Dungarvan’s lively streets and tranquil paths invite visitors to immerse themselves in its timeless allure.
The journey begins at Grattan Square, the bustling heart of Dungarvan, where colourful Georgian buildings and lively cafes set a welcoming tone. Named after the 18th-century Irish statesman Henry Grattan, the square is a hub of local life, with the imposing Dungarvan Castle just a five-minute walk away along Castle Street. This 12th-century Norman fortress, one of Ireland’s oldest inhabited castles, stands proudly beside the Colligan River, its stone walls and restored keep offering a glimpse into medieval life. Guided tours, when available, reveal tales of Viking raids and Anglo-Norman power, while the castle’s manicured grounds provide a serene spot to pause and admire the river’s gentle flow.
From the castle, a ten-minute amble along Davitt’s Quay follows the Colligan River to the Old Market House Arts Centre, a beautifully restored 17th-century building that once served as the town’s butter market. Now a cultural hub, its exhibitions showcase local artists, and the quaint exterior, with its stone arches, invites a moment to appreciate Dungarvan’s trading past. Continuing along the quay for another 12 minutes, the path leads to the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, where the bay opens up with breathtaking views across to the Comeragh Mountains. This scenic stretch, part of the Waterford Greenway, offers a chance to spot sailing boats gliding on the water or, at low tide, wading birds foraging along the shore, their calls mingling with the sea breeze.
Turning inland, a 15-minute walk along Mary Street brings walkers to St Mary’s Church of Ireland, a 19th-century gem with a graceful spire and intricate stained-glass windows. The churchyard, dotted with ancient gravestones, whispers of Dungarvan’s past, offering a quiet moment to reflect before looping back towards the town centre. A ten-minute stroll down O’Connell Street, lined with independent shops and eateries, leads to the Waterford County Museum, a small but fascinating archive tucked into a former wine merchant’s premises. Its collection of photographs, artefacts, and stories, from the Famine to the War of Independence, paints a vivid picture of Dungarvan’s resilience and spirit.
The tour concludes back at Grattan Square, where the lively atmosphere invites a final pause at a local pub like The Local or a cafe such as Merrys, perfect for a coffee or a taste of Waterford’s famous blaa, a soft bread roll. Spanning roughly three kilometres, this walk captures Dungarvan’s essence, its historic charm, coastal splendour, and warm community vibe. Sturdy shoes are recommended for the quay’s uneven paths, and a light jacket is wise for the coastal breezes. For those with extra time, a detour along the nearby Waterford Greenway to Abbeyside, where the ruins of a 13th-century Augustinian abbey stand, or a drive to the Copper Coast’s dramatic cliffs, deepens the exploration of this enchanting region. Dungarvan’s blend of history, nature, and hospitality makes this walking tour a memorable journey through one of Waterford’s coastal treasures.
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Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
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