Overview
The reason to stop at Kilmacthomas is the viaduct: seven rubble-stone arches carrying the Waterford Greenway high over the River Mahon, best seen from the road below rather than from the trail on top of it. The village – ‘Kilmac’ to locals – sits on the Mahon roughly midway between Waterford City and Dungarvan, about a third of the way along the 46-km car-free trail. It makes a natural halt for cyclists, walkers and anglers, with the restored Famine workhouse for coffee and bike hire, and easy runs out to the Comeragh Mountains and the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.
History
In December 1649 Oliver Cromwell’s army camped in the field that is now the village public park, as it marched through Munster. Long before that – and still today – the village has been an oats town: Flahavan’s has been milling oats here since about 1785, and the family firm is still going. The early 1870s brought the Waterford-to-Mallow railway and the industrial growth that came with it. The viaduct opened in 1878, designed by the engineer James Otway and built by Smith, Finlayson and Company of Glasgow, with a central cast-iron span between the stone arches. Passenger trains stopped running in 1982; the corridor reopened in 2017 as the Waterford Greenway.
What to See & Do
Waterford Greenway & Kilmacthomas Viaduct
The trail follows the old railway line on a smooth, traffic-free path. At Kilmacthomas the viaduct – seven stone arches and a central iron span, opened in 1878 – crosses the Mahon with clear sightlines toward the Comeragh foothills. The route is open around the clock and free to use, and the level surface suits casual walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users alike. Bike hire is available from the village business centre for those without their own.
Mahon Falls
A short drive south of the village, Mahon Falls plunges 80 metres into a steep U-shaped valley. A clearly marked 20-minute walk from the car park leads to the base of the cascade. The spray and echo of the water make it a popular stop for photographers, picnickers and families. The surrounding woodlands offer additional short loops for those looking to extend their walk.
Kilmacthomas Workhouse & Business Centre
Built during the Great Famine, the former workhouse has been carefully converted into the Kilmacthomas Business Centre. The building now hosts Coach House Coffee, a bike hire desk and Mayfield Birds of Prey. The renovation preserves the original stone architecture while supporting local enterprise, offering visitors a tangible connection to the village’s past and present.
River Mahon Fishing
The River Mahon holds wild brown trout and sea trout, with salmon running from late June through autumn. Anglers can fish directly from the riverbanks within the village or head to Ballyshunnock Reservoir for coarse fishing. Licences and local regulations apply, so check current requirements before heading out.
Farmers Market
Every Thursday between 9.30 am and 2 pm, the village square hosts a weekly market. Local producers sell seasonal vegetables, organic meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and homemade preserves. It is a reliable place to pick up picnic supplies or sample regional produce without venturing far from the trail.
Surrounding Landscape & Geology
About 8 km south, the Copper Coast runs for 25 km of rugged coastline, sea cliffs and sheltered coves. Bunmahon has a sandy beach with consistent surf, while the Geopark Centre lays out 460 million years of geological history. To the west, the Comeragh foothills give terrain for hill walking and mountain biking. Along the trail itself, the Cloughlowrish Stone – an Ice Age glacial erratic – is a quiet reminder of the region’s ancient landscape.
Dining & Refreshments
- Coach House Coffee – Inside the former workhouse, serving coffee, teas and light meals in the restored building. It’s the obvious stop off the trail, and generally the best of them.
- Village Burger Joint – A straightforward spot for burgers, fries and local craft beers, handy for a quick stop after a walk or cycle.
Practical Information
Getting Here
Kilmacthomas sits on the R677, just north of the N25 national primary road. Bus Éireann route 362 links the village with Waterford City and Dungarvan, so you can reach it without a car. Cyclists can access the trail from either end of the 46-km route, with clear signage guiding traffic-free access into the village.
Parking & Bike Hire
Free parking is available at the former workhouse, the oat-mill and the dedicated trail car park. Waterford Greenway Bike Hire operates from the business centre and offers road bikes, hybrid cycles and child seats. Booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.
Guided Experiences
Local operators run heritage walks covering the workhouse and viaduct, guided cycle tours along the route, and mountain hikes toward Mahon Falls and the Comeragh ridges. Current schedules and booking details are available through the village website or local tourism offices.
Accessibility
The trail surface is level and fully wheelchair-accessible, with smooth crossings at the viaduct and most bridges. The workhouse café and bike hire centre feature step-free entrances. The walk to Mahon Falls involves uneven terrain and steep sections, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Seasonal Notes
Mahon Falls reaches its fullest flow after periods of heavy rain, which also increases the risk of slippery paths. Autumn brings the salmon run to the River Mahon, shifting the fishing focus from trout to larger migratory species. The Thursday market operates year-round, though stall numbers may vary during winter months.
Kilmacthomas works best as a base for a half-day or full-day itinerary: start with coffee at the workhouse, cycle or walk to the viaduct, pick up supplies at the Thursday market, and finish with a drive to Mahon Falls or the Copper Coast. Check tide times before heading to Bunmahon Beach, and book bike hire early if you plan to cover the full 46 km in one go.