Red cliffs
Ancient rock.
Iniyan C Balakrishnan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Veekrokki — Public domain · Andreilucianghetau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Purple Licorice — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jodysutts — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Copper Coast is a protected stretch of Ireland's south coast in County Waterford, running about 25 km from Kilfarrasy in the east to Stradbally in the west, about 22 km southwest of Waterford city in a straight line. It was the first geopark designated in Ireland. Its rocks formed over 460 million years, starting with volcanic activity in the Ordovician, then reddish-brown sedimentary rocks around 370 million years ago, then glacial deposits. The area lies south of the Comeragh Mountains and holds Neolithic dolmens, Iron Age forts and old inscribed stones. Its name comes from the copper mines once worked here. Towering cliffs of brown and red rock alternate with small coves of sand and shingle and lone sea stacks. Narrow valleys cut through the cliffs down to the beaches, and pink flowers edge the slopes in spring. Visitors drive the coast road, stopping at viewpoints and coves, swim at the quiet beaches in summer and walk the coastal paths. In the village of Bunmahon a visitor centre tells the story of the rocks and the mines.
Ancient rock.
Quiet beaches.
In the sea.
Between Kilfarrasy and Stradbally, County Waterford, Ireland
Yes, in the coves in summer.
Yes, from Waterford.