Activities
EquestrianThe region has a number of stud farms (one of the largest a few minutes drive away), and a racecourse at Waterford (Tel. +353 (0)51 381425). Riding lessons can be booked in advance for all ages at the Colligan Equestrian Centre (Tel. +353 (0)58 68261) and there is a treking and trial riding centre at Ballymacarby (Tel. +353 (0)52 36147).
Fishing
The Blackwater is internationally famed for its salmon fishing. The coastline offers many opportunities for shore fishing (bass and flounder are common) and there are a number of signposts indicating the common species caught in the area. There is rock fishing at Helvick and Ardmore Head where, wrasse, conger, pollock, codling, coalfish and mackerel etc are caught. Chartering boats and deep sea fishing can be arranged from Dungarvan harbour via Dungarvan Charter Boats. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the local tourist board.
Walking
There are short (various up to 8km) forest and river walks directly from the accommodation. Around Dungarvan there is the famine walk (3.5km) River walks (Brickey, Glensheelane etc), hill walks. My own favourite is along the sandy spit 'An Connigear' which stretches from the southern side of the bay almost into Dungarvan itself. Under development is a walk along the old Dungarvan to Waterford railway. There are also a number of beautiful coastal walks along the Copper Coast. For the more adventurous hillwalker the neighbouring Comeragh and Monavullagh mountains contain seven peaks over 2000ft. while the nearby Galtee and Knockmealdown mountains have a further seven peaks over 2000ft. An interesting historic trail beautifully illustrated in Siobhan Lincoln's book is the old ecclastical trail from Ardmore to Cashel, a distance of some 100kms.
Boating
Boat trips up the Blackwater can be organised through Youghal tourist office, or you can take a leisurely canoe paddle along what many have described as Irelands Rhine. For those wanting to go offshore, charter boats available from Dungarvan. You can also explore the islands and caves along the coast by kayak or do a course with seapaddling.com.
Golf
There are three excellent golf courses within a 15-20min drive. See:- Dungarvan Golf Club set against the backdrop of the Comeragh mountains and adjacent to Dungarvan Bay is a championship parkland course; Gold Coast Golf Club (Tel. +353 (0)58 44055) is an 18 hole par 72 course and the West Waterford Golf Club, some 5km from Dungarvan is also an 18 hole par 72 course.
Swimming
Swimming is possible from most beaches (although please read local information signs), most popular (but rarely crowded) are Clonea and Ardmore which offer extensive areas of sandy beach. For wet days there are leisure centres at the Clonea Strand, Gold Coast and Part hotels, which offer swimming, bowling and a variety of other activities.
Gardens
There are many delightful gardens in the area ranging from the formal layout of Lismore Castle and Gardens which also has an art gallery and spectacular sculptings through the grounds providing many photo opportunities, Cappoquin House built on the site of an old castle with super views over the Blackwater river, to award winning private gardens which open for limited periods during the summer.
Bird Watching
Ornithologically, Dungarvan is the most important area in the County particularly in winter when vast numbers of waders and wild fowl use the mud flats for feeding and roosting. Dungarvan is internationally important for the number of wintering Brent Geese and Black tailed Godwits. It is also an important stop over point for many wader species.
Diving
Diving off the Waterford coastline can be organised by Dungarvan Charter Boats or by Ardmore Diving.