Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Waterford Suir Valley Railway
4.2
11:00 - 16:00
Monday
11:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
11:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
11:00 - 16:00
Thursday
11:00 - 16:00
Friday
11:00 - 16:00
Saturday
11:00 - 16:00
Sunday
12:00 - 17:00
About
Waterford Suir Valley Railway is Ireland’s longest narrow gauge railway, based in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. Arrive at the beautifully refurbished Kilmeadan Station. Check in at the ticket office, a converted Irish Rail Mark 2 carriage. Meet the friendly volunteer drivers as you board the train from the railway platform built in 1878. When the whistle blows, the wave of the green flag signals it’s time to set off on this exciting journey through the countryside beside Waterford Greenway and along the banks of the River Suir. On the journey watch out for the cormorants resting on the ruins of Kilmeadan Castle and get a glimpse into one of the “Great Gardens of the World ” Mount Congreve Gardens. Make a wish when you see the fairies in the Magic Wood. Pass by the lime kilns and journey on to Carriganore. The return journey lasts 40 minutes. Enjoy a coffee and home baked treat at the Whistlestop Cáfe while discovering the Story of Rail on the storyboards around the station.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.2
206 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
67
Average
21
Poor
6
Terrible
7
fobl11
Birmingham, UK716 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Me, my wife and two kids (6 and 4) went on the Suir valley railway a week ago and really enjoyed it.
The train station first of all has a little cafe with drinks and snacks and seating areas inside and out. There is also a converted train carriage where the ticket office is based, where there are more seats and another place to buy snacks and drinks.
On arrival you need to go to the ticket office whether you have booked online already or need to purchase tickets on the day.
Our kids were given a piece of paper each with pictures that the kids needed to find around the station or spot on the train ride itself.
We had opted for an open compartment which was great, even though the day wasn't great. You were still well protected from the elements.
The journey took around 40mins and included a stop at the magic woods to look for fairies.
It was a great trip and had some great scenery of the river and countryside.
We all loved it.
Once back at the station, we then went for a cycle along the Greenway as the station is situated along a flat section of it that is great for the kids to have a cycle. They're not so great with hills just yet.
A fantastic experience!
The train station first of all has a little cafe with drinks and snacks and seating areas inside and out. There is also a converted train carriage where the ticket office is based, where there are more seats and another place to buy snacks and drinks.
On arrival you need to go to the ticket office whether you have booked online already or need to purchase tickets on the day.
Our kids were given a piece of paper each with pictures that the kids needed to find around the station or spot on the train ride itself.
We had opted for an open compartment which was great, even though the day wasn't great. You were still well protected from the elements.
The journey took around 40mins and included a stop at the magic woods to look for fairies.
It was a great trip and had some great scenery of the river and countryside.
We all loved it.
Once back at the station, we then went for a cycle along the Greenway as the station is situated along a flat section of it that is great for the kids to have a cycle. They're not so great with hills just yet.
A fantastic experience!
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsay S
7 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I went on the Santa express today with my two young children aged two and 10 months and I honestly can't recommend it enough it was so well planned out and organised and completely stress free. The atmosphere around the station was great and my son was amazed by dasher Santa's raindeer there was plenty of props and opportunities for loads of pictures . The trains were well organised and not over crowded at all and even some lovely fluffy blankets provided to keep you warm. The views down the track are amazing and made better by all the dolphins we seen. Mrs Claus was wonderful at the end of the track and spoke to each family interacting with all the children and giving them plenty of time and we didn't feel rushed at all. Rudolph and frosty the snow man kept us all entertained as we waited. The buzzer system for Santa was great and my little fella was amazed that they knew his and his sister's name as we arrived and where told Santa was waiting to see him. And Santa where do I start he was just brilliant my little fella who previously screamed if he seen Santa went straight in and up on his lap to tell him exactly what he wanted he made us all feel so relaxed and interacted with the kids great it was all just an amazing stress-free experience as a family we really enjoyed it .the gifts the kids received were lovely and nice to get a proper present not just a selection box. I really can't give it enough praise at all it was so well organised and planned fair play to everyone involved. We will definitely be considering suit valley railway Santa express again for next year.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cucina
26 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Well worth a visit . I did the sunset express I enjoyed it so much there was lovely music from a two piece. Cello and piano . The music suited the ambience. A nice trip along the bank of the river.absolutely wonderful staff . I would highly recommend this trip .
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rubylass
cork204 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Fantastic visit with the family. Every member of staff that we met were so friendly. The train itself was comfy and had 3 sides covered so you still had a great view while being sheltered from the elements. The kids loved the little scavenger hunt as the trained moved through the countryside. I really would highly recommend a visit here. It was great value for money and we had a whole carriage to ourselves so it was very personal and safe. The whole initiative is a credit to the community that helped bring this section of the Waterford rail line back to life. 100% worth a visit.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay F
Marietta, GA67 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Is it too much to ask to NOT smell petrol and have my body shaken to the point that I rattled when I got off? And to make matters worse, one chain broke on the little engine that couldn’t, so we limped back to the start point. Definitely NOT worth the money we spent. The scenery was nice if only the bushes weren’t there!
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Navigator
110 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We often pass parallel to this tiny train ride on the Waterford greenway . This was our first time to ride it. My parents were in Dungarvan for a short break and we called across to them .
It was a great way for them to experience some of the greenway because they aren’t able to cycle or walk it at their age .
