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Waterford Greenway, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Nature

Waterford Greenway

Co. Waterford · Half-day to full day (depending on section)

The Waterford Greenway follows the trackbed of the former Waterford to Dungarvan railway, closed in 1967, for 46 km along the south coast of County Waterford. It is the longest fully traffic-free cycling and walking trail in Ireland. The route passes over three railway viaducts and through a 400-metre tunnel (requiring lights), with coastal sections above Dungarvan Bay and inland stretches through the Comeragh foothills.

The most dramatic section is the Kilmacthomas Viaduct — an eight-arch stone railway bridge high above the Mahon River valley, with views of the Comeragh mountains on one side and the valley below on the other. The 400-metre Ballyvoyle tunnel, toward the Dungarvan end, requires lights (rentable with bikes). At the Dungarvan end, the trail follows the estuary shoreline with views across the bay to the Drum Hills.

Bike hire is available in Waterford city, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan. Multiple operators offer shuttle services to allow one-way cycling. The full 46 km one-way is a solid day's cycling (3–5 hours at a comfortable pace); most people do a section from either end. Dungarvan is the better lunch destination — a lively market town with good restaurants on the quay.

Highlights

  • 46 km traffic-free trail on a disused railway — the longest off-road cycling route in Ireland
  • Kilmacthomas Viaduct: eight-arch stone bridge high above the Mahon River valley
  • The 400-metre Ballyvoyle tunnel (lights needed) — a distinctive feature of the ride
  • Dungarvan Bay coastal section with estuary views at the western end

Good to know

  • Bring lights for the Ballyvoyle tunnel — or rent a set with the bike. Essential, not optional.
  • Cycle east to west (Waterford to Dungarvan) for a slight downhill gradient overall.
  • Kilmacthomas village café (at the viaduct midpoint) is the best trail stop for coffee and food.
  • Dungarvan has the best restaurant choice — book lunch or dinner there before cycling.

Best Time to Visit

Apr–Oct. Spring for wildflowers on the embankments. Autumn for low light on the viaduct.

Getting There

DUBDublin Airport
2 hr drive
ORKCork Airport
2 hr drive
SNNShannon Airport
2 hr 30 min drive

Book this experience

Official sitefrom 25 /person

Waterford Greenway Bike Hire

Bike hire from multiple points along the 46 km Waterford Greenway from Waterford city to Dungarvan.

Book now →

Quick Facts

Type
Nature
County
Co. Waterford
Province
Munster
Entry
Free
Hours
Trail open year-round. Bike hire operators: typically 09:00–18:00 (seasonal).
Allow
Half-day to full day (depending on section)

Destination guide

Ireland's Ancient East

Itinerary, best stops and local tips for Leinster & Munster · Ireland.

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