Mike and Suzanne

Solas na Mara offers a truly regenerative healthcare experience. This hot seaweed bath facility is ideal for those seeking recovery and relief from illness, for sports enthusiasts and athletes and for those simply wishing to unwind. 

Right on our doorstep in Ring, Solas na Mara, is unique to the region and an experience you won't forget. Enjoy the benefits while taking in stunning local scenery!! 

is situatied right in our lovely Irish speaking Gaeltacht of An Rinn (Ring) and is owned by Eamon Terry, a native of Ring. As a former master craftsman cutter with Waterford Crystal, before establishing his crystal studio in 1987, Eamonn has honed his craft for over forty years, producing Irish crystal of breathtaking quality and beauty. Inspired by the surrounding lush countryside, of which many pieces are named, Eamonn designs and creates an extensive range of unique giftware. Check out his website for more details and contact him if you want to stop by his factory and showroom. 

If you're looking for things to do in Dungarvan and West Waterford, check out the Dungarvan Tourism link below. As well as being a starting point for the Waterford Greenway (I highly recommend) - a 46km of off-road cycling and walking trail - there are lots of scenic drives (the Copper Coast), walks, gardens and art as well as shopping. And don't forget that there is 3 great golf courses within a short distance of each other!!  

The old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan has been converted to a 46km of off-road cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature across eleven bridges, three viaducts and through the atmospheric tunnel all the way from river to sea.

Along this route in Ireland's Ancient East is a Viking settlement, Norman Castles, medieval ruins, a famine workhouse, an old railway station. The scenery is breath taking as you approach Dungarvan along the amazing coastline. Bikes can be hired and this would make a great family or day out. For more information check out the link below! 

The Copper Coast in Co. Waterford, is named after the historic metal-mining industry and is now a tourist attraction thanks to the geological history of the area from palaeozoic volcanism to the last age. In 2004 it was named a UNESCO Global Geopark. It stretches 10.5 miles from Kilfarrasy to Stradbally. 

The region is known for its panoramic seascapes, cliffs, bays and coves. The Copper Coast Road (the R675) stretching from Dungarvan to Tramore, is considered to be one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world! It's also known for it's beautiful clean beaches such as Clonea and Bunmahon and the village of Bunmahon, Boatstrand, Dunhill, Annestown and Fenor. 

The quiet coastal village of Ardmore (about 20 mins from Ring) is a living snapshot of Irish history and culture. From the 1000 year old round tower standing sentinel over the village to the remains of a pre-historic crannog on the beach, Ardmore is a very ancient settlement.

A looped walk around Ardmore is one of the best ways to take in much of it's history. Starting on the beach at the bottom of the village, the remains of one of Ireland's oldest dwellings; a crannog can still be seen at low tide. 

The Cliff House hotel nestled right into the cliffs is a must see if you're in the area. Sit on the balcony overlooking the bay sipping a glass of wine - it's fabulous. (www.cliffhousehotel.ie) 

You can rent a car from Dublin airport. There are many including Avis, Budget, Hertz etc  so I would recommend doing some research. We are probably going to use Europcar as my brother has used them before and are quite good. Make sure to check out all the T's&C's and decide whether you want additional cover etc. There's lots of variations of what you can accept and decline. 

You can take a train from Dublin to Waterford City (2h15m) or Cork City (2h30m) - Castlemartyr is between both cities but closer to Cork City. It's about 40 mins from Cork City. See link to Irish Rail below. Once you get to Cork, you can get a bus to Castlemartyr (currently researching) or a Taxi would cost about Euro50 - according to my friend Anna's research. 

If you are travelling to Ring / Dungarvan on the day after the wedding and have not rented a car; depending on the number of people, we can arrange lifts, taxi's or if there's enough people, a shuttle. We'll make it happen!! I will send out a note closer to the day to see who needs lifts so don't worry about this one. :-)