Waterford to Copper Coast (Dungarvan) by Coach or Minibus
The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark, runs along the Waterford shore between Tramore and Dungarvan. The 45-minute time is the direct run to Dungarvan on the N25. A Copper Coast day takes the slower coast road one way and the main road the other.
Journey
- Waterford to Copper Coast (Dungarvan)
- Approximately 45 mins
- Serving Waterford
About Copper Coast
- A UNESCO Global Geopark of dramatic coves, sea stacks and old copper mines stretching west of the city toward Dungarvan.
- Nearest base: Waterford
Two roads to Dungarvan
The N25 runs west from Waterford, inland, to Dungarvan and is the quick route, about 45 km. The R675 is the coast road. It starts in Waterford city, passes through Tramore and then follows the shore through Fenor, Annestown, Bunmahon and Stradbally before reaching Dungarvan, 55 km in all. It is a regional road with bends and narrow village streets, so a coach goes at a modest pace. A sensible plan is the coast road out and the N25 back, or the reverse if the group wants the coast in the afternoon light.
What the Geopark covers
The Geopark stretches about 25 km along the coast, from Kilfarrasy in the east to Stradbally in the west. Its name comes from the old copper mines, and an engine house from the mining days still stands. The visitor centre is at Knockmahon in Bunmahon, in a former church, with displays on the geology and the mining story, a café and a hall for small events. The Geopark runs guided tours for groups, including schools, and takes group enquiries through its website.
Vehicle size and stopping
The coast road was built for local traffic, and a pull-in that suits a car may not suit a 12 m coach. A midi coach or minibus gives more choice of where to stop. The visitor centre is the obvious fixed stop; at coves and viewpoints the driver decides where the coach can pull in safely. Tell the operator in advance which stops matter most, so the day is planned around them rather than around what happens to be free.
Ending in Dungarvan
Dungarvan is a harbour town at the western end of the route and the end of the Waterford Greenway, the former railway line that is now a cycling and walking trail from Waterford. Some groups split the day: the coach takes them out along the coast, then they walk or cycle a stretch of the Greenway while the coach waits further along. Plan that with the operator, because bike hire and the meeting point need fixing in advance.
How long does a Copper Coast day take?
The coast road with two or three stops and lunch in Dungarvan fills four to six hours. The direct return on the N25 is about 45 minutes.
Is the coast road suitable for a full-size coach?
Yes, but the coach goes slowly and has fewer places to stop. For smaller groups, a midi coach or minibus suits the R675 better.
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