Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway was opened in 2017, it provides 46km of glorious car-free pathway stretching all the way from historic Waterford City to the beautiful sea-side town of Dungarvan in west Co. Waterford. The Comeragh Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to a breathtaking journey across eleven bridges, three viaducts, through a 400m-long tunnel, along the lush banks of the River Suir, all the way to the scalloped beaches of Waterford’s famed Copper Coast.
About Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is located along a disused railway line, the greenway also travels through some of the south-east’s most fascinating historic places which include Viking sites, medieval ruins, Norman castles, old railway stations, Famine workhouses and an Ice Age rock believed to have mythical and mysterious powers!
There are many wonderful places to stop along the trail for an hour or two such as the magnificent Mount Congreve Gardens (known as one of the great gardens of the world), the fascinating 800-year-old fortified castle at Dungarvan or take a trip along the banks of the River Suir on the quaint heritage railway train just outside the picturesque village of Kilmeaden.
Waterford Greenway also forms part of the Atlantic Coast Route, a European long-distance north-south cycling route which passes through Norway, the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal.
Waterford Greenway Map
There is lots to do and see on the Waterford Greenway. To ensure you see all the highlights ensure you get you self the Waterford Greenway Map Having a map will ensure you see all the highlights on and off the Greenway.
Find Accommodation close to Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway sections
The Waterford Greenway is divided into 6 distinct sections – you can do as little or as many as you like (or you’re able for)! There are also 12 access points onto the Greenway which we’ve listed below.
Waterford City to Killoteran (7.5km)
The Waterford Greenway begins at Grattan Quay in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, this section slowly winds its way south-westward out of the urban setting, along the beautiful banks of the River Suir and out in to the lush Waterford countryside. Here you will pass the old Red Iron Bridge (once Ireland’s longest bridge and a central part of its transport network) and the impressive Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge which spans the River Suir and is named after a C19th century Waterford rebel.
The fascinating Woodstown Viking site, discovered by archaeologists in 2003 when building the bridge, uncovered extensive archaeological finds from a 9th century Viking site that predates Waterford City. You can view these fascinating artefacts at Reginald’s Tower Museum in the Waterford City. The site at Woodstown is not accessible at the moment but can be viewed from Killoteran bridge where you can also see a very impressive four bay limekiln. Once prevalent across Ireland’s countryside, limekilns were used to burn lime for farming and whitewashing houses in the 19th century.
Waterford City. The starting point to the Waterford Greenway
Killoteran to Kilmeaden (3km)
If this is your first excursion on the Waterford Greenway, the Killoteran to Kilmeaden section is ideal, if you’ve got small in kids in tow or you just want to start with a short stretch, its the easiest 3km of the Waterford Greenway.
Beginning close to the fantastic Mount Congreve Gardens with its world-class collection of Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendron, this stretch provides beautiful views of the River Suir and its wildlife – look out for heron, otter or the bright blue flash of the kingfisher! You will pass the atmospheric ruins of the 17th century Kilmeadean Castle which was taken by Cromwell’s forces in 1649. A highlight of this section of the Greenway is a journey on the Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Train, which you can get at Kilmeadean Station and which provides spectacular views of the valley which are only accessible by train.
WSVR Train in Kilmeadan Station
Kilmeaden to Kilmacthomas 13.5km
This section of the Greenway brings you deeper into County Waterford’s lush rural landscape with the majestic Comeragh Mountains coming into view as you approach Kilmacthomas. Heading west from Kilmeadan Station, you will pass the romantic gardens and small contemporary art gallery at Fairbrook House. Look out for the chimney stack of Fairbrook Mill – an 18th century paper mill which became a woollen mill in later years.
Kilmacthomas Workhouse was one of 163 workhouses built throughout Ireland from the 1840s to the early 1920s to house Ireland’s destitute families. Today it is a thriving business centre and has a cafe and a great burger joint to feed all the hungry cyclists! A further 1km brings you to Kilmacthomas Village itself.
