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Ardmore Cliff Walk
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Free to visit
Walk through the pages of history in the bay side beauty that is historic Ardmore. Follow cliff paths boasting coastal panoramas and roads and laneways that lead you by fascinating Early Christian sites. An easy four-kilometre loop, Ardmore Cliff Walk is a rewarding route.

Beginning and ending at the Cliff House Hotel, this easy, accessible walking trail embraces a particularly idyllic stretch of the Waterford coastline.

Passing the dramatic cliffs at Ardmore Head and Ram Head, the walk showcases majestic seascapes and historic sites that span centuries. From the fifth-century site of St Declan’s Well and a Napoleonic era look-out post, to Ardmore’s second ever coastguard station (later a Civil War era watch tower) and even the 1987 Samson shipwreck.

Nature lovers will enjoy the variety of flora, fauna and coastal birdlife that abound along the way too. As you continue towards the town itself, watch out for Ardmore’s beautifully-preserved round tower.

Follow the loop back to the Cliff House Hotel and enjoy a hot drop in its Seafront Bar.

Trail details

Type:
Walking Trail
Location:
Ardmore
Grade:
Easy
Format:
Loop
Length:
3.994306101km
Ascent:
40m
Dogs allowed:
Yes
Time:
1 hour
Nearest town start:
Ardmore
Nearest town finish:
Ardmore
Start point:
Seafront Car Park
Finish point:
Seafront Car Park
Waymarking:
Yellow arrow on brown background
Facilities:
Car parking, shops, restaurants/cafés and accommodation
Why we like it
  • Two historic lookout posts are visible along the route, one from around 1867 and another used to observe the coastline during World War II.
  • Just some of the coastal birds you may spot include Rock Pipits, Pheasant, Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon.
Contact details
14 The Heritage, Dysert, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp on durable ground
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Minimise the effects of fire
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