A Weekend on the Waterford Greenway: A Two-Day Itinerary
Two days of roughly 23 km each, Waterford City to Dungarvan via Kilmacthomas and Mount Congreve, timed around the cafés and the viaduct.
Introduction
The 46 km Waterford Greenway runs from Waterford city to the seaside town of Dungarvan on the bed of the old Mallow-Waterford railway. It is the longest off-road trail in Ireland. The railway engineering is still there: 11 bridges, three viaducts and a 400-metre tunnel, all of it on a gradient gentle enough that a loaded hybrid handles it without complaint. The views run from the Suir Valley to the Comeraghs and out to the Copper Coast. The itinerary below splits the trail over two days, with a night around Kilmacthomas at the midpoint. You could ride the whole thing in an afternoon, but you would spend it looking at the tarmac.
Day 1: Waterford City to Mount Congreve (≈ 23 km)
08:30: Arrival & Bike Hire
- Where: Waterford City Bike Hub (near the Civic Centre)
- What to rent: Hybrid or gravel bike (27–30 km/h gearing) with a sturdy rack for a day-pack. Most hire shops provide helmets, a puncture-repair kit and a map of the Greenway.
09:15: Start at Waterford City Terminus
The city drops away fast. You are on smooth tarmac alongside the River Suir within minutes, and the first kilometre passes the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway and its vintage steam locomotives.
10:30: First Refreshment Stop: Coach House Coffee, Kilmacthomas
- Location: Midway point (23 km from Waterford) at the former workhouse site.
- Why stop: Hand-roasted Arabica coffee, loose-leaf tea and a selection of locally baked scones. There is a large bike rack outside and free Wi-Fi inside.
- Opening: 09:00-17:00, seven days a week.
11:00: Explore the Kilmacthomas Viaduct
An eight-arch stone viaduct carries the trail over the Mahon River. Ride out onto it and stop. The valley opens out on both sides, and it is the one place on this half of the route where you get a sense of the scale of the old railway.
12:00: Lunch at The Workhouse Café, Kilmacthomas
Housed in the restored workhouse, the café serves hearty Irish soups, gourmet burgers and vegetarian wraps. Outdoor seating looks out onto the Suir Valley, and there’s a small playground if you’re travelling with children.
13:30: Continue to Mount Congreve Gardens (≈ 5 km)
Follow the Greenway signs to the estate entrance (park your bike in the designated rack). Cyclists must dismount before entering the gardens, but the short walk is worth it.
- Highlights: Award-winning azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons, plus the historic Stables Café offering light bites and ice-cream.
- Tip: Check the garden opening hours on the Mount Congreve website, they usually open from 10:00 to 17:00 (April-October).
15:30: Tea & Treats at the Stables Café
Tea, a slice of Victoria sponge, and a dog-friendly treat if you have a four-legged companion with you. The tables look out over the garden, which is at its best when the roses are in bloom in late spring.
16:30: Return to Kilmacthomas for Evening Activities
- Optional: Ride the heritage train from Kilmeaden Station (a short 2 km ride north) for a nostalgic glimpse of the valley.
- Accommodation: Book a night at The Coach House B&B (just opposite the coffee shop) or choose the eco-friendly Forest Cabins at Mount Congreve for a more rural experience.
19:00: Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Hops & Barley in Waterford city (reachable by a short taxi ride). Their menu features locally sourced seafood, steak and a great selection of Irish craft beers.
Day 2: Mount Congreve to Dungarvan (≈ 23 km)
08:00: Breakfast at your B&B
A full Irish breakfast (black pudding, soda bread, fresh fruit) will fuel the day’s ride. Many B&Bs provide a complimentary coffee bar.
09:00: Depart Mount Congreve, Head West
Pedal past the scenic River Suir, crossing the Kilmeaden Bridge and spotting the ruins of Kilmeaden Castle (1649 Cromwellian siege). The first 3 km (Killoteran to Kilmeaden) is the easiest stretch, ideal for families or beginners.
10:30: Stop at Kilmeaden Station for the Heritage Train (optional)
If you missed it the previous day, hop on the Waterford Suir Valley Heritage Train for a 15-minute ride that offers unique valley perspectives unavailable by bike.
11:30: Coffee Break at The Railway Café, Kilmeaden
A small café serving espresso, homemade pastries and a quick sandwich menu. Great for a quick top-up before tackling the next section.
12:00: Ride the Kilmacthomas to Kilmeaden section (13.5 km)
The Comeragh Mountains sit on the horizon for most of this stretch, with farmland and riverbank in between and the Fairbrook House gardens along the way. Kingfishers, otters and herons all use this part of the Suir, so it is worth looking away from the trail now and then.
13:30: Picnic Lunch at Fairbrook House Café (optional)
If you prefer a sit-down meal, the café offers a range of salads, quiches and hot soups, all served in a bright, airy dining room overlooking the garden.
14:30: Continue Westward, Dungarvan Loop
From Kilmeaden, the trail follows the old railway through the Kilmacthomas Viaduct (the mountains sit behind it, if you want the photograph) and then descends towards the coastal town of Dungarvan.
16:00: Arrival in Dungarvan
- Explore: The historic harbour, St. Anne’s Church, and the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre (a short 10-minute walk from the Greenway terminus).
- Refreshments: Stop at The Blue Bar for a cold craft lager and a plate of fish & chips.
17:30: Optional Coastal Extension (13 km)
If you have energy left, you can continue onto the Coastal Route from Dungarvan to Passage East, a scenic ride with sea cliffs, sandy coves and the historic Tramore village. This segment is optional and can be saved for a future visit.
19:00: Dinner in Dungarvan
Treat yourself to a dinner at Molly’s Restaurant, known for locally caught salmon, lamb stew and a fine selection of Irish whiskeys.
20:30: Overnight
Book a room at The Marina Hotel (waterfront) or the boutique Granville Hotel for a comfortable end-to-end Greenway experience.
Practical Tips & Essentials
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Bike Type | Gravel or hybrid bike with 27-30 km/h gears; disc brakes are useful on wet sections. |
| Gear | Helmet, waterproof jacket, padded shorts, sunglasses, and a small day-pack with water (minimum 1 L). |
| Navigation | Download the Waterford Greenway app (offline maps, live trail conditions) or carry a printed map from the visitor centre. |
| Safety | The trail is traffic-free but can be busy on weekends; keep to the right, signal overtakes, and watch for pedestrians. |
| Weather | Irish weather can change quickly, pack a lightweight raincoat and check Met Éireann forecasts. |
| Bike Hire | Waterford City Bike Hub (prices start €15/day); advance booking recommended in high season (May-September). |
| Accommodation | Book early for summer weekends; B&Bs in Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan fill quickly. |
| Food & Drink | Plan for two major stops, Coach House Coffee (mid-point) and Mount Congreve Stables Café, plus flexible picnic options. |
| Accessibility | The Greenway is wheelchair-friendly; however, cyclists must dismount at Mount Congreve gardens and certain heritage sites. |
| Parking | Free car parks at Waterford City (near the start) and Dungarvan; limited spaces at Mount Congreve, use the nearby Kiloteran carpark. |
Highlights to Capture
- Kilmacthomas Viaduct: eight arches of stone over the Mahon River.
- Mount Congreve Gardens: one of the world’s finest private gardens; you walk it, bikes stay at the rack.
- Comeragh Mountain Views: dramatic backdrop as you near Kilmacthomas.
- Heritage Train: a nostalgic ride through the Suir Valley (optional but memorable).
- Copper Coast Geopark: dramatic cliffs and sea-air freshness at the Dungarvan terminus.
Suggested Variations
- Family-Friendly: Shorten each day to 10 km, stay overnight at the Coach House B&B, and focus on the Kilmeaden-Kilmacthomas section with a playground stop at the Workhouse Café.
- Adventure-Seeker: Add the Coastal Route from Dungarvan to Passage East (13 km) on Day 2 for sea-cliff vistas and a visit to the historic Tramore fishing village.
- Cultural Immersion: Incorporate a short detour to Waterford Treasures, Medieval Museum (30 min) before the first ride, and a guided tour of Dungarvan Castle after arrival.
Conclusion
Two days is about right for the Greenway. The riding itself is easy and traffic-free, so the shape of the weekend comes down to how long you linger at Coach House Coffee and Mount Congreve rather than how fast you pedal. Weekends get busy, and the trail is shared with walkers, so an early start is worth it.
Book the beds before you travel. Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan both fill up in summer, and there is not much spare capacity in either.