Woodstown Beach In Waterford: A Hidden Gem With A Fine Spot For Coffee

The glorious Woodstown Beach is one of my favourite places to visit in Waterford for an early morning ramble.

Woodstown Beach is a long stretch of sand backed by woodland (hence the name) that’s located on the banks of the estuary of the River Suir.

The water here is glorious (more like a lake than the ocean) and it’s a fine spot for a walk at any time of the day.

In the guide below, you’ll find info on parking, swimming, where to grab a coffee with a view and some other handy info.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Woodstown Beach in Waterford

Although a visit to Woodstown Beach in Waterford is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

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. Location

Woodstown Beach can be found a 20-minute drive from Tramore, a 15-minute drive from Waterford City and a 50-minute drive from Dungarvan.

2. Parking

You can park right in front of the beach (see it here on Google Maps) and there are plenty of spaces, however, as this is one of the more popular beaches in Waterford, it can get busy when the weather’s fine.

3. Swimming

When the tide is in, you can swim at the beach (caution always needed), but visitors should note that the seabed is a bit swamp-like/very muddy. Perhaps it’s for the best if you keep your activities to walking, sunbathing (hopefully…) and picnicking while here!

Things to do at Woodstown Beach

There’s plenty to do at Woodstown Beach that makes it a great spot for those visiting Waterford City and looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a bit.

1. A good spot for a stroll

Woodstown is a relatively quiet beach that is unusually long and therefore does not get crowded, making it perfect for a long, gentle stroll. Early mornings are particularly great (wonderful if you can get there for sunrise, as this beach is in the east) and you can bring your dog, as long as you keep him or her on the lead when necessary. 

2. Perfect for a family outing

There are lots of seashells here that children will love (and arts and crafts fans who like to make jewellery and artwork with natural resources). The sand is soft and brilliant for making sandcastles or more advanced moulds to show off to other passers-by.

3. Post walk bite-to-eat at Saratoga Bar and Restaurant

The Saratoga Bar and Restaurant is literally right next to the beach and popular with visitors. It’s a great place for a bite to eat and stunning views out over the sea. There is also a beer garden – perfect in warm weather. You’ll get all your typical pub grub favourites here – from fish and chips and mushy peas, to pies and delicious seafood.

Things to do near Woodstown Beach

One of the beauties of Woodstown Beach is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Waterford.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the beach (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Ireland’s oldest city

Waterford City is Ireland’s oldest, and it’s perfect blend of ancient and modern. You can explore the historic streets with a walking tour and visit the Medieval Museum and the Viking Triangle or you can kick back in one of the many mighty restaurants in Waterford.

2. Tramore

Tramore is a seaside town that started out as a small fishing village and then developed into a popular tourist destination with the arrival of the railways in 1853. There’s plenty of things to do in Tramore, from the beautiful Tramore Beach to the many great restaurants in Tramore.

3. Dunmore East

This gorgeous Dunmore East is very popular with locals and tourists alike. It has several seafood restaurants and a number of caravan sites nearby. There are walking routes nearby and a bluegrass festival takes place at the end of August, celebrating music. 

FAQs about visiting Woodstown Beach in Waterford

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Woodstown Beach to what to see nearby.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is there parking at Woodstown Beach in Waterford?

You can park right in front of the beach and there are plenty of spaces, though obviously on sunny summer days it’s best to arrive early.

Can you swim at Woodstown Beach?

Yes, when the tide is in, you can swim here. However, note that the seabed is very ‘swampy’ – i.e. muddy underfoot, and possibly dangerous for younger and/or inexperienced swimmers.

Is Woodstown Beach worth visiting?

Yes! This is one of Waterford’s many hidden gems. Grab a coffee from Saratoga and head for a saunter along the sand.