Overview
The Waterford Greenway – also known locally as the Déise Greenway – is a 46 km off‑road trail that follows the disused Mallow‑Waterford railway line. It links Waterford City with Dungarvan, skirting Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas and the UNESCO‑listed Copper Coast. The route forms part of EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast cycling corridor that runs from Norway to Portugal, and has become one of Ireland’s most popular family‑friendly attractions since its March 2017 opening.
Running alongside the Greenway for 8.5 km is the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, a community‑run heritage narrow‑gauge line that departs from the lovingly restored Kilmeadan Station and offers a steam‑train experience through the Suir Valley.
History & Background
- Railway origins: The original line was built in 1878 by the Great Southern and Western Railway and served passengers for almost a century before closing in the late 1970s. It was later incorporated into the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway, later the Waterford and Central Ireland Railway, before becoming part of the Great Southern & Western network in 1900.
- Greenway conversion: After years of local campaigning, the abandoned track was transformed into a paved greenway and officially opened in March 2017. The project preserved eleven historic bridges, three stone viaducts and the iconic 400‑metre Ballyvoyle (Durrow) tunnel.
- Heritage railway revival: In 2003 a local heritage group restored a 10 km stretch of the line as the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Kilmeadan Station was rebuilt, a Mark 2 carriage converted into a ticket office, and the original 1878 station sign reinstated. The railway now operates as a social enterprise, celebrating Ireland’s rail heritage.
- Future plans: A 2020 feasibility study examined a 38.5 km extension towards Mallow, while 2022 studies looked at linking the Greenway with the Suir Blueway and the under‑construction Cork Greenway.
What to See & Do
Greenway Highlights
| Section | Distance | Key sights |
|---|---|---|
| Waterford City → Killoteran | 7.5 km | Grattan Quay, Red Iron Bridge, Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge, Woodstown Viking site, River Suir views |
| Killoteran → Kilmeaden | 3 km | Mount Congreve Gardens (world‑class azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons), lime‑kiln, Kilmeaden Castle ruins |
| Kilmeaden → Kilmacthomas | 13.5 km | Fairbrook House & Gardens, Fairbrook Mill chimney, Kilmacthomas Workhouse café, Kilmacthomas Viaduct (8 arches) |
| Kilmacthomas → Durrow | 12 km | Durrow Viaduct, Cloughlowrish glacial erratic, Durrow Station ruins, local pubs |
| Durrow → Clonea Road | 6 km | Ballyvoyle Tunnel (400 m brick‑lined), Ballyvoyle Viaduct, early‑summer sea‑air on the Copper Coast |
| Clonea Road → Dungarvan | 4 km | Clonea Strand (Blue Flag beach), Walton Park, Dungarvan Castle |
Must‑see features
- Ballyvoyle Tunnel – a dark, atmospheric brick tunnel that opens onto a fern‑lined glade.
- Viaducts – Kilmacthomas, Durrow and Ballyvoyle viaducts, each with dramatic arches.
- Copper Coast Geopark – rugged headlands, scalloped beaches and historic mining sites such as Tankardstown Engine House.
- Mount Congreve Gardens – a horticultural masterpiece, perfect for a coffee break at the Stables Café.
Railway Experience
- Kilmeadan Station – ticket office housed in a converted Mark 2 carriage, original 1878 platform sign, and five illustrated storyboards covering Irish rail history, emigration, sport and the line’s rebirth.
- Scenic ride – a 10 km journey at about 15 km/h, offering close‑up views of Kilmeaden Castle ruins, Mount Congreve across the river, and the Suir Valley’s rolling countryside.
- Magic Wood – a short woodland stretch steeped in local folklore, ideal for family photos.
- Industrial relics – pass historic lime kilns and the Carriganore site, once used to hide gold from Cromwell’s army.
- Dan Donovan Tunnel – on Saturdays the train runs an extra 2 km through this tunnel under the N25, emerging near the Francis Meagher Bridge.
- Volunteer crew – friendly volunteers operate the train and love sharing anecdotes about the rolling stock and engineering heritage.
Practical Information
Greenway
- Access: Trailheads at Waterford City (Grattan Quay) and Dungarvan. Free to walk, cycle or jog.
- Facilities: Cafés at Mount Congreve, Fairbrook House, and several pubs along the route. Bike hire is available in Waterford and Dungarvan (confirm providers).
- Parking: Designated car parks at the Waterford City trailhead (near the Viking Triangle) and at Dungarvan (Walton Park). Additional lay‑by parking at Kilmeaden and Kilmacthomas.
Railway (Seasonal)
| Season | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|
| May‑August | Mon‑Sun | 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm |
| April & September | Mon‑Sun | 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm |
Ticket prices (single journey)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (19 +) | €14.00 |
| Child (5‑18) | €6.00 |
| Student & Senior | €12.00 |
| Under 3 years | Free |
Family tips
- Arrive early in summer to secure a seat on the train, especially on weekends.
- Bring a waterproof jacket; the trail can be windy near the coast.
- Dogs are welcome on the Greenway but must be kept on a lead in the tunnels and viaduct areas.
- Pack a picnic and use the many scenic lay‑by spots for a break.
Nearby attractions
While you’re on the Greenway, consider adding one of these nearby highlights to your itinerary:
- Ardmore Peninsula and Cliff Walk – stunning sea cliffs and a historic round tower (Ardmore).
- Bunmahon – Town and Bay Highlights – a charming fishing village with a beautiful beach and the historic Bunmahon Mining Museum.
- Aird Mhór Peninsula – dramatic coastal scenery and walking routes (Aird Mhór Peninsula).
- Dunmore East – Harbour and Cliff Walk – a lively harbour town with excellent seafood and a cliff walk.
- Comeragh Mountains – for those who want a longer hike, the mountains offer rugged trails and lake views.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, historic engineering and Irish hospitality that makes the Waterford Greenway and Kilkenny Railway experience a standout destination for families, cyclists and history lovers alike.