The Waterford Greenway

Opened in 2017 , the Waterford Greenway is one of the most scenic cycling routes in Ireland.

Also known as the Déise Greenway, this 46 kilometre stretch of glorious pathway runs from the historic Waterford city to the picturesque seaside town of Dungarvan.

Set amongst the backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains , the trail travels through time and nature, following the historic railway line that operated from 1878 until the 1970’s, and takes you across 11 bridges, 3 viaducts and through a 400 metre long tunnel , passing through some of the South East’s most fascinating historical places such as Viking sites, medieval ruins, Norman castles, old railway stations and a Famine workhouse.

It runs along the banks of the River Suir to the stunning beaches of Waterford’s Copper Coast. The greenway also forms part of the Atlantic Coast Route, a European long distance cycling route which passes through Norway, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and the UK.

The trail can be broken into 6 stages. Cycling the length of the greenway should take between 3 and a half and 4 hours , depending on whether you stop at the halfway point for lunch. Coach House Coffee, located in the grounds of an old Famine Workhouse is the perfect spot to stop for a much needed energy boost with a delicious coffee and cake! When you reach the finish line, enjoy a dip on Clonlea Strand to cool down in the summer months or spend some time exploring the rocks along the strand.

You can walk part of the way, cycle in both directions or cycle one way and get the bus back to Waterford city or Dungarvan.

If you would like to cycle the greenway but don’t have a bike of your own don’t worry, there are plenty of greenway bike hire spots along the route.

Waterford Greenway Bike Hire operate from Waterford City, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan and carry a wide range of bikes for men, women and children. They are open year round from 9am to 6pm daily and prices start from 20 euros and hire includes bikes fitted to your size, helmets and hi-vis jackets and a shuttle bus service.

A Waterford Greenway map can be downloaded from www.greenwaysireland.org