Copper Coast Geo Park
“The Copper Coast” is the name given to the coastline between Tramore and Dungarvan, in Co Waterford. It’s that bit that no-one imagines exists! And it is one of the most striking and accessible bits of seaside in the country. It hangs on 6 villages on or near the coast – East to West – Fenor, Dunhill, Annestown, Boatstrand, Bunmahon and Stradbally.
The Copper Coast gets its name from the 19th Century copper mines that lie at its heart. It comprises some 25 kilometres of spectacular coastline consisting of beaches and coves enclosed by rocky headlands.
The area is a Geopark, which is not an enclosed park but an area of countryside which is geologically interesting and easy to get at. There is a European Geoparks network - over 30 Geoparks all over Europe; there is also a growing worldwide network of Geoparks associated with UNESCO. Copper Coast is the only European Geopark wholly in the Republic. (There is one which straddles the border - Fermanagh/Cavan) There is an office in Bunmahon in a former Church of Ireland church which the Copper Coast Geopark group are gradually turning into a community, cultural and interpretive centre. Here you can get walking cards and help and guidance on what to do in the area. Copper Coast Geopark.
The Copper Coast Geopark is an outdoor museum of geological records. Volcanoes, oceans, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the area.
You can follow the self-guided "Copper Coast" trail and walking cards are available from the Geopark Office in Bunmahon. Guided tours for schools and other groups interested in learning about the geology of the area are also available
Artwork along the Copper Coast
In 2003, the Copper Coast Geopark joined efforts with 3 other European
Geoparks: Marble Arch Caves, in Co. Fermanagh, Vulkaneifel and Bergstrasse
Odenwald in Germany, in order to apply for European Interreg funding, which they
were successfully granted in early 2004.
