Daytripper to East Waterford in 1888 is an extract of a visitors guide to Dunmore East, Woodstown and Passage East, taken from the book: A Trip to the South of Ireland by John Otteran Downey

DUNMORE EAST CO WATERFORD

{9 miles mail car week days 6 am 4 pm returning to Waterford 9 am 5 pm Private or hackney cars or wagonette by arrangement in latter cases parties would do well to travel via Woodstown either going or returning for the sake of the wooded scenery and harbour glimpses in the neighbourhood}

Dunmore East is a prettily situated and select summer resort having few of the elements of its more animated rival Tramore. It comprises the beauty of seaside and coast scenery and sheltered from the heat of the sun by shady groves, a Park overlooking the Pier, and in the nooks of its fantastic rocks and cliffs.

Dunmore East postcard in the 1950s,

Dunmore East from the park painted by William Pye circa 1900. Courtesy of William Power

Originally, Dunmore was the Station of the Milford Haven Royal Mail Packets. In the season many yachts and pleasure boats moor in the Dock and the great purity of the air and richly tinted but transparent waters make every footstep a new pleasure.

There is good bathing at the Coves. From all points can be had splendid views of Waterford Harbour the Hook Lighthouse and Wexford Shore and beyond as on a panoramic plateau the Saltee Islands in the dim distance and the illimitable Atlantic which of a fine clear day seems lost in the bright horizon itself.

Numerous trawlers and small steamers frequent the Pier Quay during the fishing season giving to the Dock the appearance of healthful and bustling activity. The Pier Head affords a safe and agreeable esplanade whence may be leisurely viewed the lively operations proceeding on the Quays below on the arrival of the fishing fleet after a good haul.

Overlooking the Pier is a high promontory called Shannoon Hill on the top of which is placed a storm drum and flag staff with ensign, whence the Coastguards scan with telescope the passing shipping and here may be found a good position for a picnic for which purpose it is recognised. The bird’s eye view from this eminence is simply grand, embracing the four cardinal points of all that is associated with the name of picturesque Dunmore.

On the western slopes of Shannoon Hill lie the Flat rocks, a favourite rendezvous for the lovers of untamed nature who may here enquire “What are the wild waves saying?” but probably without eliciting a conclusive answer; and further westwards on a reeling height is Red Head and the Lookout House and along this stretch of ground one’s nerves are apt to be braced up somewhat, the sea seeming to recede in distance and depth.

The extreme margins of the cliffs should be avoided a little by those unused to the adventures of cliff climbing. Some few fields further on clearly marked out by the beaten path of the cliffs the visitor arrives at the extraordinary chasm known as the Bishop’s Cave in the centre of the tufted fields and which has a subterranean entrance to the sea as ascertained by sounds when stormy weather prevails and also by the occasional visit of seals to its gloomy abyss.

There is no danger whatever to be apprehended in viewing its orifice a substantial stone wall being built all around it for a protection against possibility of accidents. A little further on is Portally Cove.  Here the ramble may be changed by ascending the rugged hill to the right, further walks along the cliff in a westerly direction being only interesting to those who are fond of pedestrianism.

On reaching the high road which runs in a line with the cliffs just described the visitor will quickly find himself back to Dunmore again and on arriving at Coxtown can either turn down for the Dock by the Circular road or proceed by the main road to Lower Dunmore and by either ways a visit can be paid to the Groves, the stiles being easily found on the roadsides.

There are many good sea cliff and road walks about Dunmore including the rugged and indented foreshore from Creaden Head to Tramore Bay from either of which extremes it is equidistant. The geography of the place is soon learnt so that a further description is hardly necessary for those who may feel inclined to explore its varied haunts. There are respectable private lodgings and some hotels and shops and terms can easily be discovered.

All kinds of harbour and shell fish may be counted upon almost hourly during the season. Telegraph office, posting cars and the usual conveniences of summer sea side places, letters and messages delivered and despatched by the mail cars running to and from Waterford twice daily. On Sundays the mail car only makes one journey each way leaving Waterford 6.0 am and Dunmore 5.0 pm

WOODSTOWN AND PASSAGE EAST CO WATERFORD

Distance from Waterford to Woodstown 7 miles Passage 6 miles Woodstown to Passage 3 miles hilly road. 

To Woodstown Waterford harbour by private or hackney car 7 miles. This is an agreeable drive, portion of the road being well wooded and Woodstown itself is greatly admired for its salubrious air and beautifully kept grounds which latter attract visitors who enjoy a quiet day’s outing.

Saratoga bar, Woodstown. Early 1900s

Ballyglan, the seat of Sir Robert J Paul commands a fine view of the Strand, Duncannon Fort and a large section of Waterford Harbour and at a convenient distance is the boldly projecting Creaden Head reached through fine pasture land.

Lady Carew’s mansion and grounds have a gate entrance immediately Woodstown is entered. It is popularly supposed that admission to these places may be readily obtained by the ordinary credentials of respectability and good conduct.

There is a public refreshment house on the Strand road.[Saratoga bar]  The drive may be continued either on to Dunmore (3 miles) or back to Waterford via the village of Passage East (3 miles to Passage) and it will be noted that Passage and Ballyhack are the best points for reaching Dunbrody Abbey before alluded to, also Tintern Abbey of fame, Fethard for bathing etc

Passage East, Co Waterford in the late 1900s

Telegraph Office, hotel and other accommodation at Passage East.  The ferry boat fare from Passage to Ballyhack or vice versa is 1½ d each way. If ferry boat not at Passage or Ballyhack on visitor’s arrival at either places it may be signalled for.[suggesting the flag poles were in both villages at the time]  The general boating arrangements at these places may be ascertained on the spot.

A Trip to the South of Ireland by John Otteran Downey is available for free online.

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