Blackhall Cliff Walk and Pub Finish at The Spinnaker

The Blackhall cliff walk runs roughly 12 kilometres from Passage East through Woodstown Beach and along the coast into Dunmore East harbour. You finish at sea level in the Lower Village, where The Spinnaker Bar sits on the harbour front. Peter — the new owner — pulls cold pints and serves fresh seafood off the day-boats. This is how you walk it and what you eat at the end.

The Blackhall Cliff Walk Route

The walk starts at Passage East ferry terminal or Woodstown Beach car park, depending on whether you want the full distance or a shorter loop. From Woodstown the path climbs east along the cliffs above the Celtic Sea, passing the old Blackhall coastguard station ruins. You stay high above the water for most of the route. The path is grass and gravel, firm underfoot in dry weather, muddy after rain. You see the Hook Head lighthouse across the water on clear days.

The route drops into Dunmore East at the western end of Counsellor's Strand, then follows the shore road into the harbour. Total time from Woodstown is two to two and a half hours at walking pace. The full Passage East start adds another hour. The Spinnaker Bar is at the harbour, Lower Village, Dunmore East. You can't miss it when you come down off the cliff path.

What Peter Serves After Your Walk

Peter runs the kitchen and the bar himself at The Spinnaker. The seafood chowder is €13.50, loaded with haddock, salmon, prawns and mussels in a creamy broth with brown bread. The mussels are €14 — chorizo, sherry, cream, garlic bread on the side. Beer battered fish is €22.50, cod or haddock depending on what the boats brought in that morning, chips and tartare sauce. The lamb shank is €27, slow-cooked until it falls off the bone, mash and gravy. Sunday roast is on the day — beef, pork or lamb, three veg, roast potatoes, yorkshire pudding, proper gravy.

Desserts are €8.95: cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry mousse, chocolate orange tart. Cold pints. Every Premier League and GAA match on the big screen if there's sport on when you finish your walk.

When to Walk and When to Eat

The cliff path is open year-round. Winter mornings are quiet, summer weekends get busier with families and hill walkers. Early starts give you the path to yourself and mean you finish at lunchtime when Peter has the kitchen running. Peter posts this week's food times on Facebook, so check before you set out if you're walking specifically to eat.

Walk-ins are welcome most days. If you're coming on a Friday or Sunday evening, or if you're a group of six or more, ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book a table. The harbour fills up on sunny weekends and bank holidays, so booking ahead saves you waiting.

How to Get to the Blackhall Walk Start

Woodstown Beach car park is the most common start point. Drive east from Waterford City on the R683 through Passage East, continue two kilometres to Woodstown. The car park is on your left, free parking, toilets in summer. For the full Blackhall walk, park at Passage East ferry terminal and walk east along the coast road until you pick up the cliff path just past the village.

If you're dropped off or using a taxi, arrange pickup at The Spinnaker Bar, Lower Village, Dunmore East. The harbour has parking if someone is driving you, but spaces fill quickly on sunny days. Public transport doesn't run directly to Woodstown, so you need your own car or a lift to the trailhead.

Why Finish at The Spinnaker in Dunmore East

The Spinnaker is a working harbour pub. The deck overlooks the fishing boats. Peter serves what comes off the day-boats — haddock, cod, mackerel, crab, prawns, mussels. The 8oz striploin steak is €37, cooked to order, peppercorn or garlic butter. The beef burger is €20, chips on the side. Vegetable korma is €20, rice and naan. Pizzas run €13.50 to €21. Sides are €5: chips, mash, vegetables, salad.

Live music on the deck some weekends — Ash and Laura play sometimes, check Peter's Facebook page for current acts. The Spinnaker has 818 reviews on Google Places, ~4.5 stars. It's the pub at the end of the Blackhall walk where walkers go to eat and drink after they finish the cliff path. Email Peter at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com or message Peter on Facebook if you have questions about booking or the menu.