Kilmacthomas Viaduct
Kilmacthomas to Durrow (Shanacool) (12km)
You’ll find lots of opportunities for a rest and some well-earned refreshments in the lovely village of Kilmacthomas which marks the half-way point of the Waterford Greenway. Referred to locally as ‘Kilmac’, the village has seen its fair share of historic figures passing through it. Cromwell spent two nights in a field that is now the village’s public park during his infamous conquest of Ireland in 1649, while the great Catholic liberator, Daniel O’Connell wrote of the enjoyable interactions he had with the villagers while enjoying his breakfast in a local inn while on a campaign trail!
The village is perhaps best well-known for the great views it provides of the elegant and imposing Kilmacthomas Viaduct, built in 1878 for the Great Southern and Western Railway.
As you continue on your journey west, you’ll pass close to the Cloughlowrish Stone, an enormous Ice Age ‘glacial erratic’ which was carried and deposited here by a slow-moving glacier at the end of the Ice Age around10,000 years ago. Local legend holds that a lie cannot be told near the stone or it will split in two! (They must be very honest folk in Waterford as the stone is still in one piece!)
While continuing on your journey and enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the Comeragh Mountains, you’ll cross the impressive Durrow Viaduct, also built by Great Southern and Western Railway in 1878, which crosses the River Tay. As you come towards the locality of Durrow, you’ll pass some reminders of its heyday, the old railway station and signal box which now sits derelict and covered in ivy and a red-roofed shed, which served as the village’s heaving dancehall in the 1940s and 50s!
Old Station.
Durrow to Clonea Road (Scartore) (6km)
The Durrow to Clonea Road section begins on the flat and then starts to decline a little towards Scartore, providing a rare chance to pick up some speed as you head downhill! A must-stop spot here is at Shanacool (from the Irish for ‘Old Corner’) pub and sweetshop where you’ll enjoy a warm traditional Irish welcome from Tom and Helen O’Mahony! The pub has been in Tom’s family since it opened in 1860 and you can enjoy old photos on the wall which chart the history of the former railway and its workers, who once frequented this historic pub.
Next you’ll hit perhaps the most iconic feature of the Waterford Greenway, the atmospheric, brick-lined, 400m-long Ballyvoyle Tunnel. As you emerge from the tunnel you are greeted with a stunning area of ferns, mosses and over-hanging trees that give a other-worldly quality to this beautiful stretch.
Not long after the tunnel, you will cross the Greenways’s third and final viaduct at Ballyvoyle which spans the beautiful River Dalligan valley. Also built in 1878, the viaduct was blown up in 1922 during the Civil War, rebuilt in 1924 and now offers serene views out over the valley and surrounding countryside. Soon you will begin to smell the fresh sea-air of Waterford’s famed Copper Coast, one of only 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in the world and glimpse your first views of the picturesque strand at Clonea.
Ballyvoyle Tunnel
Clonea Road (Scartore) to Dungarvan (4km)
Well done! You’ve made it to the final stretch of the journey, which provides wonderful and ever-changing views of the beautiful Copper Coast, named for the vast mines that lie at its heart and ran here throughout the 19th century. The Copper Coast comprises 25 kilometres of spectacular coastline, scalloped beaches, enclosed coves and rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined here over 460 million years, creating the diverse geological formations and foundations of its wonderful and varying natural landscapes.
Your final destination is the historic harbour town of Dungarvan which is full of character and great places to visit and and to eat! A must-see is the impressive Anglo-Norman, Dungarvan Castle, built by Prince John in the 12th century. The castle commanded this strategic location at the mouth of the River Colligan for hundreds of years before becoming an RUC barracks in 1889. It was partially burnt down by Republicans during the War of Independence and was later used as a Garda barracks, it now hosts a great exhibition about the castle and the locality.
