Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Waterford Suir Valley Railway Company CLG was established to preserve and promote Waterford’s rich railway heritage. The aim to develop and operate a 10km section of the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan Railway line from Kilmeadan Station to Bilberry, Waterford City as a tourist attraction. The vision is that the area through which the railway travels will become a linear park and the railway will service other attractions along the route, eventually extending in to Waterford City and operating with a steam engine.

Member Q&A

What is your goal? 

The mission is to preserve and promote Waterford’s rich railway heritage. The vision was that the area through which the railway travelled would be developed and preserved to become a linear park and the railway service other attractions along the route, eventually extending in to Waterford City and operating with a steam engine. 

How have you been working towards it? 

The derelict station at Kilmeadan and abandoned railway line was developed as a 10km narrow gauge railway. It opened to the public in 2003 as a tourist attraction and attracts up to 30k visitors annually to a rural area as it promotes and celebrates railway heritage.    

How has being a member of The Wheel helped? 

We have attended several of The Wheel training courses.   We found The Wheel membership particularly helpful in accessing guidelines when preparing to sign up to the Governance Code.    

How can people support you? 

People are invited to donate, become a friends member or a Sponsor of various activities.  The majority of people support the railway by paying to visit the railway experience on offer or use the the refreshment facilities on site. 

Do you have any success stories to share? 

In 2017 Waterford Suir Valley Railway won the Waterford Business Award for Tourism and Hospitality.  It has been shortlisted for the Waterford Business Awards for 2020 in the Tourism Attractions and Activity category. Winners will be announced at the end of February. 

Where can people find you on social media? 

Website: www.wsvrailway.ie  

Facebook: Waterford Suir Valley Railway 

Twitter: @wsvrailway