🌊 Guided Coastal Walk: Exploring the Eroding Geological and Cultural Heritage of Bunmahon Head
Sunday 16th August
10:30am – 11:30am
Carpark at western end of Bunmahon Beach Templeyvrick Co. Waterford
Join us for a guided walk exploring the rich geological and archaeological heritage of Bunmahon Head and discover how climate change is affecting the Copper Coast’s precious coastal heritage. Delivered in partnership with the Discovery Programme, Copper Coast Geopark and Waterford County Museum, this walk will be led by archaeologist Dr Edward Pollard and geologist Robbie Galvin, who will provide a insight into the changing coastal landscape and the impacts of erosion. The cliffs around Bunmahon are undergoing significant erosion, revealing and threatening evidence of thousands of years of history.
Along the route, we will explore how this landscape has evolved, from ancient volcanic lavas and the Old Red Sandstone conglomerates that form the cliffs, to archaeological remains including ogham stones, Iron Age promontory forts, a Napoleonic signal tower and the legacy of nineteenth-century copper mining. The walk will also examine how ongoing coastal change is reshaping the landscape and placing this remarkable heritage increasingly at risk.
The walk is approximately 2 km return and will last around one hour. We will meet at 10:30 am on 16 August in the car park at the western end of Bunmahon Beach before walking approximately 20 minutes along the cliff to Bunmahon Head. This is a relatively easy walk but includes sections of uneven, rocky and potentially muddy ground. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather. As there are unprotected cliff edges along the route, participants should take care at all times.
Further Information – The Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland
🔥 Iron Smelting Demonstration
Saturday 15th August
11:00am – 4:00pm
Tankardstown Copper Mine, Knockmahon, Bunmahon Co Waterford
Join Irish Bloomery Iron for a live Iron Smelting Demonstration and experience the ancient art of producing iron using traditional bloomery techniques. Watch as the team transforms bog ore into iron using a hand-built clay furnace, charcoal, and hand-operated leather bellows.
Throughout the day, the demonstrators will explain each stage of the smelting process, answer questions, and share the history and science behind this remarkable ancient technology. Major demonstration moments take place approximately every 2½ hours, including the dramatic extraction and forging of the iron bloom, with plenty of opportunities in between to chat with the team and learn more.
⛏️ Geoheritage Mining Tour
Thursday 20th August
11:00am – 12.30pm
Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, Bunmahon Co Waterford
Join us for a guided Geoheritage Mining Tour led by geologist Robbie Galvin. On this 1.5–2-hour walking tour, you will walk through Ireland’s only outdoor geological timeline, learning how the Earth’s forces shaped the landscape, why the Copper Coast is recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, where the copper boom shaped a community, and what happened when the ore ran out.
The tour begins at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre in Bunmahon and takes you on a fascinating walk to the stunning geological site of Trá na mBó. A moderate level of fitness is required, and sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tour may be cancelled in the event of adverse weather.
Parking is limited at the Visitor Centre. Additional parking is available at the larger car park beside the playground in Bunmahon, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre.
🌸 Garden Open Day – Come and See Our Dahlia Collection
Sunday 23rd August
12.00pm – 3.00pm
Copper Coast
Eircode: X42 CH59
Come and see over 100 different dahlias, with varieties from the UK, Holland, Canada, America, Belgium, Germany, Latvia and France.
A chance to enjoy the garden, see some beautiful and unusual dahlias, swap plants and share knowledge with other dahlia enthusiasts.
Refreshments will be available to purchase on the day from Serenella Capelli of the Copper Coast Café.