There are a number of great places to visit in Dungarvan while you’re here, such as the lovely St Augustine’s Church, which incorporates the ruins of an atmospheric medieval abbey, Waterford County Museum, which holds permanent and temporary exhibitions relating to the county’s history, and Dungarvan Brewing Company (where you can take a tour of this popular brewery). The Greenway’s official end is in Walton Park at the centre of town. The park was named after a famous local physicist, Ernest Walton, who is known for splitting the atom!
Dungarvan, Co Waterford
School Tours on Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway makes an ideal school tour or trip due to its length. At 46km most students can complete this trip within a few hours. There are also several stopovers available for students who wish to include a food option in their adventure.
Get School Tour Quotes Here
Highlights of the Waterford Greenway
There is so much to see on and off the greenway. Below we list the main highlights to be seen while on the greenway
The Ballyvoyle Tunnel
Opened by the Great Southern and Western Railway in 1878 to facilitate the railway, the 400m-long Ballyvoyle Tunnel finally closed nearly 100 years later in 1967. Once a busy bat habitat, the tunnel was overgrown and prone to flooding in places before work was undertaken for the Greenway. When first opened, cyclists were required to dismount and walk through the tunnel but the recent installation of improved lighting means dismounting is no longer necessary. It’s still a good idea to wear a high-vis vest or brightly coloured clothes when undertaking your journey though and make sure to turn on the lights on your bikes!
Today the cave-like quality of the tunnel is enhanced by the discreet recessed lighting and the stalagmites that have developed on the walls!
The fern and moss-covered walls of the deep gorge on either side of the Ballyvoile Tunnel give this stretch a tropical-like quality.
Don’t forget to turn on your lights when entering the tunnel!
It is thought that the arched recesses along the brick-lined wall were to allow rail-workers a place to stand when trains were passing by.
The cave-like atmosphere of the Ballyvoile Tunnel is enhanced by the stalagmites growing in its recesses.
Parking Near the Ballyvoyle Tunnel – Durrow Greenway Carpark:
The best place to park to access the Ballyvoile tunnel is at Durrow Greenway Carpark which is located across the road from O’Mahony’s Shop & Pub (also a must-stop-spot on the Greenway!). We recommend arriving early as the car park can fill up early in the summer months! From here, a short spur will bring you directly down onto the Waterford Greenway and the tunnel.
Halloween at Ballyvoyle Tunnel:
Halloween is an especially spooky time at Ballyvoyle Tunnel. Each year the tunnel is decorated in a halloween theme, a must see for both kids and adults alike!
Fairy Doors at ballyvoyle Tunnel
One of the highlights of the Waterford Greenway, especially for younger kids, is the magical collection of fairy doors to be found on either side of the Ballyvoyle Tunnel.
Children from all over Ireland have brought their precious fairy doors here to place them among the dripping ferns and damp, moss-covered rock walls, so that their fairies may commune with the fairy fraternity that inhabit this enchanted, tropical-like landscape!
Encourage the kids to bring their own fairy doors and they can come back every year to check on their fairy, creating a lovely connection to this special place and creatign lots of lovely memories.
Just beyond the tunnel and over the Ballyvoyle Viaduct, there is a great collection of rock boulders on the left hand side of the track which provide a great sheltered spot for a picnic.
Ballyvoyle viaduct
Located not far after the Ballyvoyle Tunnel as you travel towards Dungarvan, you will cross the Ballyvoyle Viaduct (the third viaduct on the greenway). Spanning the beautiful Dalligan River valley below, the viaduct provides great views out over the surrounding valley.
Part of the development of the Great Southern Railway line in 1878, part of the original viaduct was blown up in 1922 during the Civil War. Its reconstruction in 1924 employed innovative materials for the time, including mass-concrete and cast-iron.
The Ballyvoyle viaduct at was blown-up by the anti-treaty IRA, in an attempt to stop the National Army reaching Dungarvan in 1922.
View from Ballyvoule Viaduct over the River Dalligan Valley.
