Dungarvan

Dungarvan is a destination in Munster, Ireland.

Dungarvan is the county town of Waterford, a harbour town at the mouth of the River Colligan on Waterford's west coast. Its Georgian centre, covered market, and waterfront pubs give it an appealing character. Dungarvan is the western gateway to the Copper Coast Geopark, a UNESCO-recognised stretch of coastline with spectacular rock formations and sandy beaches.

The most practical way to reach Dungarvan is by car, with good road connections from the surrounding area. Regional bus services may also serve the town, though schedules can be limited on weekends. The nearest airport is typically Shannon (SNN) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), depending on the specific location.

Dungarvan is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended.

The Quays and old town centre are on the west bank of the river. They're colourful but traffic-choked and interspersed with modern buildings, so you don't get an old town atmosphere.

Dungarvan Castle ,

Castle St X35 DV58 ,

☏

+353 58 48144 .

May-Sep daily 10AM-6PM .

This is a polygonal 12th-century "shell keep" founded by Prince (later King) John in 1185. It replaced a motte-and-bailey and represents an early phase of Norman military architecture. When they replaced the previous timber palisade with masonry, they didn't trust the foundations to support the sort of massive curtain walls that later became the Norman style; so a high but lightweight shell of a wall was built with timber supports within. (England's Windsor Castle is of similar design.) There's also a corner tower and gate tower. In the 18th century a barracks was built within. This was burned down by the IRA in 1922 but rebuilt and acted as a police base until 1987; it now houses an exhibition on the castle history.

Free .   ( updated Jul 2025 )

Waterford War Memorial is on Castle St just south of the castle. It's a simple black slab listing the many men of this county killed in the Great War. It's qui

Movies @ Dungarvan is a multiplex cinema next to the shopping centre.

Old Market House Arts Centre is on Lower Main Street.

Go walkies in Colligan Woods 5 km north of town. Follow R672 (signed for Clonmel), which crosses N72 for Lismore at the monument to Master McGrath (1866-1873). "Lead on, bold Britannia, give none of your jaw, stuff that up your nostrils, says Master McGrath" . . . and on and on went the stirring ballad. No, not a child revolutionary martyr: Dicksy (as he was better known) was a champion greyhound, winning the Waterloo Cup three times and a pile of money for his aristocratic owner, and being taken to see Queen Victoria.

Deise Greenway is a 46 km walking and cycling route along an old railway track. It heads west from Waterford along the south bank of the River Suir, alongside the WSV Railway as far as Kilmeadan. It continues west then south cross-country, with impressive viaducts at Kilmacthomas and Durrow and a tunnel plus viaduct at Ballyvoyle. It reaches the coast at Clonea then turns west for the last 6 km into Dungarvan, so this is a good route from town to beach.

Gaelic games: the County GAA team's main stadium is Walsh Park in Waterford, but

Tannery ,

10 Quay St X35 XN99

( opposite castle ),

☏

+353 58 45420 .

W- Sa 5:30-9PM, Su 12:30-3PM .

Highly rated modern Irish cuisine. They also run the chic Townhouse B&B round the corner.   ( updated Jul 2025 )

Crew's Restaurant ,

27 Church St X35 HW13

( opposite castle ),

☏

+353 58 23422 .

W-Sa noon-3PM, 5-9PM, Su 12:30-9PM .

Popular steak and seafood place, with veggie and GF options. They also have accommodation.   ( updated Jul 2025 )

Interlude ,

Davitts Quay X35 X890 ,

☏

+353 58 45898 .

Tu-Sa 10:30AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-8PM .

Friendly informal cafe and restaurant on the quay.   ( updated Jul 2025 )

Indian Ocean ,

Davitts Quay X35 NN59

( by the castle ),

☏

+353 58 48495 .

M-Th 3-11PM, F-Su 1-11PM .

All the standard Indian dishes plus a few European options. If it's sunny you can dine outside on the quay.   ( updated Jul 2025 )

The Moorings ,

Davitts Quay X35 Y409 ,

☏

+353 58 41461 .

Daily noon-11PM .

Straightforward bar food but it earns consistently good reviews. They also have B&B and self-catering accommodation.   ( updated Jul 2025 )

Ming's Court on Davitts Quay is open M W-F 4:30-10:30PM, Sa 1-11PM, Su 10A

Pubs in town centre and the quay include Merrys, Moorings (both above), Lady Belle, The Anchor, Downey's, Foley's, The Local , Nagle's, Enterprise Bar, Quealy's and Tír Na nÓg.

Dungarvan Brewing Company produces Black Rock Stout and a dozen other ales. Tours are available in summer: they're on Westgate Business Park behind the fire station.

Lawlor's Hotel ,

Bridge St X35 DT04 ,

☏

+353 58 41122 .

Simple modern hotel, friendly service but some rooms are small and drab. With restaurant and bar.

B&B double €28

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Dungarvan Shopping Centre is in town centre.

There's a retail park on the main road north of town centre. Lidl supermarket is open M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 9AM-9PM.

Nearby towns and natural attractions are within easy reach by car. Public transport connections are available to major cities in the region.