South East Greenway

South Eastern - Waterford New Ross

Distance

27.1km

Elevation

110m

Time

Cycling: 1h 48m

Walking: 5h 25m

Difficulty

Active

Surface Finish

Mixed

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Overview

The South East Greenway offers a 24km journey along the former Waterford–New Ross railway line, threading its way across the landscapes of south Kilkenny and into the vibrant river port of New Ross. Beginning at the North Quays in Waterford city, the trail runs alongside the River Suir before turning inland across rolling farmland, with broad views of the Comeragh Mountains and the river valleys that define this part of Ireland’s Ancient East. The alignment is mostly level and fully off-road, with surfaced paths that are safe for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages.

The Greenway also serves as a gateway to cultural and culinary experiences in the towns and villages en route, offering easy access to local cafés, craft producers and heritage attractions. Visitors can explore the atmospheric Mount Elliott Tunnel, cross the iconic Barrow Bridge at Drumdowney, or detour into gardens and estates along the corridor. By linking two major towns with a continuous, traffic-free spine, the South East Greenway is more than a recreational facility—it is a new way of connecting communities, boosting tourism and encouraging active travel in the southeast of Ireland.

Waterford to Ballyverneen, Glenmore

approx. 9 km

Leaving Waterford’s historic quayside, the trail quickly shifts from an urban setting to the quieter pace of riverside farmland. The surface is smooth and level, suitable for families and first-time visitors. The highlight of this stage is Mount Elliott Tunnel, a 200m brick-lined passage where the light and echoes create a dramatic sense of railway history.

Ballyverneen, Glenmore to Barrow Bridge

Barrow Bridge to New Ross

Need to Know

On occasion, fun runs, cycles or similar events may be organised to take place on the Greenway. Such events are subject to agreement by Cork County Council and there is a formal process in place for applications for events on the Greenway. More information on this process can be found on <– details of link to be confirmed –>. The Midleton Youghal Greenway Park Run takes place from Midleton Trailhead each Saturday morning at 09:30.

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Amenities

Tourist Information
Restaurant
Food & Drink
Accommodation
bus-stop
Toilets
Parking
Information
bike-repair

The South East Greenway runs through the fertile farmlands and riverine environments of south Kilkenny, an area of significant ecological interest. The River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation (SAC 002162) forms part of the wider catchment, protecting habitats such as alluvial forests, floating river vegetation and species-rich grasslands.

Otters are a qualifying interest of the SAC and are commonly recorded along the riverbanks. The hedgerows and field margins flanking the trail act as wildlife corridors, supporting species like stoats, foxes and badgers, as well as a wide range of insects and pollinators. Birds such as yellowhammer, goldfinch and skylark benefit from the mixed agricultural landscape, while wetlands near the Barrow attract herons, egrets and overwintering waders. The rich floral mix of hedgerows includes hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose and ivy, all of which provide nectar and berries through the seasons. Efforts have been made to incorporate biodiversity-sensitive landscaping along the Greenway, ensuring that the path integrates with its natural surroundings while allowing users to appreciate local flora and fauna at close quarters. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the trail, respect seasonal notices, and avoid disturbing wildlife to preserve the area’s ecological value.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

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Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

You can reach the route by rail in Phase 2, as there are daily train services between Waterford and Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. From these cities, you can connect to Waterford by train and then travel by bus to other route locations. In Phase 1, access is by bus only. More details are available on www.transportforIreland.ie and Irishrail.ie.

Can I access the route by bus?

Yes, you can access the route by bus in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. There are daily services connecting New Ross with Waterford, Wexford, Enniscorthy, and Kilkenny in Phase 1, and routes linking Waterford with Dublin, Cork, New Ross, and Limerick in Phase 2. For full schedules and service details, visit www.transportforIreland.ie.

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

There is currently no EV or e-bike charging.

News and Updates

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Offaly County Council Opens Ballycommon Trailhead Linking Grand Canal Greenway and Lough Boora

Offaly County Council proudly marked a significant achievement in its sustainable mobility and tourism strategy with the official opening of the new Ballycommon Trailhead as...

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Route Updates

02 Oct 2025

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Cork County Council has officially opened extensions to two segregated pedestrian and cycle routes in West Cork. The ribbons were cut on the walkways in...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...