History of Dunmore East

Fish was an important part of the people's diet, and for hundreds of years a fishing community lived here.

In about 1640, Lord Power of Curraghmore, who owned a large amount of property in the area, built a castle on the cliff overlooking the strand about two hundred metres from St. Andrew's Church. The castle was falling into ruin by the middle of the next century and now just one tower remains.

The old church of Killea (CillAodha — Aodh's Church) is thought to have been built in the twelfth century and one wall still stands, opposite the Roman Catholic church of The Holy Cross, at the top of Killea hill.

In Smith's history of Waterford, the village was mentioned as being a prominent fishing port about the year 1745. The fishermen's homes were situated in the lower village near the Strand Inn and boats were launched from the strand there before the harbour was built.