Waterford Suir Valley Railway
The Greenway passes through Kilmeadan’s old railway station where the Waterford Suir Valley Railway brings the magic of the railway’s golden age to life with this authentic experience on a heritage narrow-gauge railway. Running alongside the Greenway for 10km towards Waterford and returning again to Kilmeadan, the trip provides beautiful views out over the River Suir Valley, particularly on a sunny day! There’s also a great little cafe here where you can grab a coffee or an ice-cream for the kids!
History
The station, which was closed to passengers in 1967, has been beautifully restored using the original coping-stones on the platform and the original ‘Kilmeaden Station’ sign from 1878. A quant Mark 2 railway carriage serves as the ticket office! The rolling stock includes a Simplex diesel locomotive which was built to operate in the peat industry and was later used in digging out the channel tunnel!
The carriages, which have both closed-in and partially-opened carriages were especially built for the Waterford Suir Valley Railway with seating capacity for up to 80 passengers.
The heritage narrow gauge train runs along 17 kilometres of the old Waterford – Dungarvan line.
The Greenway passes directly through Kilmeadan Station!
The train leaves from the old train station in Kilmeadan
The views of the River Suir Valley from the train are stunning.
Mount Congreve
Considered one of the ‘Gardens of the World’, Mount Congreve is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion situated near the village of Kilmeaden. The house was designed by the Waterford architect, John Roberts, who subsequently designed and built most of the 18th century public buildings in Waterford, including both of the city’s cathedrals.
The Congreve family lived at the estate for six generations until Ambrose Congreve’s death in 2011, aged 104. It was Ambrose who developed the gardens into the marvel that we see today. The 70-acre estate contains carefully-managed woodlands and a magnificent walled-garden famous for its Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias and flora from every continent in the world.
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The gardens adjoin and have direct access onto the Greenway.
Waterford Greenway Accommodation
There is absolutely no shortage of accommodation in County Waterford! Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful hostel, a luxury hotel experience, family camping, friend’s glamping, a couple’s love-nest or a heritage hideaway, as a popular tourist destination – Waterford has them all!
AirBnB
AirBnB has a mouth watering selection of self-catering heritage hideaways on offer near and around the Waterford Greenway. From a 300-year-old historic mill building, a rustic 18th century cottage to the loft of an old granary building with stunning views out over the rugged coastline – you may not want to leave!
Prices vary greatly depending on the number of beds, location, services on offer etc but start at about €80 for a one-bed and as low as €136 for a 3 bed (sleeping 6 guests).
Of course, if you’d prefer not to be doing the cooking and cleaning, then there are plenty more traditional-style guesthouses and B&Bs on offer too – leaving you more time for exploring the greenway!
Hotels
You will find the majority of hotels within reach of the greenway are located in either Waterford City or Dungarvan. In Waterford City there is a huge selection of hotels to choose from, particularly along the quays, with rooms starting at just €42 and increasing to €200 for a 5 Star stay. It’s worth remembering that the greenway begins at WIT West Campus, situated on the south quay and western outskirts of Waterford City, so it might be worth booking somewhere near by.
If we were to choose one hotel to highlight in Waterford, particularly if you’re looking to indulge yourself (both in a bit of luxury and in Waterford’s history) it would have to be the sumptuous, 15th century Waterford Castle, located on a 300 acre island in the middle of the River Suir, this place is grandeur personified!
Dungarvan also has a host of well-appointed hotels, located in and around the town, which should be well able to cater for most budgets and requirements.
One popular Dungarvan bolt-hold worth mentioning is the lovely boutique Tannery Townhouse, located in one of the town’s oldest residential buildings and home to the award-winning Tannery Restaurant, the 14-bedroom hotel is just a short walk from Dungarvan’s seafront and the greenway itself.
