With the vagaries of Irish weather we have to grab the opportunities to get outdoors whenever we can. So here are some of the best outdoor places in Waterford to get out with your kids and enjoy the best the county has to offer.

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Waterford has plenty of fabulous outdoor places, we’re spoiled for beaches but there are some other cool spots to take the kids to.

Outdoor Places in Waterford for Families

Fenor Bog

Designated as Waterford’s first national nature reserve in 2004, it is rich in flora and fauna and is the unique habitat of many rare plants, birds and butterflies.

A raised walkway through the bog and picnic area makes it a great place for a day out and a picnic.

Saleens Beach

Saleens Beach is a long sandy beach, great for a picnic, NB not suitable for swimming. To find the beach, on the road out from Waterford City, take a left at the exit for Dunmore, you will pass a tiny country pub on the left and the turn for Saleens is on the right about a mile past the pub.

Copper Coast European Geopark

The Copper Coast Geopark is one of 42 designated European Geoparks in Europe, one of the 77 Global Geoparks and it is the only one in the Republic of Ireland.

There are lots of walks within the Copper Coast Geopark and you can download the trails with maps and photos and explore the Copper Coast by yourself. There are also guided walks in the summer months.

Faithlegg Forest Walk

Faithlegg and Minaun Hill offer walks and spectacular views with a picnic site.

Ardmore Cliff Walk

The 5 km walk begins just after the Cliff House hotel car park, follow the road to where it becomes a path leading down to old ruins. The walk brings you along cliff-top paths, minor roads and laneways past Ardmore Round Tower, one of the best preserved in Ireland, a 12th Century Cathedral and a lookout post with stunning coastal scenery.

Waterford Beaches

Waterford is famous for its beaches. Here are some of our favourites:

Tramore

5 km of golden, sandy beach with surfing, sailing, sea kayaking.

Dunmore East

A Blue Flag beach where you can swim or snorkel in the sheltered and picturesque coves.

Counsellors Strand

A south facing beach between the red sandstone cliffs is the most popular beach with both the locals and tourists alike. The beach is lifeguarded throughout the bathing season

Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoors places in Waterford to take the kids in Waterford that is free? Tell us in the comments below.