Kilmac.ie

Several current local updates may be of interest to readers in Kilmacthomas and nearby villages, including Bunmahon, Dunhill, Rathgormack, Clonea, Ballylaneen, Stradbally and the wider Comeragh and Copper Coast area.

The strongest upcoming local story is the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026, which runs from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 and includes events in Kilmacthomas, Rathgormack, Clonea, the Comeragh Mountains and nearby communities. There are also broader community updates involving Bunmahon Beach, the Copper Coast, outdoor recreation, affordable housing and local district representation.

## Comeraghs Wild brings July events to Kilmacthomas and nearby villages

Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026 is scheduled to run across four days from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July 2026, with the festival programme describing a mix of culture, nature, music and adventure in the heart of the Comeragh Mountains.

Kilmacthomas features directly in the programme. On Thursday 9 July, a Historical guided walk around Kilmacthomas is listed for 2.30pm to 4pm, starting from the Greenway Car Park at Kilmacthomas Mill. The event is organised by Waterford Sports Partnership and invites participants to join Kilmacthomas Hillwalking Club for a guided historical walk around the village.

Also on Thursday evening, the History of Kilmacthomas Woollen Mill & Photo Display is scheduled at the Old Woollen Mill, Kilmacthomas, with doors opening at 7.30pm. The listing includes a talk by historian Julian Walton on the history of Kilmacthomas Woollen Mill, along with early photographs of Kilmacthomas village and notable local people presented by local historian Andy Kelly.

On Saturday 11 July, Zen in the Park is listed for Kilmacthomas Park under the viaduct, with Pilates, yoga and time for coffee, tea and connection. Other nearby Saturday events include the Comeragh Crossing, woodland wellness at Crough Wood, sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at Cooney’s Yard, and storytelling at Clonea Parish Hall.

## Comeragh Crossing marks 30 years

Waterford City and County Council has highlighted the 30th anniversary of the Comeragh Crossing, which takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026 as part of Comeraghs Wild Festival. The Council notes that the event celebrates the Comeragh Mountains and recognises Dungarvan Hillwalking Club members who have participated every year since the crossing began.

The Comeragh Crossing is listed on the festival programme from 7am at Kilgobinet Sports Centre, Bohadoon, Dungarvan, with registration and further details available through the Comeraghs Wild Festival website.

## Bunmahon Beach receives Blue Flag recognition for 2026

Bunmahon has also received a significant community and tourism boost. Waterford City and County Council reported that Bunmahon Beach received its first Blue Flag since 2013 for the 2026 bathing season. The Council also confirmed that Bunmahon is among the beaches newly added to the county’s Green Coast Award recipients for 2026.

This is positive news for Bunmahon and the wider Copper Coast area, particularly as the beach is within easy reach of Kilmacthomas and is part of the wider local tourism and outdoor recreation network used by residents and visitors.

## Outdoor recreation plan launched at Dunhill

Waterford City and County Council launched the Waterford Outdoor Recreation Plan 2026–2030 at the Anne Valley Walk in Dunhill on 12 June 2026. The plan covers outdoor activities including walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, paddle sports, swimming, angling and nature-based activities.

The Council specifically references key local and regional amenities including the Waterford Greenway, Copper Coast, Comeragh Mountains, beaches and forests. For Kilmacthomas, this is particularly relevant because the village sits on the Waterford Greenway and is closely connected to the Comeraghs, Anne Valley, Bunmahon and the Copper Coast.

## Copper Coast cliff surveys carried out

Waterford City and County Council has also issued a notice about Copper Coast cliff surveys. The Council stated that drone surveys were scheduled for Tuesday 2 June and Wednesday 3 June 2026, weather permitting, to monitor the coastline and identify any changes on the cliff face.

The townlands listed for the survey included Ballyvoyle, Tankardstown, Kilmurrin, Dunbrattin and Boatstrand. While the survey is coastal rather than village-centre focused, it is relevant to nearby communities including Bunmahon and to anyone using the Copper Coast for walking, beach visits or tourism.

## Other community updates

The Council’s recent Kilmacthomas affordable housing update remains relevant locally, with ten four-bedroom homes at Leargán, Kilmacthomas highlighted under the Affordable Housing Purchase Scheme. That item has already been covered separately on Kilmac.ie, but it remains one of the most significant current community developments for the village.

At district level, Waterford City and County Council has confirmed that Cllr. Seánie Power was elected Cathaoirleach of Comeragh District Council at the AGM held on 17 June 2026, with Cllr. John O’Leary elected Leas Cathaoirleach for the same period. The annual changeover marks the beginning of the new Council year for the 2026/2027 term.

## Key links and further information

Readers should check event organisers and official sources before travelling or booking, as times, booking requirements and availability may change.