\Did you know that Waterford has a fantastic Greenway, perfect for walks, cycles and outdoor adventures? Known locally as the Déise Greenway, it is a former rail trail and is one of the most scenic ways to see the county. 

If you’re looking for more information about the Greenway, how to get there or your perfect accommodation in Waterford with easy access to both the trail and the city, keep reading!

1. Déise Greenway definitely is a cyclist’s paradise

The greenway is a fantastic off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which spans a vast 46km. The greenway begins at the Quays of Waterford, all the way through areas of rich Irish heritage to the historic port of Dungarvin, a gorgeous seaside market town. 

The Greenway is more about the journey than the destination and with some stunning views along the way, it’s an excellent way to see the true unspoiled Irish countryside in all its glory. Sure, you could speed along the Greenway and take the 46km in around 2 hours, but we recommend taking your time and enjoying some of the unique sights along the way

2. There’s a plethora of majestic views waiting for you

You may imagine a Greenway to be endless green fields and for the most part, Déise Greenway is, but there are many attractions to check out along the way too. 

Enjoy a journey through time and nature across eleven bridges, three viaducts and a 400m long tunnel that runs from the river to the sea. Stop to enjoy one of the great gardens of the world, Mount Congrave, explore Viking settlements, a Norman castle, deserted railway stations, an Ice Age rock with apparent mythical powers, Medieval ruins and a heritage railway train that still runs along part of the track. All the while enjoying spectacular views including the Comeragh mountains and the fabulous Copper Coast.

If you need a break to refuel, you should stop at the Coach House Coffee, a former Famine Workhouse development in Kilmacthomas. You can learn a little about the history of the place and enjoy a light meal and a drink. Alternatively, you can pack a tasty lunch and enjoy lunch al fresco in one of the most scenic parts of the country.

3. Don’t have your own bike? You can easily rent one

While many of you may be travelling locally and can bring your bike, there are many overseas visitors who cannot. Luckily there are a few bike rental shops close to the beginning of the Greenway for day or weekly bike rentals. 

You’ll find bikes and helmets for hire with insurance available and some companies even offer electric bikes or tow-along options for the kids. There are collection & delivery options available and you can even book a shuttle bus to take you and your bike back to the beginning if you don’t fancy cycling all that way again.

4. You can also sign up for a guided tour

You could also enjoy a guided tour of the Greenway, given by a local guide who will amaze you with their knowledge of the area and make you laugh with stories so strange that they couldn’t be made up! Guided tours come in all shapes and sizes from companies such as The Greenway Man, Greenway Waterford Bike Hire or Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours.

5. Find a hotel situated in the middle of the action

If you’re planning a trip to Waterford to enjoy the city, learn more about our fascinating Viking heritage or enjoy a leisurely cycle around the Greenway, make sure your accommodation is just as impressive. 

Viking Hotel in Waterford is located on the edge of the city, easily reachable by car, bike or by foot. We have plenty of free car parking spaces for our guests, wi-fi is free so you can plan your Greenway trip and our in-house restaurant, The Wooden Pestle, offers delicious dishes from carvery lunches to evening meals. 

You’ll need a comfortable place to rest and recover after a long day of cycling and luckily our luxurious bedrooms offer all the comfort you need to make us your home from home. Viking Hotel’s ‘Greenway Hub’ has bike racks so that bikes can be secured with our guests’ own locks. In the ‘Hub’ there is a handy vending machine containing energy refreshments and a stand for your bike if you need to make repairs.

Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for Viking Hotel Waterford, a modern hotel located 4km from the historic Waterford city, the oldest city in Ireland. Aside from traveling itself, this lady also enjoys writing friendly tips and tricks about travel, food, and lifestyle.