Capturing the copper coastline!

Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley

I had never been too fond of going for a drive, it seemed to me like a dullish type of adventure to be stuck inside the car… However, I was proved completely and utterly wrong last week when I went to visit an Aunt of mine in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. We drove along the copper coast, which really and truly was like a little trip to paradise.

Lying just west of  Tramore it is one of the most spectacular coastal stretches in Ireland. The Copper Coast is an outdoor museum of geological records; it stretches along the coast from Kilfarassy Beach, near Fenor in the east to Ballyvoile Beach near Stradbally to the west. Having been given its name from a tradition of Copper Mining in the area, this coastal stretch passes through four small villages:
Fenor, (Forest, Lakes, Fenor Bog, Kilfarrasy Beach),
Annestown, (sweeping beach), Boatstrand with its little harbour, (swimming and diving),                     
Bunmahon (Mining trail, geological  park, Blue Flag Beach, cliff walks panoramic views) and
Stradbally ( award winning picturesque village, sandy coves, woodlands, crystal clear water).   

The area has a wealth of beautiful, secluded coves and beaches, that took more than 460million years to create; each with their own unique story to tell. As we drove along the undulating roads, I could barley contain my excitement about what was going to be around the next corner! We stopped and hopped out of the car more times than I can remember, whether it was to take a photograph of the stunning landscapes, indulge in some hot chocolate and other treats we had packed in our picnic basket, or just in general take in the serenity and tranquility of the beautiful countryside we were in.

We uncovered hidden beaches, and coves so secret they had no given names. While well outside the bounds of mobile phone reception and not a single other person in sight… we enjoyed putting life on hold for a few hours, and living for the moment of our adventure.

Before returning back home we took a trip to the geographical park which was both educating and interesting as we walked right through 460 million years of evolution.

Just before the sun went down we managed to squeeze in a brisk walk to the new Anne Valley which follows the Anne River and meanders past a multitude of beautiful ponds to reach Dunhill Castle 2km from the starting point. The walk is a mixture of forest and marsh land,  and if you’re lucky you may see some interesting wildlife species… maybe even the inhabitants of these little fairy houses!

It was a remarkable and very memorable day trip exploring this awe inspiring scenery that the Irish coastline has to offer! If you like me once thought that a car trip could be a less exciting adventure… you’ll be in for a fantastic surprise! I hope you enjoy your trip to the copper coast uncovering some truly stunning hidden gems!