4 Exciting Things to Do in Ardmore, Waterford
It’s time for a Seaside Adventure.
As a luxury seaside hotel, we love to encourage our guests to engage with the great outdoors and the various leisure activities nearby. Cliff House Hotel is home to the Michelin starred House restaurant, our clifftop Restaurant and Bar. We are also home to our multi-award winning The Well by the Sea spa. However, Cliff House Hotel is not only a haven for food and luxury lovers but it is also a top destination for outdoor lovers and those with a sense of adventure!
1. The cliff walk
Dripping in Irish heritage, this is a unique 4km walk with beautiful seascapes and breathtaking views. Beginning just outside our door, this walk will take you less than an hour to complete. The route takes you around Ardmore Head and Ram’s Head, passing the Sampson wreck and Father O’Donnell’s Well.
2. Sea swimming
Dip your toe into the exhilaration of sea swimming. So good for us that some doctors are even prescribing it, sea swimming is made easy and accessible in Ardmore. So much so, Ardmore Beach holds a Blue Flag award for excellent water quality and environmental management.
As a seaside hotel, we make the most of our coastal location by encouraging guests to engage with the great outdoors.
3. urchin bar
A new addition to Ardmore, we are so excited by the newest, coolest bar in town. Urchin is a funky new beach-inspired bar serving local drinks and signature cocktails! With a beach-side entrance, and a large outdoor area opening out onto Ardmore Beach, it is the perfect spot for a post-swim drink.
4. urchin Adventures
urchin Adventures offer real adventure activities in unspoiled natural locations. Activities include Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, White Water Kayaking. Join the Adventure!
We want to make it easy for everybody to access and experience the natural unspoiled beauty of the Irish outdoors. Keeping your safety and wellbeing a priority, we provide the best equipment available to ensure you get the most from your adventure.
5. ST Declan's Well and Ardmore Round Tower
Located at the end of the Cliff Walk, St Declan used this holy well as his Baptistry in the 4th century and the ruins of a small church that were built in his honour still stand. The round tower stands around 30 metres high, and is decorated with unusually decorative strips at the level of the individual storeys. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved round towers in Ireland.
Ardmore Pottery & Gallery
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, Ardmore Pottery & Gallery is a must-visit destination that beautifully blends art, craftsmanship, and coastal charm. Established in 1983 by Mary Lincoln, this family-run studio showcases hand-thrown earthenware inspired by the sea’s hues and textures. Beyond Mary’s signature pieces, the gallery features works from over 150 Irish artists, offering everything from ceramics and knitwear to jewellery and paintings.
Whether you’re seeking a unique gift or a serene spot to appreciate Irish artistry, this gallery captures the spirit of Ardmore’s creative community.