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31st October 2025
10:20am GMT
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.ie
We're on a mission to help you squeeze even more magic into your next short break in Ireland's Ancient East, and that begins with an early start.
As you plan your next family getaway, we've hand-picked five of our favourite spots to watch the sunrise. Set the alarms and venture out to these picturesque spots and take in the pretty pink skies as morning breaks.
After snapping some photos, make the most of your early start by getting in a hearty breakfast and gear up for a jam-packed day - here's what we recommend.
For an unforgettable sunrise during your next short break to Waterford, start your day along the Ardmore Cliff Walk. Set up a picnic blanket, bring some breakfast, and enjoy the incredible scenery as the rough waves strike the cliffside. Once the sky is full of those pretty pink skies, embark on the four-kilometre loop walk. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for the early Christian sites dotted along the way, as you take in all that fresh, crisp air.
After your walk, head to the town of Ardmore and order some fish and chips from Shipmates – the perfect lunch for a day spent by the sea. Finish up with a stroll or a paddle along the sweeping Ardmore Beach.
Pack flasks full of tea, hot chocolate and coffee and spend a morning watching the sunrise over Dodd's Beach in Co. Wexford, one of the longest beaches on the east coast. After the sunrise, embark on a family walk from Dodd's Rock Beach to Courtown Beach - a beautiful beach surrounded by picturesque woodland.
After enjoying a breakfast picnic on the strand, check out Pirates Cove for a whole offering of family-friendly activities - from bowling to adventure golf to bumper boats. Once your family have worked up an appetite, settle in for a meal at Marlfield House Restaurant.
Set yourself up for a brilliant morning on your next Louth getaway by catching the sunrise at Carlingford Pier. Snuggle up with a coffee at a peaceful lakeside spot and watch as the Carlingford Lough becomes gently illuminated by the rising sun. Afterwards, stroll through Carlingford Town and tuck into a traditional Irish breakfast from Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms.
After fuelling up, venture out to Carlingford Adventure. Here, you can try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing or archery. Once you’ve had your fill, head to Ma Bakers and refuel with some classic pub food.
With a bustling atmosphere, historical attractions and plenty of great nature walks, there are so many reasons to visit Co. Carlow for your next short break. Get your day off to a strong start by perching by the River Barrow in Carlow Town and watching the sunrise. As the town starts to wake up, nab your coffee fix from The Mullichain Café in Saint Mullins, Co. Carlow.
After a peaceful morning in the town, head to the Delta Sensory Gardens and enjoy a quiet, contemplative walk through the grounds. Come lunchtime, satisfy your hunger at the Café Thyme, where a large selection of hot dishes, treats, and coffees await.
They say the early bird catches the worm, and that is certainly the case for sunrise seekers at Curracloe Beach. On your next short break to Wexford, set a morning aside to catch the sunrise over this white sandy beach. Park yourself on the sandy dunes for a prime view of pretty skies, and if you're tempted, head to the water for a morning dip.
As the day begins, head to Wexford Town and fuel up for a busy day with breakfast in Cream Café. Afterwards, rent bikes and follow in the footsteps of the Normans and discover authentic medieval sites with a cycle along The Norman Way.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next getaway to Ireland's Ancient East today.
Start planning your next short break at DiscoverIreland.ie
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The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
