Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre

About the museum

The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark covers the coast of County Waterford between Tramore and Dungarvan. Its landscape records hundreds of millions of years of geological history, and in the 19th century the area became one of the main copper mining districts of Ireland, centred on Knockmahon and Bunmahon.

The geopark is run by a charity, Copper Coast Geopark CLG, and is open all year with free access to its geosites, which include old mine buildings, sea cliffs and beaches. Its visitor centre in Bunmahon serves as the interpretation centre for the whole area.

Inside, interactive exhibits explain how earthquakes happen and how they are measured, and a display tells the story of the copper mining past. The centre has a gift shop with locally made goods, a café and a main hall that is used for concerts, lectures, private parties and licensed civil weddings. Guided tours of the geopark can be booked, and they often include the geological garden, the Tankardstown mine and Trá na mBó beach.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibits on earthquakes
• Display on the copper mining heritage
• Starting point for guided geopark tours
• Geological garden and Tankardstown mine nearby
• Café and gift shop with local crafts

Permanent exhibitions

• Earthquake exhibits – Interactive displays show how earthquakes happen and how they are measured.
• Copper mining heritage – A display on the copper mining past of Knockmahon and Bunmahon.

Operated by

Copper Coast Geopark CLG

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the geopark is free, and donations for its upkeep are welcome. Guided tours are booked and paid separately through the website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessibility differs from site to site. Many outdoor sites have uneven natural surfaces, steps and narrow paths, and the geopark asks visitors with access needs to contact it before a visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The interactive exhibits are described as suitable for all ages.

Getting there & parking

The Copper Coast Drive runs between Tramore and Dungarvan, and visitors can begin at either end.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The Copper Coast café and a gift shop selling locally made goods are at the visitor centre.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The main hall can be used for concerts, lectures, private parties, meetings and licensed civil weddings.

Plan your visit