Stretching from Waterford City to Dungarvan, the Waterford Greenway is one of County Waterford’s standout outdoor experiences and one of the best ways to discover its landscape at your own pace.
Following the route of the former railway line, the Greenway is a 46km off-road walking and cycling trail linking the banks of the River Suir with Dungarvan Bay. Along the way, it crosses 11 bridges, three viaducts and an atmospheric 400-metre railway tunnel, passing through countryside shaped by Waterford’s railway, Viking and industrial heritage.
Whether you want to cycle the entire route, walk a short section with the family or simply spend a few hours exploring, the Waterford Greenway deserves a place near the top of your Waterford itinerary.
What is the Waterford Greenway?
The Waterford Greenway is a traffic-free walking and cycling route created along the old railway line between Waterford City and Dungarvan.
The trail takes visitors from the River Suir through the Waterford countryside, passing Mount Congreve Gardens and Kilmeaden before continuing towards Kilmacthomas, the Comeragh Mountains and eventually Dungarvan Bay.
Its combination of relatively easy cycling, dramatic railway engineering, countryside, coastal scenery and places to stop along the way makes it suitable for far more than experienced cyclists.
You don’t have to complete the entire Greenway to enjoy it.
How Long is the Waterford Greenway?
You’ll occasionally see slightly different distances quoted.
The official Waterford Greenway route is approximately 46km from Waterford City to Dungarvan, although you may occasionally see slightly different distances quoted depending on the precise start and finish points used.
The route can be travelled in either direction.
You can also cycle one way and arrange transport back rather than completing a return journey. Discover Ireland specifically highlights one-way cycling with return transport as an option.
What Can You See Along the Waterford Greenway?
The Greenway is much more than a cycle path.
The former railway route takes you through changing landscapes and past reminders of Waterford’s history.
Highlights include the River Suir, Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, Kilmacthomas, former railway stations and woollen mills, Comeragh Mountain views, Durrow Tunnel and Dungarvan Bay.
Part of the attraction is how quickly the scenery changes. A journey that begins close to Waterford City gradually becomes increasingly rural before eventually bringing you towards the coast and Dungarvan.
Kilmacthomas Viaduct
One of the Greenway’s most recognisable landmarks is the impressive railway viaduct at Kilmacthomas.
The Greenway follows the former railway through the village, with the towering arches of the viaduct forming one of the most memorable sections of the route.
Kilmacthomas also makes an excellent stopping point.
For visitors who don’t want to tackle the complete Greenway, it can work particularly well as a starting or finishing point for a shorter cycle.
Durrow Tunnel
Another highlight is the 400-metre-long Durrow Tunnel.
The former railway tunnel creates a dramatic change of atmosphere as you leave the open countryside and travel through the illuminated tunnel. Visit Waterford identifies it as one of the major features of the full Greenway route.
It’s also one of those features children tend to remember long after the cycle itself.
Mount Congreve Gardens
The Greenway passes close to Mount Congreve Gardens, making it possible to combine cycling with one of Waterford’s major garden attractions.
Waterford & Suir Valley Railway
The Greenway also brings visitors close to the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, a narrow-gauge heritage railway operating along part of the former Waterford–Dungarvan railway corridor.
It’s another excellent family combination and adds context to what you’re cycling along: this wasn’t originally built as a leisure trail. You’re following an important piece of Waterford’s railway heritage.
Dungarvan Bay and Clonea
Approaching Dungarvan brings another significant change in scenery.
The route sweeps towards Dungarvan Bay and Clonea Beach, giving cyclists coastal views towards the end of the journey. Discover Ireland recommends Clonea as a possible stopping point, particularly during the summer.
Finishing in Dungarvan also gives you an obvious reward after the cycle: food.
The town has an excellent reputation for restaurants, cafés and pubs, making it worth allowing enough time to explore rather than immediately turning around.
Do I Have to Cycle the Entire Greenway?
Absolutely not.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Waterford Greenway.
You can cycle the entire route, tackle a shorter section or simply walk part of it.
Discover Ireland specifically recommends shorter walking sections, while Visit Waterford highlights several access points along the route.
That makes the Greenway adaptable to your available time, fitness level and who you’re travelling with.
For many visitors, a shorter section combined with lunch, a garden visit or another Waterford attraction will actually make for a better day than trying to race through all 46km.
Can You Walk the Waterford Greenway?
Yes.
The Waterford Greenway is a multi-use walking and cycling trail.
You can walk the entire route if you’re looking for a substantial challenge, but shorter sections are much more practical for most visitors.
Discover Ireland highlights shorter walks including sections near Waterford City and Dungarvan.
For a relaxed visit, choose a section and walk out and back rather than worrying about completing a particular distance.
Is the Waterford Greenway Family Friendly?
