Waterford
Greenway
Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan. 10km of Waterford Greenway from Bilberry to Kilmeadan Station is beside Waterford Suir Valley Railway.
Waterford City, one of Ireland’s cleanest cities and home to the famous Waterford Crystal and the Viking Triangle is not only where Ireland Begins, it is also where Waterford Greenway begins. Depart Waterford City along Grattan Quay to Bilberry, from here Waterford Greenway follows the route of the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan Railway line alongside Waterford Suir Valley Railway. This is a beautiful, peaceful, safe cycle/walk in a very scenic area as you journey beside the majestic River Suir, passing by Carriganore and Mount Congreve Gardens and on to Kilmeadan Station.
At Kilmeadan Station the Whistlestop Café provides light snacks, refreshments, ice cream, rest rooms, free WiFi and bike parking. There are indoor and outdoor tables for picnics.
Depending on your fitness level you can choose to walk or cycle from various points along Waterford Greenway to Kilmeadan Station. There are car parks for Waterford Greenway in :
- Waterford City, 11km to Kilmeadan Station
- Bilberry (50 space), 10km to Kilmeadan Station
- WIT Campus at Carriganore (350 spaces), 6.5km to Kilmeadan Station
- Killotteran (30 spaces) 3km to Kilmeadan Station
The largest Car Park on Waterford Greenway is at WIT Arena Campus at Carriganore, Eircode X91 FF86. This section is ideal for young families to get a taste of Waterford Greenway. Many combine it with a trip on Waterford Suir Valley Railway and a treat in the Whistlestop Café before making the return journey.
On departing Kilmeadean Station continuing west on Waterford Greenway, the next stop is the beautifully restored Workhouse and home to the Coach House Coffee Shop (13km), followed by the picturesque Village of Kilmacthomas (13.5km) This village is enjoying a new lease of life since the opening of Waterford Greenway in 2017. Refreshments and meals are available in the many coffee shops, restaurants and pubs in the area. It is a very welcome stop as it is halfway between Waterford City and Dungarvan. It is also pretty spectacular to cycle over the Kilmacthomas eight arch stone Viaduct.
Continuing from Kilmacthomas through McGrath’s Cross and crossing over the Durrow Viaduct the next refreshment stop is at Shanacool.
From Shanacool you journey through the famous Durrow/Ballyvoyle Tunnel and then over the Ballyvoyle Viaduct. As you continue on towards Dungarvan you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Waterford Coast line overlooking Clonea. Dungarvan Bay is a welcome sight as you approach the town. Dungarvan is a very picturesque town, winning a silver medal in the International Entente Florale competition in 2018.