Difficulty Rating : 6 Start : WATERFORD Finish : WATERFORD Terrain : Some hills. With the exception of the roads in and out of the larger towns, the traffic on the route should be quite light. Daily Average : 45 - 55km Weekly Average : 310km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : An area known as the "Sunny South East" a wonderful part of the country and a popular destination for Irish people on their holidays.
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Introducing our updated 2026 Copper Coast Tour, an inspiring blend of Ireland’s coastal grandeur and timeless charm—while still preserving all the favourite highlights that our cyclists have loved for years.  

This refreshed journey still makes its way to Dunmore East,  via the rugged Irish coast, where sweeping sea views and salt-tinged breezes set the tone for an unforgettable ride.  A night in Dunmore East is followed by a wonderful cycle along the beautiful Copper Coast to your overnight stop in Dungarvan.    The route then winds to the charming seaside village of Ardmore, known for its quiet coves, ancient round tower, and warm local hospitality. Further inland, the tour explores the medieval town of Lismore, where castle silhouettes, stone streets, and centuries of history enrich the experience at every turn.

From there, the cycle heads back towards Dungarvan for another night before finishing the tour on the celebrated Waterford Greenway, gliding through lush countryside, historic railway tunnels, and tranquil riverside trails.

As part of  Ireland’s “sunny southeast,” this part of Ireland soaks up more sunshine than most corners of the country.   Thoughtfully designed and beautifully paced, our 2026 edition keeps the best of what you’ve always loved, now elevated with fresh scenery, cultural discovery, and a lot more coastline!

Click here for the full itinerary : Copper Coast self guided 2026

Click here for the full itinerary : Copper Coast self guided 2026

A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Waterford

You will have been sent all your accommodation and bike rental details before departure.

Sitting in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s oldest city is a treasure-trove of ancient artefacts, elegant architecture and great local food.   Once you have checked into your accommodation you can then spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

Day 2

Waterford to Dunmore East ( 68kms )

The morning starts on quiet roads, towards the South Coast of Ireland. En route you pass the village Fethard and visit Baginbun beach where the Normans first landed in Ireland and on to Hook Head.  
Hook Lighthouse has been guarding the Maritime gate way to Irelands Ancient East for over 800 years.   It is the Oldest Intact Operational Lighthouse in the World.      
That afternoon you keep to the coast as much as possible, taking a short ferry ride across Passage East, that brings you ever closer to the beautiful seaside town and fishing port of Dunmore East where you spend the night.

Day 3

Dunmore East to Dungarvan (57 kms)

Your first stop today is the seaside village of Tramore where you can have a coffee and visit the beautiful Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

The cycle then brings you along the beautiful Copper Coast and inspiration for this tour. A stunning section of the Irish Coastline, it rolls up and down along an unspoilt shoreline. Although hilly in sections all climbs are worth the literally breathtaking views.

The last section of the cycle is on one of the few dedicated cycle paths in the area. Your night's destination is the attractive town of Dungarvan where you are spending two nights.

Day 4

Dungarvan to Ardmore (41kms)

The route now starts to deviate from our previous years as a shorter distance offers plenty of time to enjoy the coast.   
You can stop for a break in the attractive seaside village of Ring,   located  in an Irish Gaeltacht where Irish is still spoken by locals.  
The route continues onto your nights location of Ardmore,  winner of many awards, including the national title in the Tidy Towns Competition.

Ardmore is a very pleasant place to stay and enjoy the pubs and the excellent food in the restaurants.    There are also some lovely walks you can do in the area if you arrive early,   including a visit to one of Ireland’s best preserved round towers.

Day 5

Ardmore to Lismore ( 48kms )

Today you head initially to the seaside town of Youghal in County Cork where you can stop for a break.   From here you head inland back on quiet country roads to the beautiful Medieval town of Lismore.  

The small town is dominated by an impressive Medieval Castle.   Although the castle is private  the gardens at Lismore Castle   are open to the public, and they’re considered among Ireland’s oldest continually cultivated. 

Day 6

Lismore to Dungarvan (44kms)

The highlight for today is undoubtedly in the morning as you head towards the “Vee” mountain pass.   Although the planned cycle does not take you all the way to the top of the mountain pass ( although of course you can climb to the summit and re route back on the tour ! ) you will still be afforded some beautiful views.   

Your nights destination is back in the town of Dungarvan.

Day 7

Dungarvan to Waterford ( 50kms )

The old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature across eleven bridges, three impressive viaducts and a long atmospheric tunnel all the way from Dungarvan Bay to the River Suir.

Along this route in Ireland’s Ancient East is the site of a 9th century Viking settlement; the world renowned ornamental gardens at Mount Congreve; Waterford & Suir Valley narrow gauge heritage railway; former woollen mills and railway stations; and beautiful landscapes of the Comeragh Mountains.

  • 7 nights  accommodation with breakfast mix of 3 star hotels & guesthouses
  • Luggage transfer
  • GPS tracks
  • One printed set of route details and maps per booking
  • 24 hour service hotline

Bike Rental is not included in the basic tour price.
All rentals come with a pannier, lock and repair equipment
Hybrid Touring bike :  €110.00 
Electric bike                : €150.00

On a self-guided tour we will organize your bike hire, the accommodation and the luggage transfer. Your route details will be waiting for you in your first night’s accommodation. In the route details, you will also find recommendations for lunch stops and places to have dinner. You will set off by yourself and the luggage will be transferred to the next stop by our local taxi transfers. And should there be a day you won’t be able to cycle, it is possible to arrange a lift with the luggage transfer.

