Your journey begins at Kilmeadan Station opened in 1878, You check in at the ticket office, a converted Mark 11 railway carriage. You will be greeted by volunteer train drivers as you approach the platform. They will escort you to your private compartment on the train. When the whistle blows, set off on your journey through Waterford’s Suir Valley. An area only accessible by train and Waterford Greenway.
Take in the panoramic views of the River Suir, watch out for the Cormorants as they fish in the river, get a glimpse in to Mount Congreve gardens, and journey on to Carriganore where the merchants of Waterford are said to have hidden their treasures from Cromwell’s soldiers.
Travel at 16km per hour on 6.5km of the track, returning the same way between the River Suir and Waterford Greenway. The journey lasts 40 minutes, giving time to sanitise the train before the next departure.
Children are invited to take part in a treasure hunt before and during the train trip. The volunteer crew are happy to talk to you about the history of the abandoned Waterford to Cork Railway line and Waterford Suir Valley Railway.
There is outdoor seating at Kilmeadan Station and home baked treats with coffee or a creamy 99 ice cream available from the Whistlestop Café.