Stayed there about 9 years ago after seeing it on a TV programme. Lovely location, a few hostelries - the Ship was next door to where we stayed and did excellent seafood. We had a car and were only there a couple of nights, but enjoyed it.

I don't know if Waterford Crystal is still open, but it's worth a visit if it is.

http://www.waterford-dunmore.com/tourism/web

Thank you. Yes, Waterford Crystal is still open...but it looks like the demise will be soon (end of year?).
Hope to view the factory or visit the shop (but in this economy watching the pennies).

Many thanks for your reply which was really encouraging - will check out the restaurant! .

Butterfield

Stayed there back in about 1994 on a family trip, father being from nearby Kilkenny.

Amazing little village, with a couple of pubs and a good restaurant.

Would love to go back in the next couple of years.

Thanks Northern,

can you suggest any particular sights (in addition to Waterford Crystal) that you enjoyed in the area.

Many thanks.

Butterfield

Hi,

Sorry for delay, been away.

There is an activity centre there that offers canoeing and other sport related activities - located in the harbour area.

In terms of sightseeing, obviously Waterford is the nearest town/ city. Not the most picturesque, but for all your shopping its fine. There's a decent cinema there as well in case the weather is poor. Obviously Waterford Crystal is worth a visit.

The beach isnt anything special at Dunmore, its just a nice village on the coast, with good bars/ restaurants. I went in late September time staying at the Dunmore East holiday villa's and weather was bleak, but loved the atmosphere in the area.

Looking online, the Strand Inn as at one end of the village [but there was also another pub on the road towards the villas we stayed at that had bands on most nights]. http://www.thestrandinn.com/

In terms of Dunmore, this is a good website - http://www.waterford-dunmore.com/tourism/web

Defintely take a trip to Kilkenny.
Mahon falls is worth seeing for a walk, and you can also stop your car on the magic road From recollection, the beach in the tramore area is the widest, more sandy section.

Take a drive over to Cork and visit Blarney Castle [and the stone].

I am sure that Waterford has its own website for tourism as well.

Good to get your info - thanks for the reply. Getting the cases out and can't wait to get the gang on the road...

Will check out the Strand - someone else recommended the Spinnaker Bar in the area as 'family friendly' with good food - perhaps that was the second pub you were referring to?

Might not do the Blarney stone this trip...understand they have to almost hang you upside down to do the kissin' bit. However
the kids seem into it!

Cheers!

Butterfield

Dunmore East is a Family designated village on the southern coast of Ireland in County Waterford. Overlooking a bay towards the southern tip of County Wexford called Hook Head, it is a lovely place for families. Two accessible sandy beaches are located within walking distance of the village - both with surounding rocky coastline that can be climbed easily by adults and children. There are quite a number of cottages for rent in and around the village, together with generous B & B and hotel lodging available.

We booked two weeks with Trident Holiday Homes self catering. They provided us with a 4* three bedroom terraced holiday home in 'Forest Haven Holiday Homes' just at the entrance to the village. Got the first week at 655 Euro and received the second week FREE! Arrival Sat 4th July - departure Sat 18th July. Our total cost for 4* holiday home accomodation was 730.00 Euro which included heat/electricity and service charge. The three bedroom terraced cottage, three large bedrooms (two twins and 1 double with ensuite), main bathroom, open plan living/dining and kitchen area downstairs and outside terrace (with picnic table and benches) could easily accomodate 6 people+. All mod cons (dish washer, washing machine/dryer combined, seperate freezer and fridge units) and plenty of storage space. TV etc. Samples of coffee/tea/creamers and dish washing tabs/etc were provided. Beds all made up on arrival with fresh crisp white cotton sheets and white duvet covers (all industrially cleaned - I saw the truck making the deliveries). You provide your own towels.

There was an Aldi as we drove into Waterford City (20 minutes drive away) and a Lidl as we drove south out of Waterford City - and a Tesco in Waterford itself, so food wise - plenty was available and lots of shops inbetween. Three local shops in Dunmore East provide all else (Londis, Centra and Dingleys Newsagent). Plenty of restaurants in the area - Haven Hotel provided good value for burgers, childrens meals and fish (owner loves jazz and there are lots of souvenirs of his trips to New Orleans and NYC on the walls). Also tried the Lemon Tree Cafe - a bit more expensive and Bridgestone Good Food Guide recommended for every year since it opened and well worth the money - good fish and well prepared. A short drive outside of Dunmore East.

Of the two beaches within walking distance - Counsellors Strand was our favorite. Wheel-chair friendly with a very spacious parking lot and BLUE FLAG beach, it provided a bit more privacy than the Strand beach whose entrance is next to the Strand Hotel and closer to the main road. It offered our children great fun viewing crabs, collecting shells and clamboring over rocks. Good spot for a picnic.

Dunmore East is not just for families. Young couples would love it - very romantic and lots of local action available via the Action Adventure Centre located down at the Harbour. Wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing are all available to try on a 2 hour, half day, day or even weekly basis and the rates are competitive. They have different age levels for children so if you are there for a weekend, week or more, you can let them try it out and then decide on a daily basis if you want them to go back. Great fun!

We slept well everynight - no messing or loud noise and the town has won Tidy Town in 2006. We will be BACK!

Good to see you had an excellent visit.

Cheers - Kilkenny and Cork on our list now - thanks again for the suggestions!