What to Wear
As all Irish people or anyone who’s been here knows, the weather in Ireland is changeable! It often feels like we have had four full seasons in one day! Winter can be cold, with average temperatures at 4°C, summers are usually mild, with average temperatures at 18°C but can often reach highs of 25°C.
One thing which remains constant throughout the year though is the rain! It rains a lot in Ireland so please make sure to bring a raincoat. We suggest wearing layers when walking or cycling the greenway as you’ll be able to peel-off or pile them on, depending on which seasons you encounter during the day!
Also, please remember it’s a good idea to wear brightly coloured clothes or high-vis-vests when on the greenway. Although there are no cars allowed, there may be some serious cyclists who can pick up quite a speed along with electric bikes also so it’s a good idea to make yourself seen.
It's also a good idea to wear a helmet, especially if you're planning on picking up some speed on the Greenway (bike-hire companies offer helmets with every bike). And don't forget to wear some comfortable, breathable footwear, especially on a warm day when you'll notice your body temperature rising quite quickly as make progress along the Greenway.
Segways are becoming an increasingly popular way of doing the Greenway.
Most rental outlets provide a range of hire options to accommodate children.
Many older people cycle the Greenway on a regular basis.
There are many different options available for all family members.
The Greenway Code
The Waterford Greenway is a ‘shared space’ which means it’s for all types of users to enjoy – walkers, cyclists, wheelchair-users, dog-walkers and children. This is why there is a simple code of conduct which is based on respect.
There are signs at key access points on the Greenway which explains the simple Code:
- While walking or cycling please stay left and pass on the right.
- If you are on a bike, cycle at a safe spend and remember to ring your bell to make sure that walkers know you are behind them before passing. Remember, walkers listen out for those bells.
- Cycle slowly and with caution at Ballyvoyle Tunnel and at Greenway underpasses near McGrath’s Cross and Kildermody.
- Stop and give way to traffic at level crossings-signified by red chicane gates (a set of red gates that are used at all junctions along the Greenway).
- All dogs should be kept on a short leads and remember to clean up after your pets.
- Leave No Trace – Please bring your rubbish home and keep the Waterford Greenway beautiful.
Now, go out and enjoy the Waterford Greenway!
best Places to Eat in County Waterford
Bodega, Waterford City
Located in the heart of Waterford City, Boedega provides a world-class local-food experience. Using only the finest seafood & shellfish from Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay, the most succulent beef and organic pork from the Comeragh Mountains, free-range Wexford chicken and the famous ‘Blaa’ from the local artisan baker, the very best in local produce is treated with loving care by chef, Sebastian Lajoye. With early bird menus from €23, this is an affordable treat in a relaxed atmosphere.
Granary Café, Waterford City
With no less than seven McKennas’ Guide awards to its name, the Granary Café continues to go from strength to strength. Also located in the heart of Waterford City, the Granary provides excellent dining in a light and relaxing environment, housed in a charming quay-side granary built in 1870. The Granary uses only the best and the freshest ingredients in all of their dishes, providing a warm welcome and a good food experience every time.
The House Restaurant at the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore
Perched on a dramatic clifftop in Ardmore, one hour south of Waterford City, the House Restaurant at the Cliff House Hotel provides a Michelin-starred fine dining experience that is sure to impress. The restaurant offers a six or ten-course tasting menu in its beautiful sea front dining room. Executive Chef, Ian Doyle, and House Restaurant Head Chef, Adam Kavanagh make up the new and dynamic young team at the helm of this elegant coastal retreat. They have a focus on sustainability, supporting local producers, using wild ingredients and taking inspiration from their wonderful surroundings.
La Bohème
Located on George’s Street in Waterford city, La Bohème restaurant and winebar has a whole host of awards to its name, most notably a 2019 Michelin Star. Using local suppliers, farmers and fisherman, this intimate and relaxed dining experience also provides that little bit of luxury. Proprietor and chef, Eric Theze has brings the taste of France to Waterford using the finest local and seasonal produce. For craft beer fans, La Bohème also provides a great list of both Irish brewed and world beers.
