Day Trip to the Deise Greenway!

I am going to start a section for Days out………..these might already feature in the PLAY Indoor and Outdoor Section but it might give a bit more detail on what to do if you are staying there for the day, other places to see nearby and places to eat if you fancy.   Depending on where you are living these might be around the corner for you for an afternoon out or it might be a bit of a trip in the car for a full day out.  Bring the Pyjamas just in case and spend the whole day in the sunny south east and let them fall asleep on the way home.  Love an easy bedtime.  Obviously this only works if your kids are transportable while asleep!

We did the Waterford Greenway a few weeks ago and it is a great day out.   I am probably a bit bias as my lovely other half is from West Waterford so we have spent quite a bit of time down in this beautiful part of the country over the years.

Part of the Greenway has been opened for a year but the full 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan officially opened in March.  We did the section from Durrow to Clonea.   I will focus on this section but I’ll give the links of the official website to find out more of the full stretch as other parts might be more convenient for you.  I plan on doing it lots more times over the summer so if I find out more useful things I will add them on.

1) Rent bikes in Durrow from The Greenway Man.  We rented little trailer for the girls which was great.  It is worth giving a call ahead of arriving to check bike availability.   The little trailers are cool for under 5’s.  My 3 year was absolutely in her element.  The one year old needed some bribes as she was wondering what the hell was going on.  If you can bring your own bikes this obviously keeps down the expense, I was even half thinking of investing in a little trailer so we can bring our own next time!

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2) Get a Playground visit in!  Always keeps my 2 happy so we did this first.

We brought a packed lunch and ate it at the picnic benches at the playground close to where you enter from the Durrow side.  (I heard that this playground may be moving……so I’ll update if I know more)

3) Cycling through the Ballyvoyle Tunnel is a highlight of this section.  Quite dark but the girls thought it was great fun as it echoes all the way through.  We came out the other end and it actually felt we were in the tropics, the greenery is amazing.

4) As you cycle down out of the tunnel the views of Clonea strand and west Waterford coastline take your breath away.    It was a beautiful day when we did it and I actually felt like I was on holidays.  I think part of this section could do with a sit down area as I just wanted to stop and sit and look at the beautiful view for awhile.

5) Don’t forget you have to go back! Now I must say I wouldn’t have minded the car to be brought to me by the time I got to Clonea as I am not the fittest.   You have to go back to collect the car so don’t wear the kids out too much or the journey back will be painful.  Don’t forget the water, snacks and a few bribes if you need them to get you there and back!

So I have not done the other sections, they are on my to do list and I think the next time I will start in Kilmacthomas and get the Viaduct in.  I also must try this new coffee shop next time I am down in Kilmacthomas looks great.

Coach House Coffee. I hear it has a bouncing castle!

Here is the official site for more information.

1)   Merrys Pub  – We eat here a lot when in Dungarvan and it is a family friendly and very tasty with nice wine and beer if you are not the designated driver for the day!

2) The Interlude  – Delicious variety of dishes and definitely worth a visit.

3) The Moorings – family friendly and has a beer garden.

4) The Tannery – if you want a bit of fine dining.  It is a great experience but I probably wouldn’t bring tired kids there as the food is too nice! Maybe come here an evening on your own.