We spent 2 days cycling the Waterford Greenway cycle track in southern Ireland
Link to a stills image and video montage of Waterford Greenway trip
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/0j0-HYph3lc
Waterford Greenway Cycling Trip
We visited Waterford Greenway in March 2019 for a 2 day period. The climate was typically Irish weather, a bit of everything, wind, rain, cold, sleet, bright, warm and sunny.
Greenways in Ireland are inspiring a whole new wave of casual cyclists — with Waterford’s stunning 46km trail just one example of those available.
46km is a fair old cycle for anyone who doesn’t spend Saturdays in Lycra. Be realistic about your fitness and ability. Instead of the full greenway, why not try a section? We split it in two doing Dungarvan to Kilmacthomas and then the remainder the following day. The Coach House Coffee, set in a historic Famine workhouse, in Kilmacthomas is a good mid point at which to stop to eat and relax. The café features heaps of Waterford goodies on its menus — from floury blaas and Barron’s Bakery bread to O’Reilly’s sausages (the locals’ choice) and Flahavan’s porridge and flapjacks.
We stayed 2 nights at an AirBnB in Dungarvan end of the Greenway and then drove directly back to Dublin from Waterford.
A sense of the Waterford Greenway Cycling Trip
The official currency of Ireland is the Euro.
If you get an opportunity during your travels in Ireland, visit one of the greenways, as they are unique experiences in beautiful varying settings.
Our general experience of the people from Waterford, Southern Ireland was that they are very friendly and they all seem to have a particular liking for talking to strangers.
Unless you live locally, or make a habit of packing bikes, don’t bother bringing yours. A €20/€10 hire includes helmets and locks. For €45, electric bikes are an option for the less fit or able (or lazy). Shuttles can drop and collect riders along the route, too. The Waterford region could not be faulted for its service and the general excellent of the visitor experience.
Recommendations for Waterford Greenway Cycling Trip
There is no language barrier, if you speak only English. Irish is only spoken when the government inspector is around and about. Government grants are available in small areas throughout Ireland, to encourage the Irish to speak only Irish.
As a general rule, cycle on the left, pass on the right, and don’t be shy about using your bell. Think of a greenway cycle as touring, not a training spin.
A helmet, water, snacks and fully charged phone are essential. Bring a light backpack, rain jacket and layers to whip on and off as you go.
For fair-weather cyclists, we recommend that you double up with a padded saddle. You’ll thank yourself later.
See waterfordgreenwaybikehire.com and thegreenwayman.com for bicycle hire.
Our must see recommendation for a trip to the Waterford Greenway
(1) Coach House Coffee and O’Mahony’s pub
(2) The Waterford & Suir Valley Railway (wsvrailway.ie)
(3) The Copper Coast (coppercoastgeopark.com) is one of the nicest stretches of coastline in Ireland.
Cost per person includes , cost of getting there, AirBnB and bike hire (bike hire can be Zero Euro if you bring your own bike or walk).
“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at your home, on your return.”
