A 7km clifftop path from the fishing harbour at Dunmore East, threading red-sandstone coves, sea caves and seabird colonies west to Ballymacaw. Most people walk the easy first stretch to Portally Cove and turn back.
Start at the signposted path behind the Old Convent, where steps climb from the Flat Rocks quarry — the source of the harbour's red 'pudding stone' — to the clifftop. The 2km leg to Portally Cove is the easy, most popular section (about 1 hour return), with benches at the cove.
The path passes Bishop's Cave, a fenced rock shelter traditionally linked to open-air Masses during the Penal Laws. At Rathmoylan Cove a sea cave measured at over 60 metres long is reached by scrambling across rocks, usually only near low tide.
Near the cliff edge stands a human-shaped standing stone almost 2 metres high, known as the White Lady. It may be a Bronze Age menhir or a marker for fishermen — its purpose is unknown.
The full linear trail runs about 7km to Ballymacaw Cove, graded moderate and taking 2 to 2.5 hours one way. Expect steps, stiles, footbridges and a stream crossing on a path that can get muddy after rain. Waymarking is a red arrow on a white background; dogs are welcome on a lead.
Look back over the estuary toward Hook Head and its lighthouse. Fulmars, cormorants, kittiwakes, shags and chough nest along the cliffs, and seals, dolphins and occasionally whales appear offshore.
The trailhead sits by a working fishing harbour with Blue Flag beaches, a woodland walk and plenty of places for seafood, coffee or a pint. Ballymacaw Cove has two pubs about 400m up the road.
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