South East Greenway

The South East Greenway is designed to connect the Norman Town of New Ross to the Viking city of Waterford, through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny and skirting close to the beautiful River Barrow.

Phase 1 of the South East Greenway is now open to the public. The 6km New Ross to Glenmore stretch – with picturesque views of the Pink Rock area and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.

Phase 1 of the South East Greenway is the first part to be opened of the 24km of the South East Greenway, which will be a spectacular off-road cycling and walking Greenway. It will eventually run along an old railway line from the quays of Ireland’s oldest Viking City of Waterford to the Norman town of New Ross along the banks of the beautiful Barrow River, through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny. It will in future phases, include historic elements such as the Red Bridge and old rail tunnel at Mount Elliot and will ultimately connect to Dungarvan’s renowned Greenway.

The opening of the first section of the South East Greenway represents an exciting development for the South East Region. This investment signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland. This Greenway will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters. The opening of this route along the River Barrow and its connection with the Waterford Greenway will, in due course represent a valuable tourism amenity in Ireland in attracting visitors to Ireland’s Ancient East.

An illustrated map of Phase 1 New Ross to Glenmore.

Getting here couldn’t be easier. Access points at New Ross & Glenmore.

The South East Greenway

A spectacular 24 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line from the quays of Ireland’s oldest city to the Norman town of New Ross along the banks of the Barrow river.

The Greenway will provide an attractive amenity for visitors to the area as well as providing an environmentally friendly alternative for commuters into Waterford and New Ross.The Greenway follows the line of the disused New Ross to Waterford Railway, and passes through the Mount Elliott Tunnel and over the Red Bridge.

It will ultimately form part of a longer Greenway from St Mullins in Carlow to the Waterford Greenway and Dungarvan. (From St Mullins long distance walkers can follow the River Barrow to Kildare and then the Grand Canal to Dublin).

The route is within Ireland’s Ancient East

Enjoy an immersive journey through time and nature across an impressive viaduct and a long atmospheric tunnel, all on the banks of the River Barrow. Why not extend your journey by travelling onwards onto the Waterford Greenway to Dungarvan.

Filled with stories and legends of Norman Knights and Viking warriors; of the sights and smells of a bustling medieval town and, of wanderers filled with the Hopes and Dreams of Distant Shores; and the majestic Barrow river together with the previous rail line providing the connection with the lush Irish landscape.

woman walking in woods

The South East Greenway is a joint venture between Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford County Councils and proudly supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.