Waterford Greenway.

My greenway experience started in Kilmacthomas, I knew I was in Waterford when the lady in the shop said to me”howya girl”. And then himself came in and she says “can I help ya boy”. Many moons ago I trained as a nurse in Ardkeen Hospital so I understand the lingo, in fact I love it. Lived in Dungarvan too,so I’m well used to the unique musical lilt of the various accents of the Deise.

Anyway back to our day out. We had heard so much about this fantastic greenway we decided to go check it out before the winter set in. Landed in Kilmacthomas bright and early and of course we had to have a cuppa. "Kilmac" was buzzing , a far cry from my memories of it years ago. We spotted a lovely coffee shop called Kiersey's Bar And Tea Room which looked after us nicely . I could have sat there all day but himself being anxious to get moving dragged me out to get started "Were here to do the greenway", says he "not to sit drinking coffee for hours".

Heading up to the starting point I got distracted again by one of my all time favourite places to go.....a charity shop, an absolute gem of a place, a real aladdins cave, a treasure throve . Well done to The Waterford Hospice Charity Shop. I hope everyone on the greenway calls in to see you. Just 5 minutes" I says to himself....................................................

An hour later we eventually stepped on to the greenway , My bike being a bit small we decided to abandon it and stick to travelling on foot. Me poor legs wouldnt fit on the pedals......[ must have a word with the bike hire people, I think they should go to specsavers!!]

As we happily wandered along it was hard not to relax into the experience and embrace the simple pleasure of the open air and freedom. Lots of hellos from total strangers and general smiles all round. Bikes....I’ve never seen so many in one place on one day before in my whole life. Yes; it was busy but it still felt relaxed easy and carefree.

Ahhh there's Flavhavans porridge...just off the greenway!.

Any chance of a bowl of the stuff I wonder. Betcha not everyone knows the home of the good stuff is in Kilmacthomas!! What a great family business.

Walking on the greenway is like stepping off the world as we know it for awhile. It's like being in a parallell universe. It's 2017 but you are walking/cycling on a quiet flat road with no noise and no distractions .Mother nature is all around you and because you're not dodging cars/motorbikes etc you can really be present to the gift this wonderful amenity has to offer. The people who came together to start this project definitely had a vision. Well the vision is real now and you must all be so proud. Thank you. .

After an hour we stopped for a break , taking our ease on a wooden bench . Whoever you are Eileen, thank you for the rest. We headed back to our car allready planning phase two of our greenway experience. [I'm definitely getting a bigger bike next time!!!!!]