/ Trip Ideas / Trails & Tales from the Waterford Greenway

Trails & Tales from the Waterford Greenway

46 KM 29 MILES 5 LOCATIONS

Add to List

Trails & Tales from the Waterford Greenway

Experience the joys of cycling and walking in Ireland’s Ancient East.

This summer, venture south to Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, and take some to time to discover one of the newest attractions in Ireland’s Ancient East, the wonderful Waterford Greenway trail.

The Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line, venturing from the quays of Waterford, a city founded by the Vikings, all the way through an area rich in Irish heritage to the historic port of Dungarvan, a vibrant seaside market town with a pretty quay-side setting.

Discover the stories of the past as you stop at attractions along the way and uncover the secrets that they hold — from the stunning gardens of Mount Congreve, known as one of the great gardens of the world — to Viking settlements, medieval ruins, a Norman castle, deserted railway stations, an Ice Age rock with fascinating mythical powers and a heritage railway train that still runs along part of the track.

And all while savouring the breath-taking views as you journey from place to place, from lush green countryside, to spectacular views of the Comeragh Mountains, to the glory of the Copper Coast with its scalloped beaches, coves and rocky headlands.

It’s a journey through time and nature — across eleven bridges, three viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel — that runs all the way from the river to the sea.

Local Tales & Tours

Why not embark on a tour with some local guides who will entertain you with their knowledge of the area and delight you with their passion and stories? Donal from Greenway Waterford Bike Hire, Garvan from The Greenway Man or John from Waterford Greenway Bike Hire will bring the area’s history to life along the way, leaving you to relax, enjoy and take it all in.

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

There are also several bike hire companies in the area with a wide range of services on offer so no need to worry when heading away on your short break. You’ll find bikes and helmets for hire with insurance available, while some companies even offer electric bikes or tow-along options for the kids! There are delivery, collection and accommodation options available on request and a shuttle bus facility, in case you don’t want to bike all the way back again – everything available to help make your holiday on the Greenway as easy as possible! Check out some of the available bike hire options.

Need to know

The Waterford Greenway is divided into six defined sections, mostly flat and very manageable by the whole family, with no training required. Details on section distances, facilities and suitability are all available, along with a downloadable map to guide you on your journey.

A number of carparks are also situated along the way, making it easy to tackle stretches of the trail in bitesize chunks — depending on your energy levels!

Tips while you’re in the area…

Break for coffee at the old Kilmacthomas Famine Workhouse – an impressive old building now housing a café, bike hire and a ceramic artist. Well worth a stop!

While away a few hours at Waterford’s Viking Triangle in the city enjoying free concerts every Friday and Saturday over the summer months.

Here for the August bank holiday? Be sure to check out the Waterford Spraoi International Street Arts Festival