Journey Sites

Kilmeadan Castle
Kilmeadan Castle was originally owned by John Power of Dunhill in 1640. Kilmeadan Castle, which from an early period was a chief seat of the Powers, was defended against Cromwell, but was taken and destroyed by his troops, and the unfortunate proprietor instantly hanged on an adjoining tree. The castle was captured and destroyed by Cromwell around 1650. The lands passed to the Ottrington Family in the late 17th Centruy. In 1674, John Ottrington's daughter Elizabeth married Arden St Leger, who subsequently became Baron of Kilmeadan and Viscount Doneraile and so the Kilmeadan property here came into possession of the Doneraile family of Tramore. The side of the Manor, which is probably 18th century and originally contained the stairs, survives.

Mount Congreve Gardens
Mount Congreve Estate is one of the finest stately homes in Ireland and is owned by Mr Ambrose Congreve whose family built it nearly 300 years ago. Mount Congreve speaks of another age, extensive greenhouses with walls of nectarines, a mind bending display of orchids and bromeliads, collections of rare fuchsias and almost extinct varieties of cyclamen, rare Lorraine-series begonias, benches full of thick strappy-leaved clivia and a particularly rare, pure yellow form called Vico. Mount Congreve boasts one of the biggest collections of rhododendrons in the world, certainly the biggest in Europe. Within the 110 acres of garden are dozens of examples of each of over 3,500 varieties of rhododendron, 650 camellias, 300 magnolias and 250 types of Japanese Maple as well as ½ mile of hostas. This is the world's largest plant collection and started by a man who decided at the age of eleven to start planting and has never stopped. Ambrose Congreve continues to develop the estate and his most recent achievement is the bog garden and pinetum. The main body of the garden is woodland and its beauties are the flowering shrubs, incredible runs of magnolias and camellias, rhododendrons, cherry, acer, azara, eucryphia, mycelia, pittosporum and prunus. All these flowering shrubs and trees are overlooked by 18th century and 19th Century plantations of oak and beech. The gardens will eventually be bequeathed to the State.

Carriganore House
Carriganore House and estate was purchased by Waterford Institute of Technology and will become its Corporate Headquarters. The 18th Century house was completely renovated in 2002.WIT plans to build a student apartment village providing accommodation for more than 1000 students on part of the 150 acre estate. A number of major campus developments are planned and these will focus on research, development and teaching with excellent recreation, leisure and sporting facilities.

Mossy Wood
This area is so called because of the luxurious coating of green moss on the banks on either side of the track. The moss was once collected and used to line flower baskets, but is now left to be enjoyed.

Lime Kilns
The practice of burning lime was common in the last century in Ireland. Lime was an important commodity in this area and attesting to this are numerous lime kilns, such as the one on this railway route. The wood for fuel was brought across from Co Kilkenny by boat. The lime produced was used by farmers as a fertiliser and also as a whitewash for thatched cottages. A little blue would be added to enhance the white.

Dan Donovan Tunnel
This 40 metre tunnel was built as part of the Waterford City bypass to facilitate the railway. It is named after the man responsible for laying this narrow gauge track from Kilmeadan to Bilberry.

River Suir Bridge
A Cable Stay Bridge carrying dual carriageway over the River Suir, crossing between Waterford and Kilkenny.

River Suir Bridge Statistics

• Overall width: 30.60m
• Overall length: 465m
• Main span length: 230m (Longest span in 26 counties. Foyle Bridge in Derry NI has a main span of 234m)
• Side span lengths: 40, 70, 90, (230), 35m
• Overall Tower height: 112m (above foundation)
• Tower width at base: 53m
• Total length of cable: 11900m (approx)
• Tower = 300t
• Total = 6700m3

More information is on the Waterford city website www.waterfordcity.ie.

Wildlife At the Railway Track
Apart from enjoying the ride and the landscape around, it is worthwhile to pay attention to the flora and fauna along the route of the journey.