Since officially opening in 2017, the Waterford Greenway has encouraged people from across the country – and beyond – to flock to Waterford and soak up the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Ireland’s oldest city and the surrounding county.

But the Waterford Greenway is just one of many trails awaiting visitors to the county – with a multitude of options also available along the coast, in the woodlands, and up the mountains.

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer with Waterford City & County Council, has seen first-hand the wide range of ages and abilities who’ve found real enjoyment exploring the many terrains of Waterford.

“Particularly on some of our more easy and accessible walking trails, you don’t need a whole load of experience,” he explains. “Like the Anne Valley Walk. That’s enjoyable for all the family, young and old. The Anne Valley Walk is also a multi-access trail, for people with reduced mobility, in wheelchairs, or for parents with buggies. It’s something everyone can get involved in.”

Waterford also boasts a remarkable stretch of coastline – including the popular Ardmore Cliff Walk and the Dunmore East Walks, among others.

Ardmore

“The Cunningar, which is near Dungarvan, and also near our own Gaeltacht area, in Ring, is a really nice walk,” says Johnny. “We’ve something similar to that in Tramore, around the dunes and backstrand. It also attracts bird-watchers. Tramore Nature Park, which is very near that, is a remediated landfill site, which is now a parkland for the local community.”

The county’s woodland walks, meanwhile, offer something unique to see year-round. “Even out walking today, you’d see the early signs of spring,” he points out. “In May and June, everything is in full bloom, and you have a lush green countryside. Others love to go for a walk in autumn, around the time that the leaves change colour. Lady Louisa’s Walk in Lismore, or The Towers Walk nearby, are lovely around autumn.”

Ballysaggartmore Towers

Of course, the Waterford Greenway – a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail that follows the old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan – is another brilliant year-round option. As Johnny points out, there’s no shortage of coffee shops, stop-off points and places of interest along the trail – including the Woodstown Viking Site, Mount Congreve House and Gardens, the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, railway viaducts, the iconic 400-metre-long Ballyvoyle Tunnel, and of course, the unbeatable views of Dungarvan Bay.

In addition to the Waterford Greenway, there’s plenty of more challenging options for experienced cyclists visiting the county. Waterford even plays host to a section of the long-distance cycling route EuroVelo 1, Atlantic Coast Route.

“The Eurovelo and the Greenway are very close to the Copper Coast, the UNESCO Global Geopark,” he says. “And our Coastal Route goes right along there. That’s worth a visit for the scenic landscape, and for anyone who’s interested in geology! The coastline there is absolutely stunning.”

Waterford is also home to a wide variety of mountain trails, as the home of the hugely impressive Comeragh Mountains.

“Some of the Rathgormack Walks and the Nire Valley Walks would be the more challenging, upland walks,” Johnny explains. “You would certainly recommend that people have some experience of mountain walking. And if they don’t have experience of walking in the Comeraghs, they might go with a group, or with a local guide. You’d need rain gear and hiking boots, snacks, and a fully-charged mobile phone, and you’d need to look at the weather forecast before you plan your trip. It’s better to go with someone else, and certainly have someone know when you’re going, and when you plan to be back.

“There’s also two River Mahon Walks – Crough Wood Walk and Mahon Falls Walk,” he adds. “Both of those would be classed as either easy or moderate. They’re well waymarked, so if you have a young family or the elderly, you can get up close and personal to the mountain – but they’re not all-out mountain walks, where you’d need boots and hiking gear! There’s plenty out there for everyone to enjoy.”

And no matter what trail you choose, Johnny urges every visitor to be sure to “Leave No Trace.”

“Whether it’s an upland, lowland or coastal walk, it’s really important that people leave the countryside and nature as they found it – and whatever you bring in, you bring back home with you, to dispose of responsibly,” he says. “Some of the walks are through open farmland, or private land, so it’s also important to be respectful to the land owners and livestock that might be around – and respectful of the local wildlife.”

• For more about Waterford’s walking and cycling trails, see visitwaterford.com/trails