The Waterford and Suir Valley Railway (WSVR) is Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge heritage railway, offering a nostalgic 40–50-minute journey through the scenic Suir Valley. Operating on a 3 ft (914 mm) gauge track along 10 km of the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan railway line, it runs from Kilmeaden Station to Bilberry, near Waterford City, parallel to the Waterford Greenway. This community-driven, charitable project (CHY13857) celebrates Waterford’s rich railway heritage.
The railway offers a 12 km round-trip journey (40 minutes) from Kilmeaden Station to Carriganore, with an extended 14 km trip (50 minutes) on Saturdays through the Dan Donovan Tunnel to the Francis Meagher Bridge Toll Plaza. Traveling at 15–16 km per hour, the train follows the picturesque River Suir, offering panoramic views of rolling farmland, County Kilkenny across the river, and glimpses of Mount Congreve Gardens. Notable sights include the ruins of Kilmeaden Castle, lime kilns, and the Magic Wood, a fairy-themed glade where children can make wishes.
- Rolling Stock: The train features a Simplex diesel locomotive, originally used in the peat industry and Channel Tunnel construction, pulling specially built carriages with both closed and partially open seating for up to 80 passengers. The carriages are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring inclusivity.
- Historical Context: The journey highlights the history of the Waterford to Dungarvan line, opened in 1878 and closed to passengers in 1967. Storyboards at Kilmeaden Station detail this heritage, and volunteer drivers and guards share insights about the rolling stock and local history.
- Kilmeaden Station: The beautifully restored station, dating to 1878, features original coping stones and a station sign donated by the Irish Railway Records Society. A converted Irish Rail Mark 2 carriage serves as the ticket office and shop, with indoor and outdoor seating. The Whistlestop Café offers home-baked treats, coffee, and ice cream, with outdoor seating for enjoying the scenery.
- Family-Friendly Features: Children receive treasure hunt sheets to spot items like fairies in the Magic Wood, making the trip engaging for young visitors. The Magic Wood stop is a highlight, with fairy houses and leprechauns adding a whimsical touch. Special events like the Teddy Bear Meet-and-Greet (June Bank Holiday) and Choo Choo Fundays (Wednesdays and Sundays in July/August) include face painting and character interactions.
- Special Experiences: The Sunset Express (Thursday evenings, June–August) offers a 75-minute trip to Bilberry with prosecco, strawberries, acoustic music by FallAway House, and artisan picnic boxes from GROW HQ Café, providing a romantic or relaxed evening experience.
- Accessibility and Amenities: The station has a large car park, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and toilets. The train is accessible, but the extended Saturday route includes a tunnel, which may not suit those with claustrophobia. Bikes from the Greenway must be stored before boarding.
- Visitor Feedback: With a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, the WSVR is praised for its scenic beauty, friendly volunteer staff (e.g., Fiona, John, and Killian), and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors highlight the café’s delicious tea cake and the treasure hunt’s appeal for kids, though some note the open carriages can feel exposed in poor weather. The experience is described as a “lovely” way to spend an afternoon, ideal for couples, families, and groups.
- Practical Information: Kilmeaden Station, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford, X91 DH93, 10 km from Waterford City via the R680 or N25. Accessible by car or the Waterford Greenway for cyclists and walkers.
- Operating Hours: April–September, Monday–Saturday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM–5:00 PM; February and October mid-term breaks, daily 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (Monday–Saturday) and 12:00 PM–4:00 PM (Sunday); December for Santa Express. Trips depart hourly, with exact times on www.wsvrailway.ie.
- Admission: Adults €10, children €5, students/seniors €9, family packages from €24 (1 child) to €34 (4 children). Group bookings for schools, retirement clubs, and social groups are available; otherwise, tickets are first-come, first-served. Online booking is offered via www.wsvrailway.ie.
- Plan for 1–1.5 hours, including time at the station and café.
What’s New:
- New Locomotives: In early 2025, WSVR will take delivery of two additional locomotives from Bord na Móna, no longer needed after the 2021 cessation of peat production. These will enhance the railway’s preservation efforts and operational capacity, supporting the planned steam locomotive restoration.
- Steam Locomotive Restoration: Efforts continue to restore a steam locomotive, gifted by the National Trust in 2024 as part of the Penrhyn Castle Museum restructuring. Fundraising began in 2024, and salvaged track from Rosbercon (New Ross) will create a passing loop to facilitate steam operations. The charity is also sourcing a water tower and turntable, though completion timelines depend on funding.
- Kilmeaden Station Expansion: In May 2025, WSVR received funding from the LEADER Programme for Rural Development to expand Kilmeaden Station facilities, improving visitor access to the growing collection and providing space for educational events. Work is expected to be completed by mid-2026, but some enhancements will be in place by late 2025, such as improved display areas or event spaces.
- Restored Goods Crane: Also in May 2025, the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme awarded funds to restore a manual 2-ton goods crane from Ferns Station, County Wexford, donated by Irish Rail in 2021. Dating to 1863 and manufactured by Bray, Waddington & Co., this rare crane (one of four surviving examples) will be a new exhibit at Kilmeaden Station, augmenting the historical narrative.
Special Events:
- Easter Bunny Express: A family-friendly event with Easter-themed activities, including the treasure hunt and interactions with costumed characters, included in regular admission.
- Santa Express (December 2025): The popular Christmas service, featuring festive decorations and Santa visits, will run throughout December, offering a magical experience for families.
- Choo Choo Fundays (July–August): Held every Wednesday and Sunday, these events include face painting, treasure hunts, and meet-and-greets with characters like Honey and Barry Bear, augmenting the family experience.
- Sunset Express (June–August): Thursday evening trips with prosecco, live music, and artisan picnic boxes will continue, offering a premium experience for adults.
- Track Extension: The charity’s lease includes the track bed to the Red Bridge (a 1906 William Arroll & Co. structure, once Ireland’s longest bridge at 367m). Plans to lay 1.5 km of track to the bridge are under consideration, though blocked by spoil from the Waterford bypass. While not confirmed, this extension could enhance future journeys.
Practical Tips
- Booking: Book group tours or check special event schedules at www.wsvrailway.ie. Regular tickets are sold on a first-come basis, but online booking is available for convenience.
- Best Opt for the open carriage for better views, weather permitting, or the closed carriage for comfort. The Saturday extended trip through the tunnel is ideal for adventure seekers. Combine with a Greenway bike ride or walk, and visit nearby Mount Congreve Gardens (accessible via the Mount Congreve halt) for a full day out.
- Wheelchair-accessible carriages and facilities ensure inclusivity, but confirm specific needs with the railway in advance.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair the trip with Mount Congreve Gardens, the Waterford Greenway, or Waterford Treasures museums in the Viking Triangle, 10 km away, for a comprehensive Waterford experience.
The Waterford and Suir Valley Railway offers a charming, family-friendly journey through Ireland’s scenic Suir Valley, with 2025 bringing exciting enhancements like new locomotives, a restored crane, and station improvements. For the latest schedule, event details, or updates on the steam locomotive project, visit www.wsvrailway.ie or contact +353 (0)51 384 058.
