Self Catering Accommodation Guide to Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland

About Dungarvan

Dungarvan is located on the south-east coast of Ireland in County Waterford and is close to Cork City, Waterford City and Rosslare Europort.  It is a seaside market town and harbour and overlooks the stunning Dungarvan Bay.  Dungarvan is the administrative headquarters for County Waterford.  The town is situated at the mouth of the Colligan River and this divides the town into 2 parts connected by a causeway and bridge of a single arch.  The neighbouring parish is called Abbeyside.  There is a castle still present in the town located by the harbour which was built by King John of England.

Things to do in Dungarvan

Shopping in Dungarvan

Dungarvan is made up of The Square and 4 main shopping streets all within easy walking distance from each other.  There are restaurants, clothes and shoe shops, grocery stores, and 2 big shopping centres to name just a few!

Dungarvan Castle

Dungarvan Castle, also known as St. John's Castle, is located in Castle Street in the town.  The Castle consists of a shell keep, a curtain wall, a corner tower, and a gate tower.  It is open June-September 10am until 6pm.  The last admission is 45 minutes before closing.  There is no admission fee.  Telephone number is 353 58 48144.

Dungarvan Town Park

Dungarvan Town Park is also known as the Lookout because there is an esplanade there which was built at the end of the 1800's.  It became known as the lookout because the wives and families of the fisherman used to use it as a lookout for the return of their loved ones.  It has spectacular views of Dungarvan Bay and is very popular amongst tourists and locals alike.  The park and bandstand were built after the esplanade.  The Ring/Helvick coastline and the Cunnigar(An Coinigéar), which is a narrow peninsula that projects into Dungarvan Bay and is a haven for seabirds, can both be seen from the lookout.

Dungarvan Causeway Park

Causeway Park is another park located in Dungarvan town and has the oldest, largest and healthiest Elm Trees in Ireland.  It has been remodeled and replanted and is a great place to go and relax, read a book, or have a picnic.  There is also a playground for the children to keep them amused.  There are also tennis courts and a water fountain.

Devonshire Bridge

Devonshire Bridge was built in the 1830's and is located near Causeway Park.  There was a causeway built at this time also to connect Abbeyside to Dungarvan town and this is where Causeway Park got its name.  By night, the bridge is lit up to emphasise the beautiful rich red stonework.

Dungarvan Museum

Dungarvan Museum is also known as Waterford County Museum and it traces the development of Dungarvan and the West Waterford area from the Ice Age through to the Norman, Medieval and Georgian periods.  There are brilliant pictures and explanations.  Contact telephone number is +353 58 45960.

Old Market House Arts Centre

This is the town's art gallery now, but it was once the medieval market for the Castle and locals.  There are 2 main art galleries downstairs which are showcased my 2 artists normally and then upstairs is where the local artists display their work.

The Quays and Harbour

The harbour is located at the mouth of the River Colligan and is always busy with boats belonging to locals and visitors being docked there.  Along the harbour, the restaurants and bars have outdoor seating where you can sit out and enjoy the views over the harbour.  There is another art gallery and the county library located on the quay walk which adds to the relaxing ambiance.

Clonea Strand Beach

The Beach is only a 5 minute drive away from Dungarvan town.  It is 2 miles long and is the only sandy beach for 30 miles in either direction along the south coast.  It is a blue flag beach so you can swim in it.  During the Summer months, there are life guards present.

Golfing in Dungarvan

There are 3 golf courses in Dungarvan and they are known as the Dungarvan Golf Triangle and if you play the 3 golf courses - you only need to pay for 2!

Things to see near Dungarvan

There are many places to go see and visit while you are staying in Dungarvan and are all within driving distance.  Here are a few examples: