La Waterford Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in the country, runs for 46 km along an old railway line starting from Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, and arriving in the beautiful port town of Dungarvan.
Along the route, you pass through woodlands, over viaducts, near ancient archaeological sites, and under a 400-meter-long 19th-century tunnel. All this with the dramatic backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains on one side and the coastal landscapes of the Copper Coast on the other.
The main stops along the Greenway include the important Viking site of Woodstown (8th century) and the imposing 18th-century estate of Mount Congreve. The latter is especially famous for its spectacular gardens, boasting over 3000 different trees and shrubs alongside quirky structures, including a replica of part of the Great Wall of China.
The final stop of the Greenway is Dungarvan, with its beautiful 13th-century abbey and the contemporary castle, and the charming waterfront. For those wishing to experience this but who do not have a bike, there are numerous bike rental agencies offering delivery and pick-up services at local accommodations.
Guided tours are also available, both on foot and by bike. Among these, note the Waterford Camino which offers a three-day tour following an ancient pilgrimage route, with optional extras such as meditation, mindfulness exercises, and yoga.
Waterford Camino also provides sports packages, including bike rides on the Greenway, hikes on the Comeragh Mountains, and motivational sessions. Other guided tours are dedicated to the rich historical heritage of the region through the centuries, from Viking beginnings to industrial development.
To allow visitors to learn about the Greenway’s railway past, the Waterford Suir Valley Railway offers a trip along the River Suir, aboard an old partially open carriage pulled by a restored Simplex Locomotive. County Waterford lies at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, an area steeped in 5000 years of history and legends that will surely captivate you.
