Waterford Greenway Attracted 250,000 Tourists Since Its Launch in this March

The 46 kilometers long walk way where you can walk or you can go by cycle, Waterford Greenway has attracted more than 250,000 people since its launch in this March.

The figures come from a new survey that offers a glowing report card for the walking and cycling trail in its first year.

There are 94percent of respondents said their overall perception of the Greenway was excellent or good, while 68pc said it was the main reason they had travelled to Waterford. There are 247,545 have used it since March – 105,639 on foot; 141,906 on bikes.

At 46km, the greenway is Ireland's longest off-road cycling and walking trail, stretching from Waterford City via Kilmacthomas to Dungarvan.

The 70pc of respondents liked the scenery and nature along the route, the survey found.

About 51percent enjoyed being away from traffic.

Around 36pc said it was peaceful and quiet, while 18pc of users said the friendliness of the people was its best quality.

The Waterford Greenway Intercept Survey was commissioned by multinational engineering AECOM and carried out by Amárach Research. The results clearly show the greenway's benefit to the local economy in the southeast. Some 80pc of visitors from outside the county stayed in paid accommodation, it found, spending over €100 per night in Waterford.

Around 41pc spent money while using the trail, and of those who spent on food and drink, the average spend was €28.50.