The area surrounding Ardmore is a nature lovers’ paradise. Take your time to explore our diverse flora and fauna and walk around our historic seaside village. Newtown Farm Bed & Breakfast is located minutes from Ardmore.
Rambling, up the Harbour Road, past the Cliff Hotel following the lane down to St Declan’s Well, Temple Dysart, Ardmore Head, Ram Head, the “Samson” wreck, Lookout Post, The Castle and Fr O’Donnell’s Well. The return journey provides an opportunity to drop into the Cliff Hotel for a refreshing beverage or meal in this friendly establishment. The cliff walk at Ardmore has an amazingly diverse abundance of flora stretching from St Declan’s Well to the end of the walk at the Top Road ( see map). It comprises 113 species of wildflower, grasses and fern. At the commencement of the walk, the area around St Declan’ s Well is rich in wildflower species, even some attractive lichens and wildflowers attach themselves to the Temple Dysart itself. Note the colourful Stonecrop, Common Dog Violet, Lesser Celandine and sweet scented Honeysuckle before ascending the path where the ferns and grasses are so prolific. The Ardmore Cliff Walk is also a birdwatchers paradise and is home to an adundance of Coastal birds. Other birds such as Rock Pipits, Pheasant, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcons are here too, as well as being frequently seen on the upland meadows of the Ardmore Headland. Oystercatchers and Herons can also be spotted up here, although they are wetland birds who generally feed on Ardmore Strand below.
Walk out the Dungarvan Road, up An Bothar Ard for fine views of the village at the top. Follow the pathway across the hill down onto the Dungarvan Road, turning left for East Ardmore Beach, sharp left again. Follow the path around Blackrocks or turn right on the lane past Kiely’s Cottage to arrive at the beach. Crossing the beach note area of Crannog remains (whenever visible) near the storm wall. Alternatively take a shorter walk across from Ardmore beach round the Blackrocks at Curragh and back into the lane past Kiely’s Cottage. On the return walk back to Ardmore, enjoy a drink or delicious “pub grub” at Paddy Macs, savouring the homely atmosphere.
Take a stroll up to The Cathedral, the Round Tower, The Beannachan ( St Declan’s Burial place), Continue along the Newline with views over the village and beach and distant views to the Blackwater and the Drum Hills. On a fine day the Knockmealdowns and the Comeraghs.are visible. Amble on down St Declan,’s Well and Temple Dysart. At the conclusion of this walk, the licensed White Horses Restaurant in the Main Street, with its exquisitely renowned cuisine is just a stroll away.
This walk takes in the Cathedral, Round Tower, Beannachan, (St Declan’s burial place). Views of Ardmore Beach and Bay, Ballyquin Beach and Mine Head from the Ardo Road. Whiting Bay and Monetrae, also Capel Island and some of the East Cork Shoreline are visible on the approach road down to Whiting Bay. Coming back on the College Road stop and enjoy the hospitality of the Round Tower Hotel for pleasant food or beverages in congenial company.
From Main Street walk up the Harbour Road, climbing the steps at the Cliff Hotel, turn right down the Middle Road then left into Rocky Road. Turn left up Tower Hill and left again at the Y junction. Walk leisurely along the Newline for superb sea and land views. At the end of the road, turn sharp left again down the Middle Road to the second set of steps on the right which go back down to the Harbour Road. Stop for an interesting browse at Mary Lincoln’s Pottery Shop. Ramble down to the Main Street, where a refreshing cuppa and a variety of pastries greet the eye at the Garden Cafe.
Takes in the Cathedral, Round Tower, Views of Ardmore, Curragh and Ballyquin Beaches, also Mine Head. Turn left at the signpost on the Ardo Road, follow the road until Ardoginna House comes into view on the left. Then walk downhill all the way to Goat Island. (For the really energetic, a pathway can be followed round to Whiting Bay returning to the village ) On the return ramble, why not make it an occasion to call into the welcoming Manor Restaurant for a meal or refreshments after a pleasant and exhilarating walk.
Newtown Farm Bed & Breakfast near Ardmore, is the ideal location for anyone looking to have a walking holiday in West Waterford. Contact us to arrange your holiday accommodation today.