamping Pods. The rugged beauty and landscape offers spectacular views across County Waterford from its summit. Definitely worth a visit.
Waterford Greenway
The popular Déise Greenway is just 7 km away from Copper Coast Glamping Pods where you can hire bicycles & accessories. Take a cycle through Ballyvoyle tunnel. The Waterford Greenway is located along a disused railway line, the greenway also travels through some of the south-east's most fascinating historic places which include Viking sites, medieval ruins, Norman castles, old railway stations, famine workhouses and an Ice Age rock believed to have mythical and mysterious powers!
There are many wonderful places to stop along the trail for an hour or two such as the magnificent Mount Congreve Gardens (known as one of the great gardens of the world), the fascinating 800-year-old fortified castle at Dungarvan or take a trip along the banks of the River Suir on the quaint heritage railway train just outside the picturesque village of Kilmeaden.
The Viking Triangle
We are very proud to be part of the Ancient East and a trip to Waterford to explore the world's first virtual reality Viking experience in Ireland's oldest city-in the heart of Waterford's Viking Triangle is definitely a must. 26km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods.
Dungarvan Farmers Market
The Dungarvan Farmers Market is held in The Square, Dungarvan every Thursday from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Operating since 2004 the market has become an important part of the food chain in Dungarvan, already famous for its fabulous eateries. A wide range of quality produce fish, organic fruit and vegetables, organic coffees and chocolate, cheeses, olives, breads and pastries, jams, soap, eggs and pork, beef, cooked food, local apples and juice, Ring honey, cooked burgers, gourmet Breton crêpes,hot food & shrubs are on offer. The market attracts locals shopping and catching up on the latest gossip and tourists just drinking in the atmosphere of the market.
Food scene
Engine House Bar & Cafe
Good food, good coffee and good music (across from the top entrance to the beach) 1.2 km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
Copper Coast Café
The Café serves locally made soups, sandwiches and sweet bites as well as Copper Coast Roast coffee. There is also a local craft shop selling high quality Copper Coast and Waterford food and craft products. Situated in the Copper Coast Geo Park Visitors Centre. 700m from Copper Coast Glamping Pods .
Gourmet House Café - great coffee and treats. 120m from the top entrance to Bonmahon Beach. 1.6 km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
Power’s Takeaway in Kill Village – 5km from Copper Coast Glamping Pods
You can ring in your order & it will be ready when you arrive.
Checkout their Facebook page for the menu – their telephone number is 051 292649.
Activities
Bunmahon Surf School
If you love the water then Bunmahon Surf School is a place to check out. See their website for all the info www.bunmahonsurfschool.com
Top entrance to the beach - opposite The Engine House
Walking trails
Walk 1 - Inland Trail - about 1h - circular walk
Starting at the car park you can see across the road the facades of the miners’ cottages. Eastwards across the River Mahon that gives its name to Bonmahon ..Bun Machan in Irish (Bun = end of ). The bridge here replaced what is reputed to be the first reinforced concrete bridge in Ireland, built in 1906. Go left here to the Church of Ireland (Geopark Centre and Café from 2008). The terrace of houses on the right (Osbourne Terrace) was where mine-management lived.
Take the first left up Ballinasisla Hill about 1km to an open mine shaft on the right (sometimes overgrown) and a further kilometre to * Faugheen boreen (signposted Faugheen) to the right and down to the bottom of the valley. Before crossing the stream, the scant remains of a medieval Cistercian monastery lie on the right and ahead you will find the tiny Faugheen Church with its interesting graveyard.
Continue uphill on the other side of the valley onto a tarred road and turn right. Enjoy fine views of Bonmahon Bay as you proceed downhill.
At the Catholic Church (Saleen Church), which was a miners’ Temperance Hall, you can turn right to starting point at Church of Ireland (Copper Coast Geo Park visitors centre) or straight and right to the village. Going that way allows a visit to the Geological Garden and a rest on the Copper Coast table and seats.
Copper Coast Glamping Pods are situated on this trail. Exiting from the drive continue to the left for about 1km and turn right for Faugheen boreen continue as above *
Public transport
Local Link bus - bus stops are between the playground and the Engine House.
Great public bus service from/to Dungarvan, Tramore & Waterford with stops along the way. Check out the timetable at www.locallinkwaterford.ie
Kommentare