If you want to get as close to nature as possible without trading comfort, you should set yourself up at the Nire Valley Eco Camp in Co Waterford. Described as a bedroom in a meadow, this is glamping at its finest. Breakfast will be delivered to your door every morning, and with fresh brown bread, local eggs, yoghurt and fruit, it will certainly set you up for the day. The camp is so peaceful and comfortable, yet so handy to lots of hiking, cycling and day tripping options, that you get the best of everything. Or you could bed down at Rathgormack Hostel and Hiking Centre with easy access to the Comeragh Mountains.
Kick off Day 1 with a walk up to the nearby Mahon Falls. Part of the Comeragh Mountain range, it’s a lovely, looped hike with some great views. As with all hikes, bring snacks, but you’ll still have worked up an appetite for lunch at Hanora’s Cottage. The menu makes use of plenty of regional produce such as local cheeses, Dunmore East scallops and Kilkenny lamb, and caters for all diet choices with a great standalone vegetarian menu.
Relax back at the Eco Camp in the evening by cooking on their dinky little stoves – just make sure you stock up in Clonmel or Dungarvan so you have everything you need.
It’s on your bikes for Day 2 with trip along the Waterford Greenway. You can pick up bikes from The Greenway Man at Dungarvan Park Hotel in Waterford and plan your trip along this safe and scenic 46km trail. Make sure you factor in food at the Coach House in Kilmactomas – pick up their freshly roasted coffees and artisan foods and take a breather by the Mahon River.
Alternatively you can enjoy a walking tour with Stephen from Steps Back Thru Time. This is a one-of-a-kind guided walking tour that takes you to ten places of intrigue within a five-kilometre looped range.
The tour offers an array of experienced stories for you to enjoy, including an exploration of the local flora and fauna, mindfulness sections, architectural marvels, and cultural heritage points.
On Day 3, it’s time for some waves so head over to one of the best surfing beaches in the area at the beautiful village of Annestown. Stop by the nearby Copper Coast UNESO Global Geopark where you can learn about the geological heritage of this important area and stop for lunch in their Visitors’ Park.
For Day 4, we suggest getting out on the kayaks to view the countryside from a completely different angle. The River Suir is the ideal destination so head up to Cahir and pick up a kayak from Suir Valley Adventures for a two hour lesson, or a half/full day of activity. There’s plenty to see, do and eat in Cahir but try not to go past The Keep Coffee Shop which has a mouth watering selection of cakes, buns and homemade ice cream.
Take some time on Day 5 to take on the Waterford Camino Tour. You can walk, hike or dander at your own pace, on mountains, cliffs or Greenway, with plenty of opportunities to stop off for refreshments along the way.
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