Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs
Viking Waterford, the coves and mine ruins of a UNESCO geopark, a mountain waterfall, Ardmore’s round tower and a castle on the Blackwater.
- Distance
- 125 km (78 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 44 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- June 23, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 125 km (78 mi) with 7 stops, from Waterford to Lismore. About 1 h 44 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland
Route description
Waterford, founded by the Vikings, is Ireland’s oldest city; its Viking Triangle holds Reginald’s Tower and good museums. Drive south to Tramore, a family resort with a long beach and a big curving bay.
The R675 follows the Copper Coast west through small coves, sea stacks and the ruined engine houses of 19th-century copper mines. The geopark visitor centre in Bunmahon explains the landscape, and several beaches along the road are good for a swim on calm days.
Before Dungarvan, turn inland on the Comeragh Drive to Mahon Falls, a short walk from the car park into a corrie in the mountains. Dungarvan is a harbour town at the end of the Waterford Greenway, a 46 km cycle path on a former railway.
Continue south to Ardmore, where a 12th-century round tower stands above the beach and a cliff walk starts from the village. Finish inland at Lismore, a heritage town below a castle on the Blackwater; the Vee Gap road climbs from here over the Knockmealdown Mountains.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Waterford
Ireland - 214 km
Tramore
Ireland - 319 km
Copper Coast Geopark
NatureBunmahon, IrelandA UNESCO geopark of coves, sea stacks and ruined 19th-century copper mine buildings along the R675. The visitor centre in Bunmahon explains the geology.
- 419 km
Mahon Falls
NatureComeragh Mountains, IrelandA waterfall tumbling from a corrie in the Comeragh Mountains, about 20 minutes’ walk from the car park at the end of the road.
- 521 km
Dungarvan
Ireland - 621 km
Ardmore round tower
HistoryArdmore, IrelandA 12th-century round tower and ruined cathedral above a seaside village linked to St Declan. A cliff walk of about 4 km starts nearby.
- 731 km
Lismore
Ireland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Waterford → Copper Coast Geopark · 33 km · 0 h 27 minOn the way: Tramore.Overnight nearby, for example: The Getaway (16 km); Bayview Caravan and Camping Park (14 km).
- Day 2: Copper Coast Geopark → Ardmore round tower · 61 km · 0 h 51 minOn the way: Mahon Falls, Dungarvan.Overnight nearby, for example: Bayview Caravan and Camping Park (19 km); Ardmore Seaview Motorhome Park (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Ardmore round tower → Lismore · 31 km · 0 h 26 minOvernight nearby, for example: Blackwater Eco Pods (8 km); Parson's Green (17 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs?
3-day road trip of about 125 km (78 mi) with 7 stops, from Waterford to Lismore. About 1 h 44 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 44 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs start and end?
It starts in Waterford and ends in Lismore.
Which countries does Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs?
OpenStreetMap lists 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: The Getaway, Duncannon Beach Holiday Park and Bayview Caravan and Camping Park.
When is the best time for Waterford’s Copper Coast and the Comeraghs?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