Yes.
Visit Waterford describes the Greenway as suitable for families and highlights shorter sections as particularly good family options. Bike hire operators along the route can also provide equipment such as children’s bikes and trailers.
Because much of the experience is away from normal road traffic, families can enjoy a very different type of cycling experience.
However, the Greenway is a shared trail, not a private cycle track. Cyclists, walkers, runners, children and other users can all be encountered along the route, so speed and awareness of other users matter.
Can You Hire Bikes?
Yes.
Bike hire is available at several locations associated with the Greenway, including Waterford City, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan, with conventional bicycles, e-bikes and family equipment among the options available from operators.
This means you don’t need to bring your own bicycle to experience the Greenway.
Some operators also offer one-way hire and transport arrangements, which can make cycling a substantial section considerably easier to organise. Many companies offer that their rental bikes can be returned in Dungarvan with transport back towards Waterford available.
For current operators and arrangements, use the official tourism information:
Waterford Greenway information and bike hire
Which Direction Should I Cycle?
There’s no universally correct answer.
Waterford to Dungarvan gives you the psychological advantage of finishing beside Dungarvan Bay with plenty of places available for food and refreshments.
Starting in Dungarvan and heading towards Waterford gives you the opportunity to finish your day in Ireland’s oldest city, where you can explore the Viking Triangle, restaurants, pubs and cultural attractions.
Wind and weather can make a considerable difference, so if you’re planning a one-way cycle, check the forecast before deciding.
How Long Does the Waterford Greenway Take?
This depends enormously on how you’re experiencing it.
A fit cyclist concentrating primarily on cycling will obviously complete the route considerably faster than a family stopping for photographs, food, gardens and sightseeing.
For a visitor experience, don’t treat the Greenway as a race.
If you’re doing the full route, allow a substantial part of the day so you can stop at Kilmacthomas, enjoy the scenery, explore points of interest and have something to eat.
The stops are part of the experience.
Is the Waterford Greenway Dog Friendly?
Yes
The Greenway is dog friendly.
Because this is a shared route used by cyclists, walkers and families, dogs should be kept under proper control and owners should follow the current Greenway Code of Respect.
Where Does the Waterford Greenway Start?
At the Waterford end, the Greenway begins close to Waterford City and Plunkett Railway Station.
Discover Ireland notes that visitors arriving by train can reach the start of the Greenway within a couple of minutes.
At the other end, the route brings you into Dungarvan, making both towns practical starting points.
There are also multiple access points along the Greenway, so you don’t need to start at either end.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Don’t obsess about completing all 46km.
If you’ve never cycled the Waterford Greenway before, decide what kind of day you actually want.
If you want a cycling challenge, do the full route.
If you’re visiting with children, choose a manageable section.
If you’re on holiday, combine cycling with Mount Congreve, Kilmacthomas, Clonea Beach or lunch in Dungarvan.
And if you’re staying in Waterford City, don’t assume you need a car to reach the Greenway. The Waterford end is conveniently located close to Plunkett Station.
The best Greenway day isn’t necessarily the one where you cover the most kilometres. It’s the one where you actually get to experience Waterford along the way.
What Can I Do Nearby?
The Greenway creates an excellent spine for exploring more of County Waterford.
At the Waterford City end, combine it with Reginald’s Tower, the Viking Triangle, Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Christ Church Cathedral and House of Waterford Crystal.
Along the route, consider Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford & Suir Valley Railway and Kilmacthomas.
At the western end, spend some time at Clonea Beach and Dungarvan rather than treating the town simply as the finish line.
For a longer stay, the Greenway also works extremely well alongside the Copper Coast, Comeragh Mountains and Waterford’s coastal towns and villages.
For another active destination around Waterford, explore SETU Arena in Carriganore and plan your transport separately.
Visitors planning an overnight stay in Waterford city can explore Treacys Hotel on Merchants Quay.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Cycling, walking, families, couples, outdoor enthusiasts and active breaks
Route: Waterford City to Dungarvan
Distance: Approximately 46km
Type: Off-road walking and cycling Greenway
Surface: Paved Greenway route
Former use: Railway line
Major features: 11 bridges, three viaducts and 400m Durrow Tunnel
Key stops: Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, Clonea and Dungarvan
Bike hire: Available at several locations
E-bike hire: Available from operators
Family friendly: Yes
Dog friendly: Yes – follow the Greenway Code of Respect
Walking: Yes
Cycling: Yes
Full route required: No – multiple access points allow shorter trips
Cost to use the Greenway: Free
Rainy-day suitability: Outdoor activity – check weather conditions
Food and refreshments: Available at various points along and close to the route.
Features
- Cycling
- Dog Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Free Admission
- Outdoor Activity
- Walking Trails
