A beautifully preserved 1878 railway tunnel — atmospherically lit and fully brick-lined — forming the most iconic feature of the Waterford Greenway. Cycle or walk its 400-metre length through a lush, fern-filled cutting.
The 400-metre (quarter-mile) brick-lined tunnel is the star attraction. Tasteful, discreet lighting preserves its mystique as you pass through — cool, quiet, and utterly atmospheric. It's suitable for walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users along the flat, well-surfaced greenway path.
Just beyond the tunnel's western end, you emerge onto the Ballyvoyle Viaduct spanning the River Dalligan valley. Originally built in 1878, it was blown up during the Civil War in 1922 and rebuilt in 1924. Panels on the bridge tell its story, and the valley views are serene.
A short distance east of the tunnel at Durrow, this family-run pub (est. 1860) offers a warm welcome, ice cream, drinks, and a shop. Picnic tables and a greenway car park sit right across the road — the perfect rest stop.
Just a few hundred metres from the tunnel, the ivy-covered ruins of Durrow Railway Station and its signal cabin still stand. Nearby, a red-roofed shed that once served as a lively dancehall in the 1940s–50s adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.
The tunnel sits on a spectacular 6km stretch of the greenway that hugs the coast, offering sea views towards Clonea Strand and Dungarvan Bay. To the north, the Comeragh Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.
Every year around late October, Waterford Council transforms Ballyvoyle Tunnel into a family-friendly 'Spooky Tunnel' experience with themed lighting and effects. Check the council website for exact dates.
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