The Waterford Greenway: A Day Cycle End to End

The Waterford Greenway is a 46-kilometre off-road walking and cycling trail along the alignment of the former Waterford-to-Mallow railway, which closed in 1967. The conversion opened to the public in 2017, since when it has become the most-used recreational trail in the south east of Ireland. End to end is a comfortable day's ride for anyone who cycles even occasionally; the gradient is gentle and the surface is sealed throughout.

Where to Start

The eastern trailhead is at Bilberry, a kilometre west of Waterford city centre. From the Viking Triangle, walk or taxi west along the Mall and across the bridge; signed routes lead to the Bilberry car park where most of the bike-hire operators are based.

The western trailhead is at Dungarvan harbour, beside the bridge to the Causeway. If you start here and ride east, you have a slight gradient against you for most of the day; most riders go the other way.

Bike Hire

Several operators run from Bilberry, including Waterford Greenway Bike Hire, Greenway Man, and others. Adult bike hire is around €25 per day; helmets and panniers are included. Children's bikes, child-trailers, and electric bikes are available at a small premium.

The single most important booking decision is whether you want a one-way ride with shuttle pickup at Dungarvan, or a return ride. One-way is the natural choice: the operators run scheduled vans from Dungarvan back to Bilberry, included in the price or for a small extra fee. Book one-way the day before during summer to lock in a return slot.

The Route West

The first ten kilometres run through Mount Congreve woodland and across open farmland to Kilmeaden. The 1898 viaduct over the Suir tributary at Kilmeaden is the first of the trail's three big viaducts.

From Kilmeaden, the trail climbs gently to Kilmacthomas, the natural midway stop. The Workhouse Café in the restored Kilmacthomas station building serves soup, sandwiches, and coffee; allow an hour for a proper lunch. The Kilmacthomas viaduct beside the station is the most photographed point on the trail.

West of Kilmacthomas, the route enters the Comeragh foothills. The 400-metre Ballyvoyle tunnel, the longest pre-electrification railway tunnel in Ireland, is the trail's most cinematic moment. Slow down for the photograph; cyclists in both directions use the tunnel and lights are on.

The last fifteen kilometres open out toward Dungarvan Bay, with Atlantic views and the Comeraghs to the north. The descent into Dungarvan is gentle but it is a descent; you'll roll into town with little effort.

Pace and Timing

A relaxed pace, with the lunch stop at Kilmacthomas, takes 6 to 7 hours end to end. A faster ride, lunch on the move, can be done in 4 hours. The trail is signposted in kilometre markers from 0 at Bilberry to 46 at Dungarvan.

Plan to leave Bilberry by 09:30 if you want to be in Dungarvan by 16:00 with time for a coffee before the shuttle. The last shuttle of the day from most operators leaves Dungarvan around 17:00; check when booking.

Where to Stop

From east to west, the natural rest points are: Mount Congreve (km 8), Kilmeaden (km 12), Kilmacthomas (km 25, lunch), Durrow (km 33, viaduct viewpoint), and Dungarvan (km 46). Mount Congreve Gardens is a few hundred metres off the trail and worth a visit on its own day; not a quick detour during a ride.

Public toilets are at Kilmeaden and Kilmacthomas. Water refills at the same. Several pubs and cafés open along the way at weekends, fewer on weekdays.

Best Time to Ride

April to October is the practical season. May and June are quietest with the longest light. July and August are busiest, especially weekends; aim for an early start to clear day-tripper traffic. September is reliably quiet again, often with the year's most settled weather. November to March the trail is open and rideable, but daylight is short and the surface can be wet; not recommended for first-time visitors.

Bringing Children

The trail is flat and traffic-free, suitable for confident child cyclists from about age eight. Younger children ride well in the trailers most operators rent. The viaducts have continuous railings; the tunnel is lit. Forty-six kilometres is a long day for a small child, but the half-trail Bilberry to Kilmacthomas option (25km, with a return shuttle from Kilmacthomas) is well within reach.

What to Bring

Wind-proof layer regardless of the forecast. Bottle of water, snacks, sun cream in summer. Phone with the trail map saved offline. The bike-hire operators include lights, helmets, locks, and a basic puncture kit; you do not need to bring your own equipment.

Coming Back to the City

The shuttle van takes about an hour back to Bilberry. From there it is a ten-minute walk into the Viking Triangle. If you have planned an overnight in Dungarvan and want to take the train back to Waterford the following day, the Bus Éireann Route 40 runs Dungarvan to Waterford in about 50 minutes; trains do not serve Dungarvan since the line closed.