With family connections spanning three generations, Hannah Stapleton breaks down the must-visit places in Ardmore Co. Waterford.
Me, my sister and my dad in Ardmore
Me and my Grandad in Ardmore
I’ve recently learnt the value of having a place that is your ‘home from home’. A place where time and responsibilities don’t exist (well, for the most part anyway).
Circa 60 years ago, my grandparents stumbled upon a small seaside haven, namely Ardmore in Co.Waterford. Three generations later, there is nowhere I would rather call home for the summer. The minute the weather changes (or when the final few weekends in April come around), we take to the roads and know summer is well and truly on its way.
Imagine heatwaves by the sea, fireside sessions, and friendships that stand the test of time, along with the odd celebrity sighting. In my opinion, Ardmore has all you need for the perfect summer staycation!
Here are my top recommendations…
The must-visit hotel…
The Cliff House Hotel, cliffhousehotel.ie
Described as one of the finest small luxury hotels in Ireland, the Cliff House Hotel has everything you need for the perfect stay. Nestled on the edge of a cliff (quite literally), and featuring breathtaking views, a stunning spa, and a Michelin star restaurant – what more can you ask for?
The unmissable local shop…
Ardmore Pottery and Gallery, ardmorepottery.com
Inspired by the rhythms and colours of the sea, Ardmore Pottery is the perfect gift, or even treat for yourself! Also stocking a stunning array of products, a browse in here and a sneak at the views is the perfect afternoon activity!
The first date hotspot…
Urchin Bar and Adventures, urchin.ie
This casual bar is perfect for any form of date night, not just a first date. Imagine a summer evening, in a beer garden with a cocktail in hand – simply sublime! With live music on the weekends, Urchin Bar and Adventures is the perfect date hotspot. Also offering a loft that sleeps 12, and adventures on the stunning Ardmore Bay, you have all you need in one place, with activities from kayaking and paddleboarding to banana boat trips. Add some adventure to your trip with a visit to Urchin Bar and Adventures!
The best pub…
Keevers Village Pub
My second favourite pub in Ireland – my local will never leave the top spot! Keevers is your typical ‘old Irish pub.’ The perfect place for a good pint, and some reminiscing on years gone by. Time truly does stand still here. This is the perfect place for some quiet evening drinks, and to meet some of Ardmore’s wonderful locals.
The best meal…
Whitehorses Restaurant, Shipmates
Best known for their fish and lobster, Whitehorses Restaurant is the number one foodie favourite in Ardmore. The perfect place for any occasion. If you are looking for a quick bite – check out Shipmates, for some of the best fish and chips in the Sunny South East!
The best walk…
The Cliff Walk
Possibly my favourite part of Ardmore. The Ardmore cliff walk is a loop of approximately 3.5k – throw in the beach back and forth and you should hit 5k! Grab a coffee, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You might even spot some seals if you’re lucky!
The best coffee…
The Garden Kitchen Cafe, @thegardenkitchencafe
I have vivid memories of sitting here, eating a lovely breakfast, coffee in hand, scowling, having missed out on Coldplay tickets for the 4th time that week. I now apologise to anyone who looked at me that day! The joys of working from home and being only a short journey away from The Garden Kitchen Cafe meant that, many a summer’s day, I would treat myself to an iced latte and sometimes a sweet treat too! The breakfast and lunch here is also to die for!
The best cocktail…
Cliff Spicy Mojito, The Cliff House Hotel, cliffhousehotel.ie
In my eyes, spice and a Mojito shouldn’t work, but it does, and it works well! One of my favourite memories of last summer took place in the Cliff House Hotel indulging in some cocktails with my mam. Not a regular occurrence, but the weather could not be ignored. The views were simply breathtaking, and the sunset, possibly the best I have ever encountered in all my years. Of course, I had to take some pictures to remember!
Book an appointment at…
Solas na Mara, solasnamara.ie
Known for their seaweed baths, Sólás na Mara is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Located in nearby Helvick, a mere 25-minute drive from Ardmore, this is a must-do!
Spend the day by…
Doing absolutely nothing
Well, not really, but kind of! I think the joy of being beside the sea means that time moves differently than normal. Don’t give yourself an itinerary, simply go with the flow! We say that time moves differently in Ardmore, embrace that!
The local secret…
The Cliff Walk, backwards
Beautifully picturesque either way, but doing the Cliff Walk backwards may be even more beautiful – we find that doing the walk backwards has better views, and is actually a little bit easier – not that it is hard though!
Photography by Hannah Stapleton, The Cliff House Hotel, Urchin Bar and Adventures and Ardmore Pottery & Gallery.
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