Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre
Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre
Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre
4.5
About
Discover the magic of the UNESCO Copper Coast Geopark which stretches along Waterford's rugged coastline from Tramore to Dungarvan. Internationally recognised for its' unique geological heritage and the naturally stunning geological formations of the coastline with its undisturbed and raw beauty. Explore the hidden coves and soft, golden beaches which tell the story of the transformation from deep ocean floor to deserts over 460 million years ago. Begin your discovery at the Copper Coast Global Geopark Visitor Centre where our friendly staff are ready to welcome you. Our Geological and Mining Heritage Exhibition is suitable for all ages and abilities. There are a range of trails and activities suitable for families, sight seekers, culture enthusiasts and adventurers. Join us on a journey of discovery as you lose yourself in the sense of place of Waterford's Copper Coast Geopark. Groups are catered for by appointment, please book in advance. The Copper Coast Gift Shop has a range of exclusive Irish local crafts and souvenirs. And if you love food like we do our Cafe is the perfect setting to treat yourself to sumptuous and decadent cakes or wholesome lunches using fresh local ingredients. Or simply while away the hours over a glass of wine and a good book.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
90 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
27
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
2
C_and_H_11
Dublin, Ireland781 contributions
Sept 2021
We had been here previously to visit the museum but pleasantly surprised to find a lovely little cafe within, so we headed back there again when in the area. We were not disappointed, as the food was as good as ever & the gorgeous bakes are freshly made on site by the lady who runs the cafe. It's housed within an old church but very well renovated & adapted to purpose. There's lots of interesting information regarding the mines & the area in general there to check out. The Copper Coast drive has great panoramic views all along the coastline, so definitely worth a visit when in the area.
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TonyC_Austin
Austin, TX367 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The drive along the copper coast is beautiful and there are a number of nice places to stop in coves, beaches and viewpoints. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find a coffee shop, restaurant or bar along this route. Strange given it being promoted as a tourist attraction.
Written 27 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RosineB
Dublin, Ireland181 contributions
June 2021
We visited the Visitor Centre during the week. The lady running the centre was very welcoming and full of information. We walked around the centre for about 20 minutes then had coffee and cakes and sat in the sun outside at one of the tables. It was a lovely stop for an hour or so.
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Lyon, France2,062 contributions
Sept 2019
We dropped into the Copper Coast Geopark visitor centre for a break and something to eat while travelling along the scenic southern coast of Ireland in County Waterford. The centre is located in a former church. which is well restored and equipped with a cosy café, an exhibition on the local Copper mine, complete with equipment memorabilia, archaeological archaeological ordnance survey maps and photos on the wall. This was a significant mining area during the 19th century, which has left an appreciable cultural heritage.
We had homemade vegetable soup and freshly prepared sandwiches on the benches outside, followed by coffee with apple pie - all quite tasty.
We enjoyed the spectacular scenery and autumn foliage as we drove along by the Copper Coast Geopark, extending from Stradbally in the west to Kilfarrasy in the east, a trip of about 10 miles. A quietly memorable experience.
We had homemade vegetable soup and freshly prepared sandwiches on the benches outside, followed by coffee with apple pie - all quite tasty.
We enjoyed the spectacular scenery and autumn foliage as we drove along by the Copper Coast Geopark, extending from Stradbally in the west to Kilfarrasy in the east, a trip of about 10 miles. A quietly memorable experience.
