Ardmore is one of Waterford’s more popular holiday resorts and its beach is ideal for families and children. Located right at the edge of the town this is a good stretch of sheltered, soft sand, with clear waters which are great for kids to splash and play in. The water here feels fresh and is clear to swim in.
Even when the tide is in the water doesn’t get too deep and lifeguards are on duty during the summer. The beach itself is quite sheltered with most people congregating near the town end. So if you want some peace and quiet you just need to walk a few hundred metres.
Ardmore is a lively and safe family beach, busy in the summer and on a good day you might even be entertained by a bagpipe player.
There is a decent sized car park behind the beach and basic toilets there as well
Lough Easkey is in a lovely location in the heart of the Ox mountains. Surrounded by hills and the wild countryside the lake shimmers in the sunlight and is a really nice place to stop for a swim.
The water here is lovely and fresh but access is stony and a bit difficult. However, it’s worth the effort and when we swam there in the sun it was tranquil and just a lovely place to be.
Access is off the N59 which runs between Ballina and Ballysadare. From the Ballysadare direction you go through Templeboy and then watch for a left turn signposted for the Ox mountains and Tubbercurry. This road will lead you to the lake where you will see a place to park plus a few seats.
Annestown is an attractive beach with a wide stretch of sand when the tide is out. This is another good place for families as there is a sheltered area to the left and various pools and rocks for kids to explore.
The water here can be a bit wavy so it’s a good place for children, and adults, to bring their boards.
There is a decent sized car park which leads across stones to the beach. It isn’t wheelchair accessible and you will have to carry your buggy a short distance.
The car park area has one picnic table with nice views across the beach. Directions.
From Dungarvan take the R675 toward Tramore and the beach is signposted after you pass through Annestown village.
Balllymacaw is a very attractive, out of the way cove, not well signposted and not very well known. If you do find it is well worth the effort.
The cove is sheltered by small, rocky cliffs on either side. Access to the water can be from the rough slipway which leads to the small, stony beach. From here there is a gradual wade in so it’s good for children.
Alternatively, you can follow the rough path to the left of the bridge which leads you to a small pier cum landing area. The steps here bring you into clear and deep water, even when the tide is low.
The beach here is more stones than sand and when the tide is in it gets covered so don’t come here with too many buckets and spades. However, if you are looking for a quiet place for a good swim in clear water, then this is a good choice.
Directions
From Tramore take the R675 toward Waterford. Not far outside the town you take a right turn onto the R684/685 toward Dunmore East. Follow this road and watch out for a sign posted right turn for Ballymacaw . After this you are on your own as we didn’t see any more signposts and the cove itself isn’t signposted. Just ask the friendly locals
The beach at Dunmore East is small, curved and well sheltered. It is divided by rocks into two, with a smaller section to the left. From the road there is a steep slipway descent to the main section, which is certainly not for wheelchairs. The tide comes right in here so do keep an eye on the times if you are looking for a beach to play on. When the tide is low there are rock pools for children to explore.
The water here is clear and fresh and lovely to swim in. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Although it wasn’t signposted, there is a good sized car park to the left of the village (follow the signpost for the golf club) and this has a flat, zig zag pathway to the smaller section of the beach which is accessible.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.Blue Flag beach
There are public toilets nearby and an added feature is the attractive bar, with outdoor seating , which overlooks the beach.
Directions
From Tramore you take the R 675 for Waterford and just outside the town you take the R684/ R685 signposted for Dunmore. Stay on this road and just before you get to Dunmore there is a left turn signposted for the beach.