The shop there is one of the old orange railway carriages that we often travelled in as children . There are tables outside and we got coffee and snacks when we were waiting for our booking.
It’s really Covid-safe . Our family group got its own little section and there are screens between each group. You have plastic “ windows” that roll up or down too .
The teenagers totally bought into the fun and they looked for the treasure hunt list that you get for younger kids . They even waved at anyone we passed on the journey.
The train is run by the local community who have obvious pride in the train . The volunteers cleaned all the outdoor tables and every surface of the compartments between users . You go right by Mont Congreve gardens as well but you don’t see much of them. When you are finished on the train you can always call in there after.
It was a great way for them to experience some of the greenway because they aren’t able to cycle or walk it at their age .
The shop there is one of the old orange railway carriages that we often travelled in as children . There are tables outside and we got coffee and snacks when we were waiting for our booking.
It’s really Covid-safe . Our family group got its own little section and there are screens between each group. You have plastic “ windows” that roll up or down too .
The teenagers totally bought into the fun and they looked for the treasure hunt list that you get for younger kids . They even waved at anyone we passed on the journey.
The train is run by the local community who have obvious pride in the train . The volunteers cleaned all the outdoor tables and every surface of the compartments between users . You go right by Mont Congreve gardens as well but you don’t see much of them. When you are finished on the train you can always call in there after.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andykeithharris
Reading, UK267 contributions
May 2022
A well-run little railway running for some 6kms along the banks of the River Suir. The service is currently all diesel, but the intention is to try and introduce steam. The train and station were clear and tidy and the volunteer staff were friendly and helpful. The journey itself was quite relaxing and the views were good. To me the railway has considerable prospects for the future.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoeliacWellNES
Chew Magna, UK192 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Whistlestop café is really was an amazing example of how to welcome coeliacs when there are cross contamination concerns. Full 4* review at coeliacwellnes.com. They had a whole stand of GF snacks, a range of naturally gluten free drinks and very helpful friendly staff. We’d definitely recommend all coeliacs stop here for a pitstop if they’re nearby.
Also the railway was excellent but a little loud for our 18 month old. Maybe they bringing some headphones or ear defenders so they can enjoy it a little more. Sidnt detract from the experience and would definitely return
Also the railway was excellent but a little loud for our 18 month old. Maybe they bringing some headphones or ear defenders so they can enjoy it a little more. Sidnt detract from the experience and would definitely return
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DublinWoody
County Kildare, Ireland71 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
My wife and I visited the railway, having booked our seating online a day or two in advance.
The social distancing arrangements were well laid out and managed, as was the organisation of seating arrangements in carriages.
The experience itself is delightful and offers visitors some lovely views of what is beautiful countryside. There is something here for both young and old. There is a halt for Congreve Gardens, but not currently in use as that entrance to the gardens is closed. In happier times when the gardens are fully reopen, it would make for a great stopping off point on the railway.
Overall impressions on visiting WSVR was that is a superbly run enterprise that epitomises how it is possible to stay open in these times, at the same time maintaining aherence to public health guielines, and still provide visitors with a warm greeting and some lovely memories.
Thank you all at WSVR.
The social distancing arrangements were well laid out and managed, as was the organisation of seating arrangements in carriages.
The experience itself is delightful and offers visitors some lovely views of what is beautiful countryside. There is something here for both young and old. There is a halt for Congreve Gardens, but not currently in use as that entrance to the gardens is closed. In happier times when the gardens are fully reopen, it would make for a great stopping off point on the railway.
Overall impressions on visiting WSVR was that is a superbly run enterprise that epitomises how it is possible to stay open in these times, at the same time maintaining aherence to public health guielines, and still provide visitors with a warm greeting and some lovely memories.
Thank you all at WSVR.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colette E
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
We are just back from two weeks in Waterford and I came on trip advisor to review Waterford Suir Valley Railway because it was a wonderful experience. The friendly staff, great coffee and the railway journey was a delight.
We actually visited on the 26th June and was there when the previous reviewer detailed her father’s experience. We along with everyone at the train station would have heard what was going on. I cannot praise the coffee staff member and manager of the ticket office enough in how they dealt with the incident. No one should have to put up with the potty mouthed response from the man in question when he was offered burn gel and a lift home. Their patience in dealing with that sort of behaviour was commendable. Waterford Suir Valley Railway is a must do for families visiting Waterford.
We actually visited on the 26th June and was there when the previous reviewer detailed her father’s experience. We along with everyone at the train station would have heard what was going on. I cannot praise the coffee staff member and manager of the ticket office enough in how they dealt with the incident. No one should have to put up with the potty mouthed response from the man in question when he was offered burn gel and a lift home. Their patience in dealing with that sort of behaviour was commendable. Waterford Suir Valley Railway is a must do for families visiting Waterford.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi ca anyone advise if this trip has to b taken as a return journejourneyy or can yo just go one way please? Thank you
Written 21 August 2024
Open 4/29/18 ? Celebrity cruise ? Times.? Viking village ?
Written 11 April 2018
It's a pity the real Railway was taken away as it used to be the most scenic route to Cork
Written 11 July 2019
jd19772017
Newbridge, Ireland
Is this a round trip? Or do you get on at one location and get off at another location?
Written 30 March 2018
It is a round trip from Kilmeadan Statio but on the return journey you can get off if you would like to visit Mount Congreve Gardens and get a later train back. Available Thursday and Friday at the moment and from Monday to Friday later in the summer if Mount Congreve Gardens open more often.
Written 30 March 2018
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