Cycling the Waterford Greenway
The picturesque Waterford Greenway hugs the coastline as it follows old railway lines from lively Waterford City, through the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and onto the pretty harbour town of Dungarvan. You can walk part of the way, cycle in both directions or cycle one way and get the bus back to Waterford from Dungarvan. We provide the perfect location for accommodation on the Greenway . With plenty of pit-stops and trailside attractions along the way, exploring the 46km route really is a perfect short break.
Start your Cycle in Waterford City
Hop off the train at Plunkett Station, or park at one of the car parks nearby, just a couple of minutes from the start of the Greenway. Bike rental companies Waterford Greenway Bike Hire are on hand with bikes, e-bikes and even tandems, as well as having all the necessary safety equipment and trailers for the little ones.
As you leave the city and weave your way along the banks of the River Suir you’ll soon come across one of ‘the great gardens of the world’ at Mount Congreve Estate Gardens an 18th century Georgian estate. There’s a little café where you can eat homemade cakes and scones out on the terrace.
Just 2km further down the Greenway listen out for the toot of the train at the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway where you’ll ride in a restored carriage to see parts of Waterford that can be accessed only by rail. After your quick stop, it’s back on the bikes and on to Kilmacthomas.
Pit Stop in Kilmacthomas
Continuing along the Greenway the path begins to wind along the base of the rugged Comeragh Mountains (don’t worry the trail stays relatively flat) and underneath the towering arches of the Kilmacthomas Viaduct until you reach Kilmacthomas. A natural halfway and resting point along the Greenway, you can also start your journey here as Waterford Greenway Bike Hire has another bike rental location in town.
Get a much-needed caffeine boost at Coach House Coffee in the grounds of an old Famine Workhouse, you’ll see it from the Greenway so you literally can’t miss it. Grab a seat in the sunshine on the patio with the other cyclists and enjoy an expertly crafted latte before hitting the road again.
Make sure you pick up one of their tasty muffins or a slice of cake for an extra energy boost to finish off the remaining 23km to Dungarvan. Or you could always make another stop a little further along at O’Mahony’s Bar and Shop in Durrow which you’ll see as you pass by.
Cross the finish line in Dungarvan
As you begin to reach the end of the Greenway the path sweeps around the stunning Dungarvan Bay and onto Clonea Strand. Stop off for a dip to cool down during the summer months on this Blue Flag Beach, or spend the afternoon exploring the rocks dotted along the strand.
Breathe in the sea air and continue to the Durrow Tunnel, a disused railway tunnel, just outside the town of Dungarvan for a look into the area’s recent past. Mighty rock walls lined with ferns, moss and drooping trees flank either side of the Greenway as you approach the 382-metre-long, brick-lined tunnel. Once home to colonies of bats, the tunnel is now well lit and a favourite for many cyclists.
Arriving into Dungarvan with 46km of scenic cycling behind you reward yourself with a well-earned meal in The Local. Run by Donnchadh Gough, a member of the traditional music band Danú, you’ll find live music dancing across the stone floors at the weekend. The food menu is hearty and wholesome, think homemade soups, filling sandwiches and seafood platters - exactly what you need after spending a day on the bike.
After your meal, you can turn around and cycle the Greenway back to Waterford or spend the night in the lively harbourside town. Rental bikes can also be returned in Dungarvan with a bus service taking you back to your starting point in Waterford 45 minutes away.
Walking the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is a multi-use trail which means that walking is also very popular on the trail. Shorter sections of the Greenway like the 1.5km from Waterford Institute of Technology to Killoteran or the 4km from Scartore to Dungarvan make for fantastic walks for people of all abilities.
Cycling the Waterford Greenway is a wonderful way to explore The Déise and get some exercise at the same time. Go at your own pace and discover the sunny south-east for yourself. Take a look at our Waterford destination page and discover must-see places in this incredible county.
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Old Kilmeaden Rd,
Woodstown,
Kilotteran,
Co. Waterford,
X91 X4RP
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+353 51 372 764
