Waterford's Best Swim Spots

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my first blog in my series Blaa blogs.

Waterford is located on the coastline of the sunny southeast. This allows us access to the beautiful sea right at our doorstep. I think for everyone in Waterford we forget how important of a role these beaches play from summers in Dunmore east and a spin out to Tramore and Christmas day swims.

For all the swimmers that can endure the cold Irish sea here are 2 of the best swim spots that makes you wonder are you really in Waterford.

One of my all-time favourites is ballymacaw. Ballymacaw is located along the Dunmore east costal walk, a hidden gem it’s in a sheltered cove with calm almost clear like water. In ballymacaw you can choose to walk in from the stoney beach or take a nature walk along the cliff that brings you down to the middle of the cove where this is opportunity for jumping of a small pier. Although hidden you might not be alone ballymacaw is often visited by friendly seals that love to observe happy swimmers. Always make sure to check tide times before making the drive out if you’re looking to jump

The swim spots that probably most famous in Waterford and rightly so is the guillameane in Tramore. I can’t mention the Guillameane and not give ode to Newtown cove. 5 minutes from Tramore beach along a beautiful and scary costal road you will find the Guillaume and newton cove either side of a shared carpark. They both share very similar properties but there has always been a divide which is the better place to swim.

The guillameane is down a long set narrow steps where you might see people fishing on the rocks. The atmosphere you get when you reach the bottom is friendly and relaxed, if made your regular swim spot you will start to see the same heads who never miss a day. The guillameane offers many options of getting in the water which is always the hardest part. There are steps that you can walk into the water or a little path the has a ladder which you can lower yourself into, and for the daredevils there is a diving board best used a high tide. From the guillameane you can see all along Tramore’s coast you can see the amusements the beach the surfers and you can also hear the Dooley’s chips calling your name! The nicest thing I find about the guillameane is that it gives a feel that youy are swimming out in the open sea but also close enough to land where you feel safe

As for Newtown cove before you even walk down the steps you are greeted with a fantastic view of the metal man. On your way down you will pass the picnic benches and also the barbeque areas in the summer which are packed with people. Newtown has a stoney beach that you can walk into the water by it has a little slip that if you want to acclimatize yourself to the freezing but refreshing water you can also jump off the edge of the pier if you want to take a leap of faith. With low tide it is also possible to explore the scattered small caves. One of the best parts about Newtown is the there is amble places to pop your clothes down so after the swim you can begin the race to get warm!

If you are a sea swimmer and like to try out different places or just visiting, I hope these places make your list! 

Chat soon