Looking for an action-packed thing to do in Waterford? Dunmore Adventure offers a huge choice of water and land-based activities from its base overlooking the harbour in the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East.
From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to sailing, climbing, high ropes, archery and the Wibit Aquapark, there are activities for children, teenagers, adults, families and groups. For visitors who would rather explore the coastline without getting quite so active, there’s also a Sea Safari along the Waterford and Wexford coast.
What is Dunmore Adventure?
Dunmore Adventure is an adventure activity centre located at The Harbour, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.
The centre provides a mixture of water sports, outdoor adventures and indoor activities, allowing visitors to build anything from a single activity into a much bigger adventure experience.
Activities currently advertised include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), sailing, Sea Safari boat trips, Wibit Aquapark, climbing, high ropes, archery, caving, Ninja Warrior and Tomb Laser.
This variety makes Dunmore Adventure particularly useful for families and groups where everyone may not want to do the same thing.
Kayaking in Dunmore East
One of the best ways to see Dunmore East is from the water.
Guided kayaking sessions take visitors into the sheltered waters around Dunmore East, with opportunities to explore the coastline and hidden coves while learning basic paddling and steering skills.
Beginners are welcome, with a safety briefing and instruction provided before taking to the water. Sit-on kayaks are used, and wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets are supplied.
Kayaking sessions are suitable from age seven, although children aged seven and eight must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants must be able to swim to take part in water activities.
Take a Sea Safari
For a completely different view of Waterford’s coastline, Dunmore Adventure operates its Sea Safari.
The guided boat trip explores the Waterford and Wexford coastline, combining coastal scenery with stories of Vikings and smugglers and opportunities to encounter some of the marine life found around the coast.
It’s a particularly good option for visitors who want to experience the coast without taking part in one of the more physically demanding activities.
The centre also advertises selected boat trips to see cruise ships visiting Dunmore East during the summer season.
Wibit Aquapark
If your idea of a good day out involves getting wet and probably falling into the water at some point, check out the Wibit Aquapark.
The floating inflatable obstacle course is one of Dunmore Adventure’s signature attractions and features prominently across its family activities and summer programmes.
It’s not just for children either – adults can get involved too.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding – better known as SUP – provides another way to get onto the water.
It’s an activity that combines balance, coordination and plenty of opportunities for fun, particularly when undertaken as part of a group.
Dunmore Adventure includes SUP among its regular activities as well as within its summer camp and group programmes.
Sailing
Dunmore East’s maritime setting makes sailing a natural part of the adventure offering.
Dunmore Adventure provides sailing activities as well as dedicated summer sailing camps.
For visitors who have always wanted to experience sailing, Dunmore East is a pretty spectacular place to start.
Prefer to Stay on Dry Land?
You don’t have to go into the sea to enjoy Dunmore Adventure.
There is a substantial selection of land-based activities including:
- Climbing
- High ropes
- Archery
- Caving
- Ninja Warrior
- Tomb Laser
The climbing facilities include eight indoor climbing walls designed to provide different levels of difficulty. The current Summit Challenge combines climbing with high ropes in a 90-minute activity suitable from age seven.
The range of land activities also makes the centre useful when planning activities for groups containing people with different interests.
ThrillQuest
One of the newer additions is ThrillQuest, a land-based adventure experience aimed at birthdays, sports teams, youth groups, friends and other groups.
Participants choose two land activities, with options including Ninja Warrior, archery, climbing, high ropes, caving and Tomb Laser.
The experience is suitable for children, teenagers and adults from age seven, with minimum group requirements applying.
Is Dunmore Adventure Good for Families?
Yes.
Dunmore Adventure is particularly well suited to families because of the number and variety of activities available.
Many activities are available from age seven, although individual age, height, swimming and supervision requirements apply depending on the activity.
Families can choose a single activity or potentially make Dunmore Adventure part of a full day exploring Dunmore East.
Summer Camps
Dunmore Adventure also runs extensive summer camp programmes for children and teenagers.
Programmes include:
Starfish: ages 5–6
Sharks: ages 7–10
Trailblazers: ages 11–13
Teen Adventure Skills Week: ages 14–17
Activities vary according to programme and age and are subject to change but can include kayaking, SUP, sailing, Wibit, climbing, archery, high ropes, caving, team challenges and other adventure activities.
Parents should check the individual camp requirements carefully, particularly swimming requirements for programmes involving water activities.
School Tours and Groups
Dunmore Adventure is also a major option for school tours, youth groups and larger organised groups.
The centre can accommodate groups of up to 200 people in a day, with participants divided into smaller activity groups.
Half-day and full-day school programmes are available, combining activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, Wibit, caving, climbing and archery.
Do You Need Previous Experience?
For many of the activities, no previous experience is necessary.
Instruction and supervision are provided, making Dunmore Adventure accessible to people trying an adventure activity for the first time.
Water-based activities do, however, require participants to be able to swim, and individual activities have their own age, height or supervision requirements.
Always check the requirements for your chosen activity before booking.
What Should I Bring?
What you need depends on the activity you’ve booked.
For kayaking, for example, Dunmore Adventure recommends bringing:
- Swimming togs
- A towel
- Old runners or suitable water footwear
The centre supplies the kayak, wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet for the kayaking experience.
Check the instructions supplied with your booking, particularly if you’re taking part in a full-day programme or summer camp.
Where is Dunmore Adventure?
Dunmore Adventure is located at:
The Harbour
Dunmore East
Co. Waterford
X91 KD40
The location is one of the centre’s biggest attractions.
You’re right in the heart of Dunmore East, so an adventure session can easily be combined with lunch, a walk around the harbour or more time exploring the village and Waterford coastline.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Don’t automatically assume Dunmore Adventure is just for children.
Kayaking, SUP, sailing and the Sea Safari can make excellent activities for adults, couples and groups of friends too.
If you’re visiting Dunmore East for the day, book an activity in advance and leave yourself a few hours afterwards to explore the village. Dunmore East has enough to offer to make the adventure centre part of a much bigger day out.
What Can I Do Nearby?
Dunmore Adventure is ideally located for exploring Dunmore East Harbour and village.
After your activity, take some time to explore the harbour, enjoy something to eat in the village or discover more of the surrounding Waterford coastline.
For visitors staying in Waterford City, Dunmore East can also be incorporated into a wider itinerary combining the coast with Waterford City’s attractions, museums and Viking Triangle.
Combine your harbour visit with the Dunmore Cliff Walk for more coastal scenery. If your itinerary takes you back to Waterford City, browse Where to Eat in Waterford for a separate city meal or drinks stop. These city venues are not in Dunmore East village; plan the journey and check kitchen hours.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Families, couples, teenagers, groups, schools and active visitors
Location: Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
Area: Waterford Coast
Type: Adventure Centre / Water Sports / Outdoor Activities
Water activities: Yes
Land activities: Yes
Beginner friendly: Many activities are suitable for beginners
Family friendly: Yes
Age: Many activities are available from age 7; individual restrictions apply
Swimming: Required for water activities
Equipment: Specialist equipment is supplied for relevant activities
Weather dependent: Some activities are weather and sea-condition dependent
Booking: Advance booking strongly recommended
The centre’s FAQ states that activities are supervised by instructors and that bookings are made through the website, with schools and larger groups encouraged to contact the centre directly.
Contact Dunmore Adventure
Telephone: 051 383 783
Email: info@dunmoreadventure.com
Book and view activities at Dunmore Adventure
Features
- Family Friendly
- Group Bookings
- Online Booking
- Outdoor Activity
- Water Sports
