Ardmore Cliff Walk to Dunmore East Lunch at The Spinnaker

The Ardmore Cliff Walk in West Waterford is a 5 km loop with Bronze Age ruins, a 12th-century round tower, and views across Ardmore Bay. After the walk, it's a 30-minute drive north-east to Dunmore East where Peter at The Spinnaker Bar serves fresh local seafood off the day-boats and cold pints on the harbour. This post covers the walk route, what you see, and what Peter's serving when you arrive.

The Ardmore Cliff Walk: Route and What You See

The Ardmore Cliff Walk starts at the car park near the round tower and cathedral ruins at the south end of Ardmore village. It's a 5 km loop — most people do it in 90 minutes to two hours depending on how long you stop to look at the ruins and the views. The path is marked with wooden posts. You head south-west along the cliff edge past St Declan's Well and the Priest's Chair, a natural rock formation carved by the sea. The views run from Ram Head across Ardmore Bay to Mine Head and the Celtic Sea. On a clear day you see the Copper Coast cliffs to the east. The route loops back inland through farmland and returns you to the car park. The path is uneven in places — boots are better than runners if the ground's been wet. There's no café at the trailhead, so bring water. The ruins are Bronze Age promontory forts and early Christian monastic sites. The round tower is one of the best-preserved in Ireland, 12th century, 30 metres tall. You can't go inside but you can walk right up to it.

Drive from Ardmore to Dunmore East: 30 Minutes

From Ardmore, take the R673 north through Grange and join the N25 at Youghal. Follow the N25 east past Dunlin and turn south on the R684 signposted Dunmore East. The drive is 32 km, about 30 minutes. You pass through Waterford City's southern suburbs and drop down the hill into Dunmore East at the harbour. The Spinnaker Bar, Lower Village, Dunmore East is on the left as you reach the waterfront. Park in the village car park or along the harbour road. If you're walking the cliff walk in the morning, you'll hit Dunmore East around lunch time. Peter posts this week's food times on Facebook, so check there before you drive. For Friday or Sunday evenings or groups of six or more, ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book. Walk-ins are welcome most other days.

What Peter's Serving at The Spinnaker After Your Walk

After two hours on the cliffs, you want seafood and a cold pint. Peter runs the kitchen and the bar himself at The Spinnaker Bar. The menu is fresh local seafood off the day-boats that land at Dunmore East harbour — you see the boats from the pub deck. Seafood chowder €13.50, thick with haddock, salmon, prawns, mussels. Mussels €14 — you pick chorizo, sherry, cream, or garlic, served with garlic bread. Beer battered fish €22.50 — haddock or cod, battered fresh, chips and tartare sauce. Seafood pie €23 — prawns, salmon, haddock in white wine cream, mash on top. If you're not in the mood for fish, Peter does an 8oz striploin steak €37, lamb shank €27, or chicken korma €22 with rice and naan. The beef burger is €20. Pizzas run €13.50 to €21. Desserts are €8.95 — cheesecake, creme brulee, strawberry mousse, chocolate orange tart. Everything's cooked to order. The pints are cold. The deck overlooks the harbour and the lifeboat station.

Why Pair Ardmore and Dunmore East on the Same Day

Ardmore and Dunmore East are both working fishing villages at the mouths of two different bays — Ardmore Bay on the Celtic Sea, Waterford Harbour where the River Suir meets the sea. Ardmore has the early Christian ruins and the cliff walk. Dunmore East has the working harbour, the thatched cottages, the pastel-painted houses, and The Spinnaker Bar. Pair them on the same day and you get a morning walk, a short drive, and lunch by the water. The drive between them takes you through the south Waterford countryside — hedgerows, stone walls, farmland. If you're based in Waterford City, Dunmore East is 12 km south-east and Ardmore is 25 km further west, so you can do Ardmore first then loop back through Dunmore East on your way home. If you're coming from Cork, reverse it — Dunmore East first, then Ardmore. Either way, Peter's serving lunch when you finish the walk. Ring him on (051) 383 133 or message him on Facebook if you're coming with a group.

What Else to Do in Dunmore East After Lunch

After lunch at The Spinnaker, walk the Doneraile cliff walk — it starts at the east end of the village and runs 2 km along the cliffs to the lighthouse. Views across Waterford Harbour to Hook Head. The path is paved most of the way, easier than Ardmore. Or walk down to Counsellor's Strand, a small sandy beach in a sheltered cove below the village. In summer, people swim. In winter, it's a good spot to watch the waves. The lifeboat station is open for tours some weekends — check their Facebook page. If you're still hungry later, Peter does live music on the deck at weekends (Ash and Laura sometimes — check Facebook for current). Every Premier League match and GAA match is on the big screen inside. The village is small — you can walk everywhere in ten minutes. Thatched cottages, narrow lanes, harbour wall. It's a working fishing village, population around 1,500, but it's been a day-trip and weekend spot for Waterford City people for decades. Email Peter at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com if you have questions about the menu or booking.