Overview
The Waterford Greenway – locally known as the Déise Greenway – is Ireland’s longest off-road trail. Stretching 46 km from the quays of Waterford City to the harbour town of Dungarvan, it follows the gently undulating route of a former railway line. Opened in March 2017 after years of local campaigning, the paved, car-free path forms part of the international EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route. It’s designed for everyone: families with pushchairs, casual cyclists, serious riders, and walkers all share the space. The trail is mostly flat, making it one of the most accessible greenways in the country, while still delivering dramatic changes in scenery from river valleys to coastal headlands.
Running parallel to the first 10 km of the Greenway is the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, a community-run heritage narrow-gauge line. Departing from the restored Kilmeadan Station, it offers a nostalgic journey through the Suir Valley, crossing sections of the old track that are no longer open to the public.
History & Background
The original Mallow–Waterford railway line opened in 1878, operated by the Great Southern and Western Railway. It served passengers and freight for nearly a century before closing in the late 1970s. Rather than let the infrastructure decay, local groups and Waterford County Council worked together to transform the disused corridor into a multi-use greenway. The conversion carefully preserved eleven historic bridges, three stone viaducts, and the 400-metre Ballyvoyle tunnel.
In 2003, a heritage railway society revived a 10 km stretch of the line as the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway. Kilmeadan Station was meticulously restored, complete with original 1878 platform signage and a converted Mark 2 carriage serving as the ticket office. Today, it operates as a charitable social enterprise, kept running by volunteers who share stories of Ireland’s railway past with every journey.
Route Highlights
Most visitors tackle the Greenway in sections, picking a start point that suits their time and energy levels. Here’s what to expect as you travel west from the city:
Waterford City to Kilmeaden (10.5 km)
The trail begins at Grattan Quay in Ireland’s oldest city. As you leave the urban centre, the path hugs the tidal River Suir, a Special Area of Conservation teeming with otters, kingfishers and herons. You’ll pass the Woodstown archaeological site, where excavations uncovered a 9th-century Viking settlement that predates Waterford City itself. Further along, the route skirts the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, home to spectacular azalea and rhododendron displays. A short distance later, the atmospheric ruins of 17th-century Kilmeaden Castle appear on the left, followed by the four-bay lime kilns used in the 1800s to burn agricultural lime.
Kilmeaden to Kilmacthomas (13.5 km)
Leaving the station, the trail enters open farmland with the Comeragh Mountains rising in the distance. Look out for the tall brick chimney of Fairbrook Mill, an 18th-century paper and later woollen mill. The halfway mark brings you to the Kilmacthomas Workhouse, built during the Great Famine to house destitute families. The historic buildings now house a business centre and the popular Coach House Coffee, a favourite refuelling stop for cyclists. Just beyond the village, the eight-arch Kilmacthomas Viaduct spans the valley – a striking reminder of Victorian engineering.
Kilmacthomas to Durrow (12 km)
This section winds through native woodland and quiet countryside. You’ll pass the Cloughlowrish Stone, a massive glacial erratic deposited here around 10,000 years ago. Local folklore claims the stone will split in two if anyone tells a lie nearby – fortunately, it remains intact. The path crosses the River Tay on the Durrow Viaduct, then passes the ivy-covered ruins of Durrow Station and a red-roofed building that served as a bustling dancehall in the 1940s and 50s.
Durrow to Dungarvan (10 km)
The final leg offers a steady, enjoyable decline towards the coast. Stop at O’Mahony’s Pub in Shanacool, a family-run establishment since 1860 that once served the railway workers. Shortly after, you’ll enter the 400-metre Ballyvoyle Tunnel. Built in 1878, it was damaged during the Civil War in 1922 and rebuilt in 1924. Emerging into a fern-lined glade, you’ll cross the Ballyvoyle Viaduct before the scent of salt air signals the approach to the Copper Coast. The trail finishes at Walton Park in Dungarvan, named after physicist Ernest Walton, with Dungarvan Castle and the harbour just a short walk away.
The Heritage Railway Experience
The Waterford & Suir Valley Railway operates from Kilmeadan Station on a seasonal timetable, typically running from April through October. The 10 km return journey travels at a relaxed 15 km/h, offering close-up views of the valley, Mount Congreve across the river, and historic lime kilns.
Volunteers escort passengers to their compartments, each named after a station on the original 1878 line. Children receive a treasure hunt sheet to complete while waiting and during the ride, and a short stretch known locally as Magic Wood adds a touch of folklore to the journey. On select Thursday evenings in July and August, the Sunset Express runs with prosecco, strawberries, and an artisan picnic box from GROW HQ Café, accompanied by live acoustic music.
The Whistlestop Café at the station serves coffee, homemade cakes and ice cream, with indoor and outdoor seating. Booking is recommended for groups, but individual tickets are sold on a first-come basis. Check the official railway website for current prices and seasonal event schedules, including the Easter Bunny Express and Spooky Express.
Practical Information
Cycling & Walking
- Time: Allow 2–4 hours to cycle the full 46 km, depending on stops. Walking the entire route typically takes a full day, though shorter sections are ideal for families.
- Bike hire: Available in Waterford City, Kilmacthomas, Durrow and Dungarvan. Most providers offer hybrids, road bikes, e-bikes, child seats and trailers. Several companies run a shuttle bus service to collect riders from Dungarvan and return them to their starting point.
- Parking: Free designated car parks are located at the WIT West Campus (Waterford City), Kilmeadan Station, Kilmacthomas Workhouse, and behind the Eurospar in Dungarvan. Smaller lay-bys exist at Killoteran, McGrath’s Cross and Clonea Road, but these fill quickly in summer.
The Greenway Code
As a shared space, the Greenway operates on a simple set of rules to keep everyone safe:
- Walkers and cyclists should stay to the left and pass on the right.
- Cyclists must ring their bell before overtaking walkers.
- Slow down and give way at level crossings marked by red chicane gates.
- Keep dogs on a short lead, especially near tunnels and viaducts, and always clean up after them.
- Take all rubbish home and leave the trail as you found it.
Accessibility
The smooth, paved surface is fully accessible for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and pushchairs. The Ballyvoyle tunnel and viaducts are wide enough for passage, but users are asked to travel slowly and yield to oncoming pedestrians. Clear signage and gentle gradients make the route suitable for most ability levels.
Nearby Attractions
The Greenway sits at the heart of the Déise region, with plenty of detours worth considering:
- Copper Coast – A UNESCO Global Geopark featuring dramatic headlands, scalloped beaches and 19th-century mining ruins like Tankardstown Engine House.
- Comeragh Mountains – Rugged peaks and hidden valleys ideal for longer hikes and mountain biking.
- Dunmore East – A working harbour town known for fresh seafood and a scenic cliff walk.
- Bunmahon – A quiet fishing village with a wide sandy beach and the historic Bunmahon Mining Museum.
- Ardmore – Home to Ireland’s oldest church, a round tower and a stunning coastal cliff walk.
Planning Your Visit
Summer weekends bring the highest visitor numbers, so booking bike hire and train tickets in advance is wise. If you prefer quieter conditions, late spring or early autumn offers mild weather, fewer crowds and vibrant seasonal colours. Pack a waterproof layer regardless of the season – the Irish coast can shift from bright sun to brisk wind in minutes. Most cyclists find that splitting the route into two half-days, with an overnight stop in Kilmacthomas or Dungarvan, makes for a relaxed and memorable trip. The trail is well signposted, and a free downloadable map is available from the official Greenway website for offline use.