Annestown Strand to Dunmore East: Coastal Walk & Dinner
The walk from Annestown Strand to Dunmore East is one of the finest coastal stretches in Waterford — 12 kilometres of clifftop path, copper-red geology, Atlantic views, and a working harbour at the finish. You end at The Spinnaker Bar in the Lower Village, where Peter pours cold pints and serves fresh seafood straight off the day-boats. Walk-ins welcome most days, or ring Peter on (051) 383 133 for Friday and Sunday evenings.
Annestown Strand to Dunmore East: The Route
The walk starts at Annestown Strand car park, where the beach sits between red cliffs and a shingle shore. Head east on the Copper Coast walking trail, marked with yellow waymarkers. The path climbs above Boatstrand and Bunmahon, tracking the clifftops through gorse and heather. You pass old copper mine shafts, red sandstone outcrops, and views across to the Comeraghs inland.
At Stradbally, the trail drops to the cove, then climbs again toward Kilmurrin. The final stretch from Kilmurrin to Dunmore East is 5 kilometres of open coast — grassland, sea pinks in spring, and the mouth of Waterford Harbour opening ahead. The path descends into Dunmore East village at the lifeboat station. Total distance is roughly 12 kilometres. Allow four hours walking time, plus stops.
Dunmore East at the Finish: Working Harbour Village
Dunmore East is a working fishing village at the mouth of Waterford Harbour, population ~1,500. Thatched cottages painted pastel colours line the harbour road. Day-boats land mackerel, herring, crab, lobster. The lifeboat station sits on the east pier. The River Suir meets the Celtic Sea here, and the harbour shelters yachts, trawlers, and charter boats.
The village has two beaches — Counsellor's Strand and Lawlor's Strand — both tucked under red cliffs. The cliff walk to Doneraile runs west from the harbour. Pubs, a bakery, a small convenience shop, and fishing tackle line the main street. The Spinnaker Bar sits harbour-side in the Lower Village, where the coast walk finishes.
Dinner at The Spinnaker Bar: What Peter's Serving
After twelve kilometres on the cliffs, The Spinnaker Bar is where you sit down. Peter — the new owner — runs the kitchen and the bar himself. The menu is harbour pub food: fresh local seafood, beer-battered fish, and a cold pint within thirty seconds of walking in.
Seafood chowder €13.50 — fish, shellfish, cream, brown bread. Mussels €14 — chorizo, sherry, cream, or garlic bread on the side. Prawn cocktail €12. Beer battered fish €22.50 — cod or haddock, chips, mushy peas, tartar sauce. Seafood pie €23 — prawns, salmon, white fish, mash. Lamb shank €27 — slow-braised, root vegetables. 8oz striploin steak €37. Sunday roast on the day — beef, lamb, or chicken, depending what Peter's cooking. Desserts €8.95 — cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry mousse, chocolate orange tart.
Booking: Ring Peter Before You Walk
Walk-ins are welcome most days at The Spinnaker Bar, but if you're finishing your walk on a Friday or Sunday evening, or you're a group of six or more, ring Peter on (051) 383 133 before you set off from Annestown. That way he can hold a table for when you arrive. Email works too: spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com.
Peter posts this week's opening hours and food times on Facebook — The Spinnaker Bar page. Live music on the deck at weekends when Ash & Laura are playing — check the Facebook page for current dates. Every Premier League and GAA match on the big screen if sport's your thing after the walk.
Getting to Annestown Strand (Start Point)
From Waterford City, take the R675 south through Tramore, then follow signs for Annestown along the coast road. The car park is at the beach — GPS: 52.1378, -7.2156 approximately. If you're parking one car at the start and another at the finish, leave the second car in Dunmore East village (public car park near the lifeboat station or on-street near the harbour). Then shuttle back to Annestown to begin the walk.
No regular bus service runs the full route, but Bus Éireann route 360 connects Waterford to Dunmore East several times daily if you want to arrange a one-way walk and bus return. Check buseireann.ie for current timetables.
Book a table — go straight to Peter
Peter is the new owner of The Spinnaker Bar in Dunmore East. He runs the kitchen and the bar himself, so booking goes direct to him — no app, no fee, no middleman.
Or message Peter on the Spinnaker Facebook page — he checks it daily.
Quick questions
How long is the walk from Annestown Strand to Dunmore East?
The coastal walk from Annestown Strand to Dunmore East is approximately 12 kilometres along the Copper Coast trail. Allow four hours walking time, plus stops for photos and rest. The path is well-marked with yellow waymarkers and follows clifftops most of the way, with some climbs and descents at coves.
Can I get dinner at The Spinnaker Bar after the walk without booking?
Walk-ins are welcome most days at The Spinnaker Bar. If you're finishing on a Friday or Sunday evening, or you're a group of six or more, ring Peter on (051) 383 133 before you start the walk so he can hold a table. Email spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com or message Peter on Facebook.
Where do I park for the Annestown to Dunmore East walk?
Park at Annestown Strand car park at the start, or arrange two cars — one at Annestown and one in Dunmore East village (public car park near the lifeboat station). If you're using one car, you can walk one-way and take Bus Éireann route 360 back to Waterford, then taxi or lift back to Annestown. Check buseireann.ie for current timetables.
What food does Peter serve at The Spinnaker after a coastal walk?
Peter serves fresh local seafood and pub classics. Seafood chowder €13.50, beer battered fish €22.50, mussels €14, seafood pie €23, lamb shank €27, 8oz striploin €37. Desserts €8.95. Sunday roast on the day — beef, lamb, or chicken. Cold pints and live music on the deck at weekends. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133.