Dunmore East: Beach, Coast and Lighthouse

Dunmore East offers several distinct highlights: the sheltered Counsellors' Strand, a cliff path and activities on the water. A striking lighthouse, a golf course and events are also among the options available locally. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can assess the town based on whether you are looking for time at the beach, exercise along the coast or maritime experiences.

Beach and Water

Counsellors' Strand lies in a small, sheltered bay in Dunmore East. Swimming and underwater activities such as snorkelling are possible there; however, access to the water depends on the tides and season. During the bathing season, from June to the end of August, lifeguards patrol the beach. If this seasonal supervision is important for your plans, check the details before you travel.

Dunmore Adventure offers activities on the water at the Wibit Wipeout Water Park. The offerings also include stand-up paddleboarding and sailing. If you are looking for other activities, you can also find indoor climbing, adventure caving and archery there. The operator's offerings may be seasonal or subject to booking availability, so check in advance what will be available during your planned visit.

Dunmore Adventure's facilities include changing rooms, hot showers and a café overlooking the water activities. As provision may change with operator arrangements, it is worth enquiring if you are planning to use these facilities during your visit. Sea safari tours run by the Dunmore East Adventure Centre go to Hook Head Lighthouse; advance booking is required. South Coast Sailing offers trips from the harbour aboard a crewed sailing yacht. Schedules and availability may change. Dunmore Adventure's Sailing Academy guides learners from beginner level to advanced sailing skills and prepares them for careers in water sports; check the current training programme.

Cliff Path and Coastal Scenery

The Dunmore Coastal Walk is a scenic, six-kilometre cliff path from Dunmore East Harbour to Portally Cove. Along the way, views, red sandstone cliffs and diverse birdlife shape the route. The starting point is at the harbour car park. There is no parking along the route at Portally Cove and Rathmoylan Cove; follow the current local signage.

Along the coastal path, you may spot black-legged kittiwakes, fulmars, choughs, cormorants and shags, and occasionally seals. Bird numbers vary seasonally and naturally. The path should not be walked in windy or foggy weather. As weather and path conditions can change, assess local conditions before setting out.

Lighthouse and Events

Dunmore East Lighthouse is a striking landmark in the harbour area. Alexander Nimmo designed it as a fluted Doric column, with a lantern atop its capital. Its architectural form makes the lighthouse a distinctive part of the town's maritime heritage.

The Dunmore East Walking Festival takes place in May and includes guided cliff and woodland walks. In August, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival celebrates the roots of country and bluegrass music. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, confirm the dates and programme for your chosen year. Sailing events and regattas are also frequently held in Dunmore East. Spectators can watch colourful boats race; you should also check specific event dates in advance.

Coastal Golf

Dunmore East Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 coastal course with views of the village. Its two halves are distinctly different: nine holes lie along the cliff edge overlooking the coast, while the other nine wind between trees and dense vegetation. For golf enthusiasts, this contrast offers a useful point of reference when considering course format and scenery as they choose activities.

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