Momo, Waterford City
Momo Restaurant in Waterford city is a multi-award winning restaurant featuring fresh cuisine that celebrates the local food producers of County Waterford. Momo presents dishes rich in flavour and finesse in a relaxed and casual atmosphere and is a great spot for either lunch or dinner. Momo offers a wide range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, as well as gluten free and dairy free options. An enjoyable casual dining experience, all products are locally sourced where possible, and customers can choose to dine in or take their lunch away – perfect for those on the go!
The Tannery, Dungarvan
Since Paul and Máire Flynn opened The Tannery, Dungarvan in 1997, it has become one of the most sought-after experiences in Irish food. What makes it special? There is Paul’s cooking of course – his fresh Waterford produce, ever-changing menus and mouth-watering focus on flavour. There are cosy chats in the wine bar, warm and welcoming service from expert staff, a bright and buzzy atmosphere at the tables. But most of all, there is the Tannery’s knack for serving up that most important of ingredients – a great time!
Parking Locations on the Greenway
There is ample parking, most of which is free, at or very near to the Greenway’s access points. If you wish to do the entire Greenway starting from the Waterford end, we suggest starting from the Waterford WIT West Campus as there are hundreds of free parking spaces available here. Best advice if arriving late in the day. EG: WIT has loads and dungarvan town centre.
Here are the spots that you can park you car along the Greenway:
- Waterford City – Lots of paid parking on quays.
Rental bikes available from here. - WIT West Campus – 300 free parking spaces.
- Bilberry – Free parking
No bike rental available here. - Killoteran – Free parking.
No bike rental available here. - Kilmeadan – Free parking. Also park here for the Waterford River Suir Valley Railway.
No bike rental available here. - Kilmacthomas – Free parking at Kilmacthomas Mill, Station & Workhouse – all fill up quickly in the summer months!
Rental bikes available from Workhouse and from the town centre. - McGrath Cross – Free parking in the Greenway carpark (small carpark which fills up quickly in the summer months!)
No bike rental available here. - Durrow O’Mahoneys Pub – Free parking in the Greenway carpark(small carpark which fills up quickly in the summer months!)
Bike rental is no longer available here. - Clonea Road Access Point – Free parking in the Greenway carpark(small carpark which fills up quickly in the summer months!)
No bike rental here. - Dungarvan – Free parking in the car park behind Eurospar which is right beside the Greenway.
Rental bikes available from here.
Waterford Greenway FAQ
How long will it take me to cycle the Waterford Greenway?
The Waterford Greenway is 46KM in total, the average cyclist would need to give themselves about 6 hours to do the entire Greenway but why not give yourself the whole day so you can stop and see some of the wonderful sights along the way.
Where can I rent a bike to do the Greenway?
Bikes can be rented from Waterford City, Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas and Durrow.
I haven’t cycled a bike in years, can I still do the Greenway?
Yes! The Greenway is mostly very flat and easy to cycle, so is manageable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy. But you don’t need to do it all at once, maybe try a section at a time until you’re feeling more confident.
Can I do the Waterford Greenway with young kids?
Yes! Kids can do the Greenway on their own bikes, in a child-seat, in a tow-along or on an adult/ child tandem.
Should I use an electric bike?
Electric bikes will add about 30% extra power to your cycle so will certainly make the journey faster and more comfortable! Please note that the pedals on an electric bike still need to be peddled so is not suitable for users with problematic knees.
Can I rent an electric scooter for the Greenway?
Electric scooters are not regulated in Ireland currently so they are not available to hire from the rental companies on the Greenway.
How Long will it take me to Cycle?
At 46km long, you could cycle the Waterford Greenway in 2-3 hours but we recommend taking a more leisurely approach and giving yourself a day (6 hours or so), allowing yourself time to stop for snacks, to investigate some of the wonderful sites you encounter and to soak up the varying and exceptional scenery along the way.
