West of the village are the foothills of the breath taking Comeragh Mountains which play host to a variety of scenic walks, nature trails, riding centres and lakes. Around a central boggy plateau are the phenomenally rocky coums filled with a wonderful assortment of little loughs. Here you will find the rock-walled Coumshingaun and Coum Iarthair, as well as Crotty’s lough, which was named after an outlaw who lay low in this remote landscape .

To the south of Ballyshunnock is the 'Copper Coast' which, with its 8 beaches and geopark, mini-farm and centre, is a haven for families, walkers, surfers and anglers alike. The Copper Coast geo park is an outdoor museum of geological records; it stretches along the coast from Kilfarassy Beach, near Fenor in the east to Ballyvoile Beach near Stradbally to the west. Volcanoes, oceans, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the area. Follow the self-guided Copper Coast trail, walking cards available from the The Copper Coast geo park Centre in Bunmahon.

The area around the cottage offers a huge amount of beautiful walks, be they along the coastline of the Copper Coast, in the Comeragh Mountains or along the valley trails of its many rivers. There is even a Comeragh Mountain Walking Festival, held annually in October, which allows both new and experienced walkers to enjoy the area, led knowledgeable guides. Riverside walks include the Glenshelane River Walk, a wilderness trek through spectacular scenery in the Knockmealdown Mountains and the 8km long Kilmaloo Walk at Clashmore. While the Doneraile Walk is a scenic coastal walk in Tramore. Ardmore has a very popular cliff walk and way-marked, long distance trails include St. Declan's Way, an ancient pilgrims' path of some 94km which runs from Ardmore through Cappoquin, Lismore, Ardfinnan and Cahir to Cashel. The East Munster Way extends from Carrick-on-Suir, west/south-west to Clogheen and the South Leinster Way, which can also be joined at Carrick-on-Suir, runs north-east via Piltown and the valleys of the Nore, Barrow and Slaney to Kildavin. Alternatively Waterford City Walking Tour is a one hour tour through Ireland's oldest city, including two cathedrals, four national monuments and a gallery of rogues and rascals, all delivered in a witty and entertaining style by a master story-teller with a deep knowledge of his subject.

There are lots of pubs and restaurants in the vicinity of the cottage, Ballyshunnock itself has two pubs and is within walking distance. The housekeeper at Powers Cottage, who will meet you when you first arrive, also works at one of them and can fill you in on everything you need to know about the local area and the best places to eat and drink. The nearest restaurants, cafes and of course, a large number of pubs can be found in nearby Kilmacthomas, just four miles to the west of the cottage as there are if you travel just over ten miles east into Waterford. A trip to the coastline for some of the freshest seafood around is a must as is a visit to one of the many cafes dotted throughout the countyside, all offering delicious, home cooked fresh dishes at very reasonable prices.

The Copper Hen – Fenor

T-Bay surf and eco centre cafe - Tramore

Dooleys Fish and Chip Shop