Waterford City: the gateway to Ireland’s most beautiful trail

Start your cycle where the story begins: Ireland’s oldest city, steeped in history, food, and culture, and the starting point for your Greenway bike rental adventure.

History, culture, and the perfect start to your Greenway journey

Waterford City is where the Greenway begins: a lively, riverside hub that offers interesting Viking history, café culture, and easy access to some of the trail’s most scenic stretches. You can head west toward lush countryside, wildflowers, and viaduct views, or simply enjoy a spin to Mount Congreve Gardens for lunch before looping back. Our bike rentals provide an easy, relaxed way to see another side of Ireland’s oldest city!

How to find our Waterford bike rental depot

37 Merchants Quay, Waterford, Ireland

X91 DC83

9 am – 6 pm daily (seasonal hours may vary)

Things to do in Waterford City

With Viking heritage, bustling streets, and the Suir gliding by, Waterford City sights and attractions create an unforgettable start (or finish) to your Greenway day.

Reginald’s Tower

Ireland’s oldest civic building and a symbol of the city – climb up for sweeping views of the quay.

House of Waterford Crystal

Watch master craftspeople shape glass the traditional way and browse the world-famous showroom.

Mount Congreve Gardens

Just off the Greenway, find 70 acres of colourful gardens and a lovely café with outdoor seating.

The Viking Triangle

A cultural quarter packed with museums, cobblestones, and character – perfect for exploring before or after your cycle.

The Waterford Treasures Museums

Three museums telling the city’s 1,000-year story, from Vikings to Victorians, all within walking distance of the quay.

Dining on the Quay

Whether you want fish and chips or fine dining, Waterford’s riverfront is full of restaurants and pubs serving great local food.

Greenway cycle routes from Waterford City

From short scenic spins to full-day adventures, each route offers a different side of the Greenway.

Waterford to Mount Congreve Gardens (and back)

A relaxed route for all ages. Follow the River Suir out of the city until the path opens up to Mount Congreve Gardens, a lovely spot for coffee, cake, or a slow wander among the flowers.

Start point: Waterford Depot

Turn-back point: Mount Congreve Gardens

Total distance: 10 km one way

Route rating: Easy

Suitable for: All ages, families, casual cyclists

Food/rest stops: Mount Congreve Café

Return method: Cycle back to Waterford

Waterford to Kilmeaden Train Station (and back)

A family-friendly favourite with a fun stop halfway. Cycle out along the riverside path to Kilmeaden Station, where you can grab a snack or hop on the heritage train for a short scenic ride.

Start point: Waterford Depot

Turn-back point: Kilmeaden Train Station

Total distance: 12 km one way

Route rating: Easy

Suitable for: Families, kids, adults with seats/trailers/tags

Food/rest stops: Train café at Kilmeaden

Return method: Cycle back to Waterford

Waterford to Kilmacthomas

The first half of the Greenway and a perfect mix of woodland, riverside, and rolling countryside. Enjoy coffee at Mount Congreve, take in the views from the viaducts, and finish up with lunch at Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas.

Start point: Waterford Depot

Turn-back point: Kilmacthomas Depot

Total distance: 23 km one way

Route rating: Easy to moderate

Suitable for: Adults, groups, all fitness levels

Food/rest stops: Mount Congreve Café, Kilmeadean Train Café, Coach House Coffee

Return method: Bus Éireann to Waterford or cycle back

Waterford to Dungarvan

The full Greenway: river to sea, city to coast. Cross eleven bridges and three viaducts, roll through the Durrow Tunnel, and end by the harbour in Dungarvan. It’s a full-day adventure that captures everything the Greenway is known for!

Start point: Waterford Depot

Turn-back point: Dungarvan Depot

Total distance: 46 km one way

Route rating: Moderate

Suitable for: Adults, groups, experienced cyclists

Food/rest stops: Mount Congreve Café, Coach House Coffee, Railway Cottage Café

Return method: Bus Éireann to Waterford

Start your Greenway
journey right here in Waterford City

Book your bikes, pick your route, and set off from Ireland’s oldest city into 46 km of pure freedom and fresh air. Need help sorting out your booking?