You can also contact us in the office (info@cyclingsafaris.com) or on our emergency number if you need assistance.

You can start the cycling tour on any day that suits you.

If you prefer to cycle with a support van and/or guide we are happy to send you a customized quote for this.

On a self guided tour it is possible to add extra days or shorten the trip if you wish to or we can customize the route for you.

Bike rental is not included in the basic tour price

You can rent a GIANT CITY bicycles for our tours
Bikes come in different sizes and in gents and ladies style frames.
It is very important you give us your height on booking so that we can allocate the correct bike to you.

You can also rent an E-Bike
We are using TREK VERVE ELECTRIC BIKE on this trip.
We offer small and medium-sized e-bikes. Recommended body heights for our e-bikes range from 160cm - 183 cm.

Looking at a scale from 1 - 10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest) we are giving this tour 6 points.

The average daily cycling distance is between 40 - 60 km

There are some hills to climb on this tour so we would recommend that you do try to do some cycling before the tour in order to make your week more enjoyable, if possible do it on varied terrain and include some hill climbing.

With the exception of the roads in and out of the larger towns, the traffic on the route should be quite light.

The route is sent to you on a gps format before the tour, but you need to bring your own device.

We would seriously recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and/or a gel saddle cover that will definitely make your day’s cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment. You can also bring your own saddle which we should be able to attach to our bikes.
We do provide pannier bags so you can bring your own. Otherwise, you may prefer to use a daypack and there are back carriers on each bike for this purpose.
We do not provide rain gear so be sure to bring your own lightweight waterproofs.
Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses, sun hat as well as a bathing suit for that refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Our touring bikes don’t have lights – no problem on the long summer evenings, but if you are traveling in May or September, please bring your own light or high-visibility vest.
Finally, if you wish to use toe clips please bring your own pedals with toe clips which we can attach to our bikes (the pedals on our bikes do not accommodate toe clips)

You have the option of booking different room types:
Double room = Room with one big bed for two people
Twin room = Room with two single beds for two people

Single room = Room with one single bed
Triple room = Room with one double and one single for three people OR room with three single beds

Family room = Room with one double and two single beds
If the room type you would like to book is not listed on the booking form, you can specify this in the section "other detai

On this tour you will be staying in Waterford, Dunmore East, Dungarvan, Ardmore & Lismore.

On request, we can upgrade the accommodation.

To confirm you onto our tour, we require a deposit of 300 euro per person.
After your initial booking request, we will be in touch with payment details.

The remaining balance for the cycling tour will be due 60 days prior tour start.

Should you wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written
notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including
surcharges as follows:
60 days before departure – retention of deposit
60-14 days before departure – 50%
14 days before departure – 100%

To claim the balance back, you need to send the details on to your travel insurance who should reimburse you. Please make sure that your travel insurance covers the costs for unforeseen cancellation before signing up.

Great tour - great variety in terrain, scenery and places of interest. Really enjoyed a guided walk in Dungarvan.

Clare G. (Copper Coast self led )

2026 SELF GUIDED TOUR PRICE
€1260 per person sharing in May, June & September
€   70 per person high season supplement in July and August
€ 380 single room supplement (if travelling with others)
€ 280 solo tour supplement (if travelling alone on a self guided tour)

Bike Rental  
€110  24 speed touring bike
€150  E-bike

Self Guided Tour Information

Self guided tours are available from 16th April to 1st October and can start any day of the week.

How to get to Waterford City:
Dublin is the best airport to fly into as has the best transport options to Waterford

From Dublin → Waterford

  • Train — Take a direct train from Dublin Heuston to Waterford’s Plunkett Station. Journey takes ~ 2 h 20–2 h 30. For more details on the train visit IrishRail

  • Car / Driving — Driving from Dublin to Waterford takes around 1 h 45–2 h depending on traffic via motorway (M9/M7)

  • Bus  -  There is a bus service direct from the airport to Waterford city available (Check JJKavanagh Coach for more info) Alternatively, take the Airlink shuttle service into Dublin city and transfer to get direct bus/train to Waterford
    For more details on buses visit Dublin Coach 

Below are the hotels / guesthouses that we typically use on this Safari...

WATERFORD

Dooley’s Hotel in Waterford City offers warm Irish hospitality with modern comfort right in the heart of the historic Viking Triangle. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing Waterford’s vibrant culture.

DUNMORE EAST

 The Strand Inn in Dunmore East offers breathtaking sea views, warm hospitality, and a perfect blend of coastal charm and comfort. It’s a perfect place to relax for the evening.

 

DUNGARVAN

The Park Hotel is a real treat. Over looking the river with a fantastic restaurant and bar its easy to enjoy an evening here. Also the is sauna and a swimming pool too if you want to unwind after a day on the bike.

DUNGARVAN image 1DUNGARVAN image 1

ARDMORE

Staying at the Round Tower Hotel in Ardmore offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with stunning views of the Waterford coastline. Its cozy rooms and friendly service make it an ideal base for exploring the village’s historic charm and seaside beauty.

LISMORE

You can enjoy the elegant tranquility of Ballyrafter House in Lismore, where historic charm meets modern comfort. Immerse yourself in breathtaking woodland views, warm hospitality.

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

Book now

Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

Third person details

Fourth person details

Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

Ninth person details

 

Tenth person details

 

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Accommodation

There are a few options available for your accommodation.
Please select your preference below

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Other Information

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.