Kilmacthomas – A Charming Village on the Waterford Greenway

Overview

Kilmacthomas (Irish: Cill Mhic Thómais) is a small but vibrant village on the banks of the River Mahon, midway between Waterford City and Dungarvan. Locally called “Kilmac”, it has a population of just under 1,800 and serves as a natural stopping point for cyclists, walkers and anglers travelling the 46‑km Waterford Greenway. The village’s charm lies in its blend of industrial heritage – the preserved railway viaduct and former workhouse – and spectacular natural assets such as Mahon Falls, the Comeragh foothills and the nearby Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.

History

The story of Kilmacthomas is woven through centuries of Irish history. In December 1649 Oliver Cromwell’s army was forced to bivouac in the field that is now the public park after the Mahon River flooded, an episode recorded in his own diary. The village later hosted Daniel O’Connell on a 1826 campaign trail, who famously wrote about the warm reception he received over breakfast at the local inn. The arrival of the Waterford‑to‑Mallow railway in the early 1870s brought industrial growth; the stone viaduct that spans the Mahon River remains a striking reminder of that era. Although passenger services ceased in the late 1960s, the line lives on as the Waterford Greenway, opened in 2017.

What to See & Do

Waterford Greenway & Kilmacthomas Viaduct

The Greenway is a car‑free, 46‑km trail that follows the old railway corridor. At Kilmacthomas the iconic 19th‑century viaduct arches over the Mahon River, offering panoramic views of the Comeragh Mountains and the river’s gentle bends. The trail is open 24 hours a day, free of charge, and is suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. Bike‑hire is available at the former workhouse (see Practical Information).

Mahon Falls

Just a 15‑minute drive south of the village, Mahon Falls drops 80 metres into a U‑shaped valley. A short, well‑marked 20‑minute walk from the car park brings you to the base of the cascade, where the mist‑filled air creates a dramatic backdrop for photos. The site is popular with picnickers, rock climbers and families looking for a quick nature escape.

Kilmacthomas Workhouse (Business Centre)

Originally built during the Great Famine, the workhouse now houses the Kilmacthomas Business Centre. Inside you’ll find Coach House Coffee, Waterford Greenway Bike Hire and Mayfield Birds of Prey. The adaptive reuse of the building provides a tangible link between the village’s somber past and its modern entrepreneurial spirit.

River Mahon Fishing

The Mahon River is renowned for wild brown trout, salmon (running from June onward) and sea trout in late summer. Anglers can cast from the riverbanks in the village or head to Ballyshunnock Reservoir for coarse fishing of brown and rainbow trout.

Farmers Market (Thursday)

Every Thursday from 9.30 am to 2 pm the village square transforms into a bustling market. Stalls showcase seasonal fruit and veg, organic meat, artisan cheeses, homemade cakes and jams – a perfect spot to sample local flavours and meet the producers.

Copper Coast & Bonmahon Beach

Only five miles south, the Copper Coast Geopark stretches along 25 km of dramatic cliffs, coves and sandy beaches. Bunmahon (Bonmahon) Beach offers surf‑friendly waves, while the Geopark Centre explains the area’s 460‑million‑year geological story.

Comeragh Mountains

The foothills rise just west of Kilmacthomas, providing ample opportunities for hill walks, guided hikes and mountain biking. The Cloughlowrish Stone, an Ice‑Age glacial erratic, sits along the Greenway and is steeped in local legend.

Dining & Refreshments

• Coach House Coffee – Situated in the former workhouse, this café serves specialty coffee, teas and light bites in a historic setting.
• Village Burger Joint – A casual eatery offering burgers, fries and local craft beers, ideal for a quick refuel after a ride.
• Flahavan’s Oat‑Mill Café – Adjacent to the historic oat‑mill (operating since c. 1785), it provides hearty soups, sandwiches and the famous Flahavan’s oat biscuits.

Nearby Attractions

While based in Kilmacthomas you can easily visit other Waterford highlights:

• Ardmore – A coastal village with a historic round tower and a scenic cliff walk.
• Bunmahon – The heart of the Copper Coast Geopark, known for its beach and maritime heritage.
• Ballysaggart – Home to the quirky Ballysaggartmore Towers.
• Dunmore East – A bustling fishing port with a pleasant promenade and sea‑food restaurants.

Transport & Access

Kilmacthomas lies on the R677, a short spur off the N25 national primary road linking Waterford and Dungarvan. Regular Bus Éireann services connect the village with both towns, making it reachable without a car. Cyclists can join the Greenway at either end for a traffic‑free ride through the countryside.

Practical Information

Getting Here – Kilmacthomas lies on the R677, a short spur off the N25 national primary road linking Waterford and Dungarvan. Regular Bus Éireann services connect the village with both towns. For cyclists, the Greenway offers direct, traffic‑free access from either end.

Parking & Bike Hire – Free parking is available at the former workhouse, the Mill and the Greenway car‑park. Bike hire is provided by Waterford Greenway Bike Hire (Kilmacthomas) – see the table below for details.

Accommodation – Options range from B&Bs and self‑catering cottages in the village to hotels in Waterford City and Dungarvan. Camping and caravan sites are also scattered throughout the surrounding countryside.

Guided Experiences – Local societies run heritage walking tours (including the workhouse and viaduct), guided cycle tours of the Greenway, and mountain‑guide hikes to Mahon Falls. Contact numbers are listed in the table.

Farmers Market Hours

Bike‑Hire (Kilmacthomas)

Contact for Guided Tours

Accessibility – The Greenway is fully accessible to wheelchair users; the viaduct and most bridges have smooth surfaces. The workhouse café and bike‑hire centre have level entrances.

Website – For up‑to‑date information, visit the village’s official site: https://www.kilmac.ie/.

Local Highlights – Don’t miss a coffee at Coach House, a quick bite at the burger joint in the Business Centre, or a visit to Flahavan’s historic oat‑mill (operating since c. 1785). The village’s lively community spirit is evident in its weekly market, local GAA clubs and annual clean‑up events.

Seasonal Note – Mahon Falls is most spectacular after rain, when the water volume is at its peak. Autumn brings the salmon run, offering a different fishing experience.

Enjoy Kilmacthomas as a tranquil base, a historic waypoint, or an active gateway to some of Waterford’s most celebrated landscapes.