Water Stations
Don’t worry about running out of water as water stations are now available at four locations along the Waterford Greenway:
- Abbeyside (coming out of Dugarvan)
- Ballylynch Cross
- Kilmacthomas Station
- Bilberry (coming out of Waterford)
Playgrounds near the greenway
Even when setting out with best-intentions, younger kids can begin to lag on the Greenway. Playgrounds can be a great way to encourage them to keep going! Telling them there’s a great playground not far down the trail can be just the motivation they need sometimes!
There’s two great playgrounds within easy reach of the playground:
- Kilmacthomas – just a five minute walk up Railway View from the Greenway access point at Kilmacthomas Station.
- Abbeyside, Walton Park – just a five minute walk from the Greenway access point at Dungarvan.
Places for a Picnic
(Clonea Road) You may notice the collections of stone boulders set along the side of the Greenway every couple of kilometers. We believe these have placed along the Greenway to provide snacking-spots along the route! The boulders are not the most comfortable but do the job for a sandwich and packet of Taytos before you hit the road again!
A great spot for a picnic can be found halfway between Shanacool (Durrow) and Scartore (Clonea Road) where you can exit the Greenway and head down towards the coast where a beautiful little beach can can be found.
Awards
The Waterford Greenway has proved hugely popular with Irish and overseas visitors alike and has scooped up tourism, sustainability and
2020
- Irish Examiner – ‘Top 10 Destinations for Families in Munster’
- Irish Independent – ‘Top 6 Local Attractions for 2020’
- Irish Independent – ‘Top 10 Family Cycles in Ireland’
2019
- Irish Independent Readers Travel Awards – named ‘Ireland’s Favourite Adventure’
- Irish Tourism Industry Awards – Finalist for Ireland’s Best Ancient East Tourism Experience (Large).
2018
- Gold – Best Tourism Initiative – Ireland Community & Council Awards organised by Local Authorities Members Association & iPB Insurance.
- Grand Prix Award – Ireland Community & Council Awards organised by Local Authorities Members Association & iPB Insurance.
- Entente Florale – Jury Chair’s Award for the Mitigation of Climate Change
2017
- Chambers Ireland – Excellence in Local Government Awards Winners – Supporting Tourism sponsored by Failte Ireland
Are there Toilets along the route?
Here are the toilet spots along the way!
- WIT West Campus (Waterford City)
- Kilmeadan
- The Workhouse, Kilmacthomas (Greenway half-way point)
- The Mill, Kilmacthomas (Greenway half-way point)
- O’Mahony’s Pub, Durrow (10km from Dungarvan)
Waterford Greenway Group
Mention must be made of the fantastic Waterford Greenway Group who successfully campaigned for the completion of the Waterford Greenway since 2010! A section of the Greenway from Dungarvan to Ballinrobe had been completed and the group’s goal was the full completion of the wonderful Greenway that we see today.
After much hard work by the group and through the perseverance of Waterford City & County Council CEO, Michael Walsh the group achieved its aim in 2017. The final passenger train used the old Waterford to Dungarvan line on the 25th of March 1967, and it was this date used to officially open the Greenway fifty years later.
Security
The Waterford Greenway is considered to be quite safe but we do advise using some common sense when parking your car – hide anything which might look valuable in the boot before you head off on the Greenway! Do lock your bikes if heading into a cafe for lunch or to explore the surrounding countryside on foot.
Locks will be provided with rental bikes, please do lock your bikes if leaving them unattended for any period of time!
Emergency Contacts
National Emergency Services: 999 or 112
Other Useful webSites
- Waterford Greenway on Google Maps: tinyurl.com/y2sq237c
- Official Waterford Tourism/ Waterford Greenway site: visitwaterford.com
- Ireland’s Ancient East: www.irelandsancienteast.com
- Waterford Treasures museum: www.waterfordtreasures.com
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