Waterford Greenway
The old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature across eleven bridges, three impressive viaducts and a long atmospheric tunnel all the way from the River Suir to Dungarvan Bay. Along this route in Ireland’s Ancient East is the site of a 9th century Viking settlement; the world renowned ornamental gardens at Mount Congreve; Waterford & Suir Valley narrow gauge heritage railway; former woollen mills and railway stations; and beautiful landscapes along the River Suir, Comeragh Mountains, The Copper Coast and Dungarvan Bay. Enjoy the beautiful journey!
How to Get There
Waterford Greenway runs between Waterford City and Dungarvan. It starts at Grattan Quay in Waterford City Centre, less than 100 metres from Rice Bridge. The trailhead in Dungarvan can be found at Walton Park, Abbeyside less than 5minutes walk from Grattan Square. There are 10 other Waterford Greenway car parks including: Bilberry; WIT West Campus; Killoteran; Kilmeaden WSVR; Workhouse, Kilmacthomas; Station, Kilmacthomas; Mill, Kilmacthomas; McGrath’s Cross; Durrow; Clonea Road.
Did You Know
- The Waterford, Dungarvan and Lismore Railway Line opened in 1878. It closed in 1967 only to re-open again in1970 between Waterford and Dungarvan (the routes of Waterford Greenway) servicing a mineral processing plant at Ballinacourty, Quigley Magnesite.
- Less than 10kms from Dungarvan at Ballyvoyle you will find two engineering marvels within 500 metres of each other. The first being Ballyvoyle Viaduct which was constructed in 1878, blown up in 1922 during the Civil War and rebuilt in 1924. The next, being Ballyvoyle Tunnel which was also completed in 1878 and is a 400 metre long brick lined tunnel. The alcoves along the inside were to allow workers to stand in from passing trains.
- Kilmacthomas Workhouse was built in 1850 for the Poor Law Union. The buildings included a chapel, fever hospital and mortuary.
- Woodstown Viking site is a designated national monument located approx 8kms west of Waterford City Centre along the Greenway. Archaeological testing in 2003 uncovered evidence of an 8thCentury Viking settlement that pre-dates Waterford City. Artefacts from this settlement are on display at Waterford Museum of Treasures and Reginald’s Tower in Waterford City.
Overview
Explore Ireland’s longest greenway!
DungarvanKilmacthomasKilmeadenWaterford City
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