Drive to Kilmeadan Station, home to the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway, a social enterprise operating a narrow-gauge railway as a tourist attraction since 2003. Board the train to journey through the countryside and along the banks of the River Suir. On the return journey disembark at Mount Congreve Garden Platform where nature guide Paddy Dwan will take guests on another journey through nature.

Paddy is passionate about nature. He is the co-author, with Mark Roper, of two books on Waterford, The River Book, a celebration of the Suir and The Back Strand. Growing up in Waterford City, Paddy and his friends spent the holidays playing on what in Waterford was known as the “Rusty Tracks” along the Banks of the River Suir, the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan Railway Line. This railway line is now home to the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway and Waterford Greenway.

Paddy now wants to share his knowledge of the River Suir, the birdlife, flora and fauna along its banks, with a little bit of archaeology and social history thrown in. Led by an experienced guide, the walks will proceed at a gentle pace, with an emphasis on close observation. Along the way guests can be fascinated by the history of old lime kilns and the Viking settlement site at Woodstown.

The train journey lasts 30 minutes, and the nature trail will last 2 hours. Guests can either return to Kilmeadan Station by train, departing Mount Congreve Garden Platform every half hour until 16:30 or return on foot along Waterford Greenway (3km). Mount Congreve Gardens can also be visited at an extra charge with picnic areas available.

Please allow three hours for the train trip and nature walk.

This is suitable for individuals, families, gardening clubs, active retirement associations, scouts, schools, and anyone interested in nature.