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Cycling the Waterford Greenway

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DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

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Waterford Greenway
Cycling the Waterford Gre ...
How to cycle the Waterford Greenway
  • Cycling
  • Family fun
  • Free things to do
  • Walking and hiking
People cycling the Waterford Greenway in Co Waterford
Take in stunning views on a cycle on 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. Walk part of the way, cycle in both directions or cycle one way and get the bus back to Waterford from Dungarvan.

With plenty of pit-stops and trailside attractions along the way, exploring the 47.8km route is a cyclist's dream.

Start your cycle in Waterford city

Hop off the train at Plunkett Station, or park at one of the car parks nearby, and make your way to the start of the Greenway just a couple of minutes away. If you don't have you're own bike, Waterford Greenway Bike Hire is on hand with bikes and e-bikes, 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. Fuel up for the journey ahead with a cup of coffee and a slice of their homemade cake from the on-site café.

Listen out for the toot of the train at the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, just 2km along the Greenway. Park up your bike to take a ride in a restored carriage and see parts of Waterford that can only be accessed by rail. After your quick stop, it’s back on the bikes and on to Kilmacthomas.

Waterford Suire Valley Railway in Co Waterford
Hop on board a train and soak up the sights.

Pit stop in Kilmacthomas

Continuing along the Greenway, follow the winding path that wraps around the base of the Comeragh Mountains (don’t worry, the trail stays relatively flat) and runs underneath the towering arches of the Kilmacthomas Viaduct. Take a break at the popular resting point of Kilmacthomas. Or, if you're a cyclist without your own wheels, start your expedition here and hire a bike from Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours and Bike Hire. 

Get a much-needed caffeine boost at Coach House Coffee. Set in the grounds of an old Famine workhouse, you can't miss it from the Greenway. Grab a seat on the patio with fellow cyclists and enjoy an expertly crafted latte in the sun. Make sure to pick up one of their tasty desserts for an energy boost before finishing off the remaining 23km to Dungarvan. 

Two people eating a meal outside at Coach House Coffee
Stop at Coach House Coffee to refuel.

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 Beach. 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. Once home to colonies of bats, the tunnel is now well lit and a favourite for many cyclists. 

People cycling the Waterford Greenway
Surround yourself in nature on the Waterford Greenway

With almost 48km 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 bouncing off of the stone floors at the weekend. Browse the hearty food menu and pick from homemade soups, filling sandwiches, or delicious 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. 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.

A family walking the Waterford Greenway
Take a walk along part of the route.
Stay a little longer in the Crystal County

After cycling the length of the Waterford Greenway, extend your trip and explore even more great activities in Waterford. 

More to discover
People cycling the Waterford Greenway
5 great greenways to try this year
Cycling5 great greenways to try this year

Whether it's a cycling holiday with friends, a short pedal with little ones or a leisurely stroll in the sunshine, Ireland's vast network of greenways has a trail to suit every mood. Enjoy coastal views, stunning mountain scenery and peaceful canals on five of the country's incredible greenways.

Two people cycling on a greenway
The complete guide to cycling in Ireland
CyclingThe complete guide to cycling in Ireland

Fill your water bottle, strap on your helmet and get ready for a weekend of cycling in Ireland. Spin through stunning landscapes on the country’s most exciting roads and plot your course along epic cycling routes. Enjoy a family bike ride, test your ability on demanding cycles and cross off a bucket list bike ride in the mountains.

Four kids on the Old Rail Trail Greenway in County Westmeath
3 great cycle routes on Westmeath’s Old Rail Trail Greenway
Cycling3 great cycle routes on Westmeath’s Old Rail Trail Greenway

The 43km Old Rail Trail Greenway traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway along an off-road route. Follow the path as its snakes along the canal, under arched bridges and through tunnels with views of Westmeath’s lovely landscape.

A couple cycling along the Great Western Greenway, Mayo
Cycle the Great Western Greenway
Coastal escapesCycle the Great Western Greenway

The Great Western Greenway has transformed the 49 km long old rail route between Westport and Acaill (Achill Island) in County Mayo. Ireland’s longest greenway provides a chance for cyclists and walkers of all abilities to get off the beaten track and soak up the stunning views and scenery that the west of Ireland is famous for.

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