Stradbally, Waterford

Stradbally on the "Copper Coast" road, is a picturesque village of neat thatched and slated cottages. It has won numerous awards in the National Tidy Towns Competition and was the recipient of a Heritage Award in the prestigious international Entente Florale. The many trees planted by the Fitzgeralds in the 18th century, give the area an unusual tamed, sylvan character which contrasts with the wild stretches of windswept coast to come.

Two coves are signposted in the village. Stradbally Cove, with its sandy beach, is ideal for families while rugged Ballyvooney Cove, is spectacularly set under a dramatic headland.

Also signposted in the village is the Church of Ireland church in the grounds of which is a substantial ruin of the largest medieval church in rural Ireland. It contains a fortified presbytery, probably built for protection during the disputes between the Powers and Fitzgeralds, whose boundary lands ran through the area. Ask for guidance to the locations of Drumlohan Ogham Stone (a National Monument), the promontory forts and standing stones.

From Stradbally's town square drive past "Bairead" on the corner and, after the Sports Centre, take first right hand road and you will come across Littlewood Gardens on a corner opposite the sign for Ballyvooney Cove.

Stradbally is also the home of internationally published artist Róisín O' Shea. A visit to her craft shop and studio is also a must.

Stradbally Map

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