Counsellor's Strand to The Spinnaker Bar: The Walking Route
The walk from Counsellor's Strand to The Spinnaker Bar in Dunmore East takes twelve minutes along the harbour road. You follow the coast the whole way. At the end, Peter pulls a cold pint and the kitchen serves fresh seafood off the day-boats. This is the route.
Starting Point: Counsellor's Strand Car Park
Counsellor's Strand sits at the eastern edge of Dunmore East village. The car park is free. You park facing the beach — sand and rock pools at low tide, full water at high. The strand curves south toward the red sandstone cliffs. Families swim here in summer. The lifeboat station stands to your right as you face the sea.
Leave the car park and turn right onto the harbour road. You're now walking west, back toward the village centre. The Celtic Sea is on your left. On calm days you see across to Hook Head lighthouse. The road has a pavement on the harbour side most of the way.
The Harbour Road Walk
The route follows the harbour road for twelve minutes at normal walking pace. You pass the sailing club, then a row of pastel-painted cottages — pink, yellow, blue. Thatched roofs on some. Fishing boats tie up along the stone quay below you. On weekdays you see trawlers unloading fish, crates of prawns and mackerel going into the cold stores.
The road bends gently right as you approach Lower Village. You pass more cottages, a small playground, and the old stone walls that line the harbour. Gulls work the quayside. The smell of salt and diesel. At the far end, the road drops down toward the harbour proper and The Spinnaker Bar comes into view on your right.
Arriving at The Spinnaker Bar
The Spinnaker Bar sits directly on the harbour in Lower Village, Dunmore East. The building is white with dark trim. You can't miss it. Walk-ins are welcome most days. If you're coming on a Friday or Sunday evening, or if you're six or more people, ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book a table.
Peter runs the bar and the kitchen himself. He's the new owner. The deck outside faces the water. On weekends there's live music out there — Ash and Laura sometimes, check Facebook for who's playing this week. Inside, the big screen shows every Premier League match and all the GAA games. Cold pints. Working harbour pub atmosphere.
What Peter's Serving After the Walk
The menu focuses on fresh local seafood. Beer-battered fish comes in at €22.50 — cod or haddock, depending what the boats land. Mussels are €14, cooked four ways: chorizo, sherry, cream, or with garlic bread. Seafood chowder is €13.50. Prawn cocktail €12. The seafood pie is €23.
If you want meat, Peter does lamb shank for €27 and an 8oz striploin steak for €37. Chicken korma is €22 with rice and naan, vegetable korma €20. Sunday roast is on the day. Wings are €14 — buffalo or BBQ. Sides are €5: chips, mash, vegetables, or salad. Desserts are €8.95 — cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry mousse, or chocolate orange tart.
The Return Walk or Staying On
You can walk back the same way to Counsellor's Strand. Twelve minutes, same route. Or you stay at The Spinnaker for another pint and watch the boats come in. The harbour fills and empties with the tide. At high water the boats float level with the quay. At low tide they sit on the mud.
Peter posts this week's food times and any special events on Facebook. If you're planning to eat after a walk, check there or ring him on (051) 383 133. You can also email Peter at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com with any questions about booking or group sizes.
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 does the walk from Counsellor's Strand to The Spinnaker take?
Twelve minutes at normal walking pace. The route follows the harbour road west from the Counsellor's Strand car park to Lower Village. It's a flat walk along the pavement. You stay on the same road the whole way, so you can't get lost. The sea is on your left all the way until you reach The Spinnaker Bar.
Do I need to book a table at The Spinnaker after the walk?
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. Peter runs the bar and kitchen himself, so calling ahead helps him prepare. You can also email him at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com.
What seafood does Peter serve at The Spinnaker?
Peter serves fresh local seafood off the day-boats. Beer-battered fish is €22.50, seafood chowder €13.50, mussels €14 cooked four ways, prawn cocktail €12, and seafood pie €23. The fish comes from Dunmore East boats — cod, haddock, prawns, and mackerel depending what lands each day. The menu also has lamb shank, steak, korma, and pizzas.
Is there parking at Counsellor's Strand?
Yes. The car park at Counsellor's Strand is free. You park facing the beach. The car park sits at the eastern end of Dunmore East village. From there you turn right onto the harbour road and walk twelve minutes west to reach The Spinnaker Bar in Lower Village. The walk is along the pavement with the sea on your left.