Copper Coast Geopark

Copper Coast

The Copper Coast in County Waterford, which stetches for roughly 25km of the county's coastline.

Image courtesy of Waterford County Library

Copper Coast
Image courtesy of Waterford County Library

Copper Coast

The Copper Coast in County Waterford, which stetches for roughly 25km of the county's coastline.

Image courtesy of Waterford County Library

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The Copper Coast Geopark lies between Garrarus and Ballyvoyle Head and is one of a network of 32 European and 52 global sites of geological interest. The panoramic seascapes, cliffs, bays and beaches are considered an ‘outdoor geology museum’, reflecting the various environments under which the area developed over the past 460 million years. In recognition of the Copper Coast’s outstanding volcanic geology and significant history of the old copper mining (after which the coast is named), it was awarded European Geopark in 2001 and UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004.

The five communities of Fenor, Annestown, Boatstrand, Bunmahon, and Stradbally that lie along this coast and are involved in management plans to develop sustainable geotourism in the area.

Flora & Fauna

The Copper Coast supports a huge flora community of typical coastal species: Sea Holly, Sea Aster, thrift, Sea Bindweed, Sea Campion. Lady’s bedstraw, Sheep’s-bit Scabious, Red Clover and Kidney Vetch are also found. In the bog areas, willowherb, alder, willow, Marsh Cinquefoil, Bog Cotton, Cuckoo Flower, buttercup, and sundews are more typical.

Purpoises and Grey Seals are often spotted along the Copper Coast, as well as the smaller water creatures such as limpets, periwinkle, mussel, barnacle and dog whelp. While there are 28 butterflies recorded in Co. Waterford, the peacock and Orange Tip are the most common along this stretch of coastline. There is also a notable seabird colony at the Copper Coast, with populations of chough, fulmar, gannet, Herring Gull, kestrel, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, oystercatcher and many other species.