Dunmore East
A working fishing village that doubles as a seaside resort, all harbour and headland. Dunmore East sits on the County Waterford coast.
Best sites to see in Dunmore East
Dunmore East Harbour and Lighthouse
The working fishing harbour, with its lighthouse at the pier head, is the heart of Dunmore East. Fishing boats, seafood restaurants and cliff views make it the village's focus.
The Cliff Walk to Portally
A marked cliff path runs from Dunmore East towards Portally Cove along red sandstone cliffs. It gives open views across Waterford Harbour towards Hook Head.
Councillor's Strand and Lawlor's Strand
Dunmore East has sheltered sandy coves close to the village, popular for swimming and families in summer. They sit below the cliffs within walking distance of the harbour.
The Village's Thatched Cottages
Dunmore East is known for its rows of thatched cottages along its streets above the harbour. A stroll through the upper village shows a quieter side than the busy pier.
Where to stand, and when
- The harbour and lighthouse at Dunmore East: Sunset gives warm light over the boats and across the harbour mouth towards Hook Peninsula.
- The cliff walk towards Portally: Morning light suits the red cliffs and views back to the village; check the tide and weather before setting out.
- The thatched cottages in the upper village: Soft morning or evening light is kindest to the whitewashed walls and thatch; midday sun can be harsh.
Dunmore East through history
Dunmore East developed as a fishing village at the mouth of Waterford Harbour.
In the 19th century it became an important packet port, with mail and passenger services linking Ireland with Milford Haven in Wales, and grew as a resort in the same period.
The harbour lighthouse and piers reflect that 19th-century phase, when the village expanded beyond its fishing roots.
A colony of kittiwakes nests on the cliffs below the village, a long-standing and much-watched feature of Dunmore East.
Practical tips
- Harbour and beach parking fills fast on sunny summer days, so arrive early or be ready to walk from the upper village.
- The cliff walk is exposed and has unprotected edges in places, so wear good footwear and keep back from the edge in windy weather.
- Check tide times for the coves, as the amount of sand available changes considerably through the day.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar