Seventh day: Copper Coast

Hugging a bend in the River Suir, the elegant Georgian city of Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings in 914 AD. Go for a coffee and stroll through its center which shimmers with crystal and history in the cultural district of the Viking Triangle.

Driving south you come to the wild beach of Kilfarrasy, with its dark crooks of ancient rock. This is the start of the 16-mile Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, which for all its beauty and 460 million year old geology has slipped under the tourist radar. You’ll want to stop at every bend, strong promontory and lovely cliff-backed bay. At Knockmahon, see polygonal columns of rhyolite – the Giant’s Causeway of the coast – as well as at Bunmahon, the geological garden, with its “cursed stone” and Ogham stones reminiscent of the ancient language of Celtic saints.

Nestled against the walls of medieval Dungarvan Castle, The Moorings is an atmospheric harbour-side spot for a crisp fish lunch before heading back along the coast to catch the early evening ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard. Stand on the windy deck to watch the coast of Ireland fade away and Wales slip gently into view.

For more information on the Celtic Routes, which unite the landscapes, history and culture of Ireland and Wales, visit: celticroutes.info

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