IT’S hard to believe the much-loved Waterford Greenway has been open just five years, as many locals feel they have been living with the award-winning trail for a lifetime.
The Waterford Greenway stretches from Ireland’s Oldest City, through the picturesque village of Kilmacthomas and on to Dungarvan.
Anyone who has made the journey will praise the sense of freedom, the fresh-air, magnificent scenery and chance encounters as just some of its highlights.
The Greenway was officially opened on March 25th 2017 by Simon Coveney on the 50th anniversary of the last passenger train journey between Dungarvan and Waterford City.
The enjoyment this visionary project brings to so many, of all ages and abilities, is just amazing
Since opening, the Greenway has attracted over 250,000 visits annually, resulting in the development of many tourism and hospitality businesses. It has also won a number of awards, including: the first Irish Greenway to receive the Green Flag Award for Parks and Green Spaces in 2020 and retain it in 2021; silver in the Excellence Category at the 10th European Greenways Award in 2021; Best Visitor Attraction in the Irish Independent 2022 Reader Travel Awards.
Commenting on its success, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Kelly said “Happy fifth birthday to a much-loved amenity here in Waterford and the South East. Waterford Greenway is a visitor attraction that has grown and developed due to the dedication, vision and commitment of Waterford City and County Council, the local communities, businesses and stakeholders. The enjoyment this visionary project brings to so many, of all ages and abilities, is just amazing.”
