Overview
Mount Elliott sits just north of New Ross in County Wexford, forming a dramatic gateway on the South East Greenway – a 24 km off‑road trail that follows the disused New Ross‑to‑Waterford railway line. The centerpiece is the 650‑metre (approximately 700 yards) Mount Elliott Tunnel, flanked by the iconic Red Bridge that spans the River Barrow. Today the tunnel and bridge have been repurposed for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users, offering a blend of industrial heritage and natural scenery.
History
The tunnel was constructed between 1885 and 1887 as part of the Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway’s New Ross Branch. The line opened in 1887, linking New Ross with Macmine Junction on the Dublin‑Wexford main line, and was extended in 1904 to reach Waterford City. Passenger services ceased in September 1963, but freight traffic continued – first serving the Albatros fertiliser plant until 1976 and then limited goods traffic until the track was finally lifted in 1995.
The structure was recorded by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (Reg No 15702905) as a regional‑interest civil‑engineering monument, noting its “single horse‑shoe‑profiled openings with red brick block‑and‑start surrounds” and the later over‑grown ivy that now cloaks the stonework. Recent discussions about reopening the line for rail traffic have given way to the successful conversion into a greenway, with plans for augmented‑reality lighting and audio installations announced in 2020.
Architecture & Heritage
Near the tunnel lies Rosemount House, historically known as Mount Elliott House. Built between 1760‑65 and later altered, the five‑bay, two‑storey country house is listed (Reg No 15702901) for its Georgian architectural details, including a granite‑faced entrance with a cyma‑recta cornice. After a fire in 1997 the house was restored between 1998‑2002 and now stands as a visual reminder of the estate that gave the tunnel its name.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mount Elliott Tunnel | 684 m long, stone portals with red‑brick detailing, ivy‑covered walls, occasional water seepage in the northern portal. A small remembrance plaque near the northern entrance commemorates the tunnel’s railway past. |
| Red Bridge | Victorian‑era railway bridge over the Barrow, still in good condition, painted red, offers panoramic river views. Trees have begun growing over the structure but it remains sound. |
| Greenway Surface | Urban sections (Ferrybank, Abbeylands, Mount Elliott, Red Bridge) are 5 m wide with a bituminous surface; rural stretches narrow to 3 m. |
| Future Enhancements | Planned AR/animation lighting inside the tunnel, audio installations and interpretive panels highlighting railway folklore (announced 2020). |
Walking or cycling through the tunnel is a sensory experience: the cool, dim interior contrasts with the bright Barrow valley that opens up as you emerge onto the bridge. The surrounding countryside is dotted with historic townlands such as Rosbercon, Cherry’s Road and Glenmore, each offering glimpses of traditional Irish farming scenery.
Practical Information
- Access & Parking – The Mount Elliott section is reached via the Rosbercon entrance, where a small free car park and bike‑racks are provided. Signage along the route uses high‑visibility steel signs produced by Kent’s Steel in Wexford.
- Surface & Suitability – The path is suitable for hybrid, mountain and road bikes, as well as pedestrians. Wheelchair users can navigate the tunnel and bridge, though occasional water pooling at the northern portal may require caution after heavy rain.
- Lighting & Safety – Motion‑activated LED lighting operates from dusk until dawn inside the tunnel. The route is fenced and stock‑proofed in exposed sections.
- Opening Hours & Fees – The greenway is open year‑round, free of charge, and follows daylight conditions; there are no formal opening hours.
- Facilities – Refreshments are available at the Rosbercon café and seasonal pop‑up stalls along the route.
Future Developments
The South East Greenway authority plans to install augmented‑reality lighting and audio installations within the Mount Elliott Tunnel, creating an immersive experience that will illuminate the tunnel’s history and folklore after dark. Interpretive panels are also slated for the Red Bridge area, providing context on the Victorian engineering and the railway’s role in the region.
Connecting Experiences
Visitors can combine the greenway experience with nearby attractions: the Dunbrody Famine Ship, the historic St Michael’s Arts Centre in New Ross, and the Waterford Crystal visitor centre in Waterford City are all within short detours. The South East Greenway links to the Waterford Greenway at the North Quays, creating a potential 70 km coast‑to‑coast route that links the Viking city of Waterford with the Norman town of New Ross.