Copper Coast Geopark

The Copper Coast is Ireland's first UNESCO Global Geopark - a coastline of volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and 460 million years of geological drama. Named for 19th-century copper mining, this route offers some of Ireland's most spectacular coastal scenery.

Why This Route?

The Copper Coast offers geological drama:

• UNESCO Geopark - Ireland's first
• Dramatic cliffs - Volcanic and sedimentary
• Copper mining heritage - Industrial archaeology
• Hidden beaches - Coves and strands
• Scenic driving - Ireland's south coast beauty

The Route

Starting from Tramore

The seaside resort:

Tramore

Family holiday town:

• 5km beach
• Amusement arcades
• Metal Man landmark
• Surf school

The Beach

Wide strand with:

• Blue Flag status
• Lifeguards (summer)
• Surfing
• Dune walks

Fenor

Quiet village with:

• Bog walks nearby
• Traditional character
• Gateway to Copper Coast

Annestown

The Copper Coast begins:

The Beach

Small sheltered cove:

• Safe swimming
• Rock pools
• Car park access

Geology

Volcanic rocks visible:

• 460 million years old
• Pillow lavas
• Sea caves

Bunmahon

The copper mining village:

The Beach

Dramatic setting:

• Sea stacks
• Caves
• Golden sand

Copper Mining

19th-century industry:

• Mine ruins visible
• Engine house remnants
• Geological interpretation
• Walking trails

Tankardstown Mines

Engine house ruins:

• Most photogenic site
• Clifftop location
• Free access
• Interpretation panels

Stradbally

Village inland with:

• Cove nearby
• Traditional character
• Facilities

Ardmore

Ancient monastic site:

The Round Tower

Ireland's tallest (30m):

• 12th century
• Complete
• Cathedral ruins
• Ogham stones

St Declan's Well

Holy well and church:

• Annual pattern (July 24)
• Coastal walk

The Village

Holiday atmosphere:

• Cliff walk
• Good restaurants
• Beaches nearby

Return via Dungarvan

Harbour town (see Waterford City route).

Copper Coast Geology

The Story

460 million years of Earth history exposed:

• Volcanic eruptions
• Ancient seas
• Folding and faulting
• Glacial erosion

Key Sites

• Annestown - Pillow lavas
• Bunmahon - Sea stacks and caves
• Tra na mBó - Sedimentary rocks
• Tankardstown - Clifftop geology

The Geopark

UNESCO designation (2001, renewed):

• Interpretation centre in Bunmahon
• Guided walks available
• Self-guided trails
• Educational programmes

Copper Mining Heritage

History

Copper was mined 1825-1880:

• Cornish miners brought technology
• Villages built for workers
• Decline when ore exhausted

What Remains

• Engine houses (Tankardstown)
• Mine shafts (fenced)
• Miners' cottages
• Processing sites

Walking

Copper Coast Walking Trails

Network of waymarked trails:

• Cliff walks
• Beach access
• Mining heritage
• Geological interpretation

Ardmore Cliff Walk

Spectacular 5km loop:

• St Declan's Well
• Ram Head
• Shipwrecks visible
• Round tower views

Tankardstown

Short walks around the mine site.

Practical Tips

1. Beaches - Some have limited access (tides)
2. Cliffs - Stay back from unfenced edges
3. Bunmahon - Geopark centre has information
4. Ardmore - Cliff walk can be muddy
5. Swimming - Lifeguards seasonal; observe warnings