Looking to get outdoors and try something different? Waterford offers a wide range of adventure sports and outdoor activity providers across the county.
With the Comeragh Mountains on our doorstep and a spectacular coastline stretching from Dunmore East to Ardmore, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get active outdoors. Whether you’re interested in trail running, mountain activities, paddlesports, surfing or horse riding, there’s something for everyone.
• Locations
• Archery
• Orienteering
• Equestrian & Horse Riding
• Rock Climbing
• Outdoor Education
Locations
Discover some locations for adventure sports in Waterford. From the coast to the mountains, explore where your next adventure could begin.
Archery
Whether you’re looking to try something new or develop your target skills, archery is an enjoyable activity that combines concentration, technique and precision.
There are a number of clubs offering opportunities for beginners and experienced members to participate in training and club activities.
Valley Bowman Archery Club
Na Laoch Dall Archery Club
If you’d like to experience archery in a fun, recreational setting, Dunmore East Adventure Centre also offers archery sessions as part of its outdoor activity programme.
Dunmore East Adventure Centre
Orienteering
Waterford is home to the South East Viking Orienteering Club who organise and host events for all ages. Orienteering is competitive navigation on foot. If you enjoy running or walking, if you are interested in maps and navigation, or if you like outdoor sport, then orienteering is for you.
There are also a number of permanent orienteering courses located across Waterford. Details can be found HERE
Rock Climbing
Waterford has a growing climbing community, with opportunities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor climbing. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced climber, there are plenty of ways to develop your skills and connect with other climbers.
The South East Climbing Club is a Mountaineering Ireland affiliated club based in the South East, welcoming climbers of all abilities. The club organises regular climbing meets, training and trips, providing opportunities to learn, improve skills and climb safely with others.
For those looking to give climbing a try, Dunmore East Adventure Centre offers climbing sessions as part of its outdoor activity programme, suitable for beginners and groups.
For more information:
• South East Climbing Club
• Dunmore East Adventure Centre
Equestrian & Horse Riding
There are a number of equestrian clubs and equestrian centre in Waterford where you can go trekking in the countryside:
• Riding Clubs
• Pony Clubs
• Equestrian Centres
Outdoor Education
Waterford is served by Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre, part of the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). The centre provides a wide range of outdoor education, adventure activities and skills training on both land and water, helping people of all ages and abilities build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the outdoors.
Alongside activity programmes, WWETB delivers a variety of nationally recognised outdoor training courses across the region, including courses in Waterford such as the Lowland Leader qualification, giving participants the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain practical outdoor experience.
For more information on outdoor education and training opportunities, visit:
• WWETB Outdoor Education & Training
• Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre
Article Modified: July 02, 2026 11:07 am