Written 11 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpottedEagleRay
Ireland20 contributions
Sept 2021 • Business
We got a brilliant geology and history tour of the geopark from Robbie and Bruce. They are extremely knowledgeable and engaging guides and our group thoroughly enjoyed our tour of to the geopark garden, Tankardstown mine, Trá na mBó and the geopark visitors centre. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the Copper Coast.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
faireview2011
Dublin, Ireland11 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
Gorgeous homemade sandwiches/panini, cakes and coffee. Dog friendly inside and outside. We prefer sitting outside as the setting is so beautiful and tranquil in the grounds of an old converted Anglican Church. The seating inside is a little too functional/canteen like for us. They serve alcohol if you fancied a glass of wine with your meal but we always opt for the San Pelligrino soft drinks or coffee. Really tasty food and great service, always friendly and accommodating.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne B
Chilliwack, Canada100 contributions
May 2022
We did not actually visit the center as it was closed the day we were there. Having said that the Copper Coast drive was well worth the trip. As well there were many places to stop along the way that gave information on the history of old. The scenic views were stunning for all of us to enjoy.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
Bolingbrook7 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
I recently visited Bunmahon in County Waterford Ireland in the hopes of learning more about my great grandparents who emigrated from there in 1863. Thanks to the graciousness and passion of two of the volunteers, Samantha and Billy, I came away with a deeply moving appreciation the lifestyle and struggles of the Copper Mining community in the mid 1800's and what my ancestors dealt with.
I strongly encourage visits to the Copper Coast and this Centre. I know that the volunteers will make you feel as welcome as I did.
I wish all involved great success in the future.
When you visit, take care not to fall in the mine shaft!!
I strongly encourage visits to the Copper Coast and this Centre. I know that the volunteers will make you feel as welcome as I did.
I wish all involved great success in the future.
When you visit, take care not to fall in the mine shaft!!
Written 30 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mike,
It was such a pleasure to meet you recently when you called in to our Visitor Centre in Bunmahon. Your journey of discovery of your family heritage and history is fascinating and it was an honour for Billy and myself to assist you. We hope you have made progress and learned more about their life's journey in Ireland before emigrating to the States.
I do hope you get an opportunity to future to come back to explore and enjoy the places your ancestors lived and worked. Wishing you every success with your research and journey.
Kind regards,
Samantha Richardson
Business Development Executive
Written 9 October 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bpam
Limerick, Ireland133 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Came across this area after deciding to take the coastal route from Tramore to Dungarvan and what a delight it was.
The weather was perfect and really added to the experience .Had never heard of this attraction, it should be better promoted .The views ,the many little inlets and the cliffs are worth taking time for .To cap it off we visited the visitors centre at Bunmahon.A lovely setting in an old restored church run by really delightful volunteers.So good to see this in such a commercial world.
The food is home made and you can have a snack or a meal . The coffee was really good and the selection of cakes excellent .Seats inside or outside in a quiet setting.
You can pay to go into the museum or just eat and read the leaflets and information about the copper coast inside the church.
The weather was perfect and really added to the experience .Had never heard of this attraction, it should be better promoted .The views ,the many little inlets and the cliffs are worth taking time for .To cap it off we visited the visitors centre at Bunmahon.A lovely setting in an old restored church run by really delightful volunteers.So good to see this in such a commercial world.
The food is home made and you can have a snack or a meal . The coffee was really good and the selection of cakes excellent .Seats inside or outside in a quiet setting.
You can pay to go into the museum or just eat and read the leaflets and information about the copper coast inside the church.
Written 14 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou so much for taking the time to give us such a fantastic review! We are delighted you enjoyed the stunning coastal drive from Dungarvan to Tramore and had the time to call in to our Visitor Centre in Bunmahon. We are very lucky to have had the opportunity to restore and renovate the beautiful former Church of Ireland whose last service was reputed to have taken place in 1937.
We are also delighted you enjoyed your lunch and cakes, which are sourced from local artisan food producers. Being a voluntary organisation, our social mission is to help facilitate employment through sustainable tourism and by supporting local arts, crafts and food producers. What sets the Copper Coast Geopark apart from other Global Geoparks is that it is a social enterprise managed by volunteers, many of whom are local and whose vision is for a thriving and sustainable community in the Copper Coast.
We do hope to see you again!
Many thanks,
Samantha Richardson
Business Development Executive
Written 8 October 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
happygolucky33
Naas, Ireland46 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
A lovely building in a stunning area. Really worth the drive from Waterford along the coast. Take time to stop and discover small coves etc...Samantha who works in the Centre is fantastic and very knowledgable and helpful. Great history.
Written 28 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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