Waterford Greeenway
Description
This section of the route takes you along one of Ireland’s longest fully off road cycling routes – Waterford Greenway.
The old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature across eleven bridges, three impressive viaducts and a long atmospheric tunnel all the way from the River Suir to Dungarvan Bay. Along this route in Ireland’s Ancient East is the site of a 9th century Viking settlement; the world renowned ornamental gardens at Mount Congreve; Waterford & Suir Valley narrow gauge heritage railway; former woollen mills and railway stations; and beautiful landscapes along the River Suir, Comeragh Mountains, The Copper Coast and Dungarvan Bay. Enjoy the beautiful journey: www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com
On your route you could choose to visit Mt. Congreve Gardens, world renowned ornamental gardens https://mountcongreve.com/ Why not take a trip on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, narrow guage railway between Kilmeadan and Bilberry https://www.wsvrailway.ie/ The midway point at the heart of Waterford Greenway is the town of Kilmacthomas. There are options here including shops and café’s. In Kilmacthomas you have the Comeragh Mountains to your north and the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark to your south. Either or both are worth a detour: https://visitwaterford.com/category/explore/copper-coast-unesco-geopark/ or https://visitwaterford.com/category/explore/comeragh-mountains/
10 Kilometres after Kilmacthomas you arrive at the section of Greenway known locally as the Golden Mile. Within a very short distance you can visit Durrow Viaduct, Durrow Station, Ballyvoyle Tunnel (400 metres), Ballyvoyle Viaduct and then be treated to wonderful sea views over Clonea Strand and Dungarvan Bay.
This EuroVelo section finishes in Dungarvan. Dungarvan is a bustling market town arranged around its own bay in the west of County Waterford and is full of many attractions for all types of visitors.
There are plenty of local pubs; some with traditional live music on weekends; and many do good food and even barbeques in the summer.
Food
You’re never short of a good restaurant in Dungarvan. Lots of choice restaurants overlooking the Quays and in the town Square too. There is a farmers market in Grattan Square every Thursday morning and the annual Waterford Festival of Food is a must-do with all types of food and entertainment available over the fun weekend.
Families
To keep the children happy there is beautiful sandy Clonea Beach and indoor play/activity centres in the area. The best things in life are free and families can enjoy the fresh air in Walton Park or one of the towns public playgrounds and skatepark. If the weather isn’t up to it you can take refuge in the town’s multiscreen SGC Cinema.
Culture
For visitors who want some culture; Dungarvan Museum explains the history of the whole area and the Old Market Art Centre holds art exhibitions throughout the year. King John’s Castle opens its gates and exhibition to the public during the summer months. You can see traditional crystal crafting and glass cutting at Comeragh Crystal and try Slateways for unique art created from locally sourced slate and mirrors.
Outdoor activities
You can hike through The Comeragh Mountains or avail of the walks near the town in Colligan Woods, the Cunnigar or the Cruachan and Famine Walks which are all mapped out for you. See birdlife, wildflowers and the amazing scenery of the area up close and personal.
For activity holidays Dungarvan is an ideal base for fishing and golfing. There are a few championship golf courses in the locality and the fishing is perfect with the River Blackwater and Suir close by as well as the trout fishing in Cappagh Lakes. Deep sea fishing trips are available from Dungarvan harbour too: https://visitwaterford.com/category/explore/dungarvan/