Boatstrand Beach is less a beach and more a secret embrace of the sea by the land. This tiny, sheltered cove, nestled within the dramatic undulations of the Copper Coast Geopark, feels like a world away. Its charm lies in its miniature scale and its palpable connection to the sea, where local fishing boats, painted in vibrant hues, are often pulled right up onto the shingle.
“Boatstrand Beach is a uniquely intimate harbor cove, where working fishing boats share a tiny shingle shore with dramatic Copper Coast cliffs.”
Boatstrand Beach — photo by David Jones
The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and coarse sand, perfect for beachcombing and discovering treasures washed in by the tide. The water here, protected by the cove's arms, is often calm and inviting for a refreshing dip on a warm day. But the real spectacle is the backdrop: the majestic, rust-colored cliffs of the Copper Coast, rising steeply from the water, creating a sense of dramatic enclosure and natural grandeur.
This isn't a beach for sprawling out with a towel; it's a place for quiet contemplation, for watching the ebb and flow of a working harbor, and for appreciating the raw, rugged beauty of Waterford's coastline. Explore the small pier, watch the local fishermen, or simply sit on the rocks and listen to the gentle lapping of the waves. Boatstrand offers an intimate, authentic glimpse into coastal Ireland, a hidden gem that feels like your own private discovery.
