Dungarvan, the administrative headquarters for County Waterford, is a thriving, seaside market town nestled beneath the Knockmealdown Mountains, situated beside Dungarvan Harbour where the River Colligan broadens and enters the sea. The town’s original Irish name of Dun Garbhan takes its name from Saint Garbhann who founded a church here in the seventh century. The Norman’s built a large fortification in the 13th century. The fifth and sixth Dukes of Devonshire decided to replan the town in the nineteenth century. With its new square, streets and a bridge, Dungarvan grew and flourished eventually into the thriving business and residential centre it is today, offering an appealing blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. It is this blend with its close proximity to numerous sandy beaches that makes it an ideal holiday location. Clonea beach, with its soft golden sand and less than two miles from the centre of town, deserves particular mention. Deep-sea and in-shore angling are particularly good in the Dungarvan area and fully equipped boats are available to catch cod, coalfish, conger, ling, mackerel, shark and pollock. There is course fishing nearby for salmon and trout, but if you don’t want to catch them yourself, try sampling them in one of the many acclaimed pubs, restaurants or hotels. Not only does Dungarvan offer much to see and do, it is an ideal springboard to enjoy spectacular seascapes, green placid river valleys and wild, rugged heather-covered mountains.

Towns and villages of West Waterford include Cappoquin, Ardmore, Ballyduff, Tallow, Clashmore and Lismore. Some of the most scenic views can be found in An Rinne, The Nire Valley and Kinsalebeg. More information on Dungarvan and West Waterford can be found on the Dungarvan Tourism web site.

Website: www.dungarvantourism.com