Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have Toilets?
Yes. There are six toilets at Kilmeadan Station including one disabled access toilet.There are two baby changing areas available. There is no toilet on the train.
Is there Bike Parking?
Is there a coffee shop on site?
Yes, the Whistlestop Café is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm. You can enjoy Blue Butterfly coffee, specialty teas, Market Stall fresh and toasted sandwiches, Annette’s Bakehouse treats, snacks and creamy 99’s.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, the train is perfect for young children. They love the movement and can relate to the narrow gauge rolling stock. Children love to make a wish in the magic wood.
Can we get off at Mount Congreve Gardens?
There is a railway platform at Mount Congreve Gardens. You can disembark there and come back on a later train. This service is available to people traveling by bus service only. Please check bus schedule on this page
https://www.wsvrailway.ie/your-visit/getting-here/
Can we bring bikes on the train?
No, the train is not wide enough to accommodate bicycles.
Do you have a steam engine?
The railway currently operates with diesel locomotives. WSVR is currently restoring a steam locomotive, Kettering Furnaces No. 3. Please follow updates on this website and support us by donating to the restoration.
What gauge is the railway track?
The Waterford Suir Valley Railway track is the Irish narrow Gauge 3ft. The Irish Standard Gauge is 5ft 3”.
When did the railway open as a tourist attraction?
The Waterford Suir Valley Railway opened for weekend trial runs in 2002 to test the market. It officially opened to the public with a six trip per day schedule in May 2003.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are two wheelchair accessible compartments. Both are outdoor compartments. Compartment 6 can be booked online. Compartment 5 can be booked by contacting the Ticket Office 051 384058.
The wheelchair accessible compartments are frequently booked, so it is advisible to book in advance.
Do we have to book in advance for the train?
Yes, it is advisable to book the train in advance. You can Book Tickets Online or telephone 051 384058 to reserve your compartment.
Do you have a group rate?
Yes, there are group rates for groups of 20+.
We also have special group rates if you wish to include tea, coffee and scones at the Whistlestop Café before or after your train trip.
Are there fully indoor seating areas on the train?
Yes, the front and back compartments are fully enclosed. The rest have a roof and sides up past waist height. All weather protection clear sheeting is lowered on one side to protect you from wind and rain.
Do you hire bicycles?
No, we do not hire bicycles from Kilmeadan Station but there are plenty of bicycle hire companies along the Waterford Greenway. Please see the Waterford Greenway section of the website
Can we catch the train in Waterford City?
No, the train does not operate to Waterford City. We can operate to Bilberry Station, 1 km from Waterford City for pre-booked groups. This is available outside of our regular scheduled times.
How long does the journey last?
Typically, the journey is a 13km return trip and lasts 40 minutes travelling at an average of 16km per hour. However, it is slightly longer at 50 minutes on a Saturday as it travels to the toll plaza for the Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge. This is a 16km round trip. Over the years, the feedback we received is the 40 minutes is just the perfect length of time, particularly for children. Railway enthusiasts tend to visit on a Saturday and they appreciate the longer journey.
How long is the line?
The entire length of the Waterford Suir Valley Railway line is 10km. We do not operate on the full 10km daily as the little locomotives would not be able to sustain the operation on a regular basis.
Does the train operate all year round?
The railway is open from 1st April to 30th September annually. It also operates for the mid term break in February and October. The Santa Express runs throughout the month of December.