12 Of The Best Beaches In Waterford (Hidden Gems And Firm Favourites )

If you’re in search of beaches in Waterford, you’ve landed in the right place.

The Waterford coastline stretches for 147km and boasts a whopping 49 beaches along the way.

From hidden gems, like Tra na mBó, to well known Waterford beaches, like Tramore and Ardmore, there’s an almost endless number of sandy stretches to saunter along here.

In the guide below, you’ll find what we think are the best beaches in Waterford, with a mix of spots that lay on the tourist track to ones that lay well off-the-beaten-path .

The best beaches in Waterford

The first section of our guide to the best beaches in Waterford is filled with our favourite sandy stretches in the county.

Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

1. Bunmahon Beach

Bunmahon Beach is part of the Copper Coast trail. Although the beach is frequented by experienced swimmers and surfers, there’s a strong rip tide, and it’s considered one of the more dangerous beaches on the southeast.

So, if you’re an inexperienced swimmer, don’t enter the water here!

Out of the water, the bay is protected by sand dunes and high cliffs and is well protected from the wind, allowing you to enjoy a walk or simply relax on the beach.

2. Tramore Beach

Is there anything to beat coming into a seaside town from above?

The route from Annestown to Tramore provides a spectacular approach to this beautiful beach, and it’s worth taking a detour from Waterford just to experience it. 

The strand sits on a peninsula that dissects Tramore Bay, and the panoramic views around it are simply outstanding.

Tramore Beach also attracts sea anglers for the flounder and sea bass in the estuary and others such as dogfish, pollock and whiting in the coastal waters.

3. Tra na mBó

West of Bunmahon Beach, you’ll find Tra na mBó, a picturesque cove with an improbable name.

Tra na mBó means ‘Strand of the Cows’, and the cows must have been fairly agile to get onto it as the only access is down a steep path.

A single Stack sits on the beach with cliffs framing it on both sides – a perfect photographic opportunity.

The beach is quite steep, and the elevated aspect allows for long shots of the waves rolling in and out along the dark surface.

You reach the beach by parking the right of Bunmahon Beach and walk along the clifftop to reach the cove.

4. Councillor’s Strand (Dunmore East)

Councillor’s Strand and Lawlor’s are two beaches that merge at high tide, located in Dunmore East, County Waterford.

Councillor’s Strand is a south-facing beach and extremely popular during the summer months.

The cove is scenic with a backdrop of traditional stone cottages against the blue of the sea.

The water is crystal clear, so snorkelling is also popular, but the downside of the water’s clarity is that it can sometimes be difficult to judge the depth. Car parking is available at the entrance to the cove.

5. Benvoy Beach

You’re spoilt for a choice of beaches along The Copper Coast, but Benvoy Beach is worth a visit because it’ll make you feel like you stumbled upon a slice of hidden Ireland.

It’s 1.2km past Annestown, and it’s easy to miss the sharp turn off.

The laneway is narrow but quiet, so you may not meet anyone else. The laneway opens out at the bottom to provide a small amount of parking.

The beach itself is beautiful against a canvas of cliffs and rocks, and it’s a good spot for a paddle. Its seclusion is probably why nuns from Tramore were ferried out here to swim in days gone by.

6. Woodstown Beach

The tidal, sandy Woodstown Beach is situated on the banks of the estuary created by the Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow.

This beautiful spot is surrounded by forest, and when the tide goes out (up to 1.5 miles), it’s a huge beach.

This sheltered beach is extremely popular with families for picnics and walking, either on the beach or in the countryside.

If you’re feeling peckish (or thirsty!), you can drop into Saratoga Bar and Restaurant and enjoy a bite-to-eat with a view of the beach.

7. Annestown Beach

Annestown Beach is approximately 10km from Tramore and translates to River’s Ends. It’s where the Anne River meets the sea.

The cove has very shallow water, which makes it a popular destination for swimmers.

When the tide goes out, the beach becomes animated with wildlife and the reappearance of its islands and sea arches.

There’s a car park beside the beach and an old Lime Kiln to investigate. The cliffs are dangerous so don’t walk alone, you need an experienced guide with you. 

8. Kilfarrasy Beach

Remarkable cliffs shelter this beach that is approximately 460 million years old, and seeing them lit up at sunset is a magnificent sight.

Still, it’s the unusual rocks and islands on the sides of the beach that garner the most attention.

The beach is ideal for kayaking, snorkelling and swimming, but do stay on the main beach.

If you go further, you can suddenly become cut off by the tide, even at low heights, so please do take care.  

9. Kilmurrin Cove

Kilmurrin Cove is another Copper Coast beach that is approx. 30 minutes from Waterford City and is a real gem.

There’s only a tiny strip of sand when the tide is in, but the waters are clear, and the cove is horseshoe-shaped.

Looking out to sea on the right, you can see a hole in the rocks. When the tide is low, the shore is sandy with rock pools at either end.

An ice-cream van regularly visits during the summer months, but that’s it – if you want to have a picnic, you’ll have to bring it with you.

10. Stradbally Cove

Sheltered in a cove, shielded by two hills, Stradbally Cove is a beach treasure.

It’s a reasonably deep beach, with a decent walk to the shoreline when the tide is out.

The River Tay runs alongside the beach and flows into the sea. This is not a beach built for visitors but rather one of the Copper Coast’s marvelous natural attractions.

Parking can be difficult, but if you park in Stradbally Village and walk down, you’ll also see some lovely gardens. 

11. Clonea Beach

Clonea Beach is another gorgeous Copper Coast beach only minutes away from Dungarvan. Just off the Waterford Greenway, there’s lots of car parking available.

It’s a big beach with loads of space, even on a busy day.

The small shop selling fast food and ice cream is an added plus – there’s nothing quite like having fish and chips on the beach. 

Whether you’re here for sports or simply to stretch your legs, you’ll love this spacious beach.

12. Ardmore Beach

Ardmore is a small tourist town between Dungarvan in Waterford and Youghal in Cork. Small it may be, but it packs a punch when it comes to its beach.

Ardmore Beach is a mile long, the gorgeous sandy beach has a backdrop of fields and is overlooked by the 12th Century ruined Cathedral and Round Tower.

Families love the wide beach for swimming and sunbathing while watersport enthusiasts enjoy canoeing, kayaking and Sea-paddling.

It’s believed that Ardmore is the oldest Christian settlement in the country. Seemingly St. Declan converted the area to Christianity before St. Patrick set foot in the place.

There’s a cliff walk that passes by the Cathedral and Round Tower to finish off your visit.

What Waterford beaches have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant beaches in Waterford from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!