Location is key to many things.
And that’s certainly true of Taste Waterford’s latest member – The Railway Cottage in Dungarvan.
To say it sits close to the award-winning 46km Waterford Greenway is an understatement – in fact, it’s part of the cycling and walking trail that stretches from Waterford to Dungarvan.
The building that houses the café was once the Gatekeepers cottage. Now, instead of servicing the railway line, it offers a new purpose – one that offers a delicious range of food and drink to locals, visitors and tourists.
Richard Povey, Taste Waterford project manager met with David Kearns, manager of The Railway Cottage in June 2025. Here’s their story…
It was in December 2020 that the cottage was reborn into a modern-day café, having undergone extensive renovation and extension works.
Immediately, you can see the care the owners have gone to restore the cottage. With the original stonework inside and out, along with walled-panelling and a vaulted roof – customers have a light-filled eating area that harks back to more traditional times, whilst reflecting a contemporary feel.
Their menu is not only extensive, it’s underpinned by seasonal and local produce – some of which comes from their own farm.
David, who has over 20 years hospitality experience in Ireland and abroad, said: “Our seasonal vegetables, salad leaves, spinach and berries, come from just five kilometres away at Al Eile Farm in Kilgobnet. It’s certified organic. We also make our own soups, sauces, quiches, cakes, and bread is sourced in Dungarvan.”
Other local suppliers include The Country Store, Ballynacourty Produce, Flahavan’s, and O’Reilly’s, who’s meat they use for sausage rolls.
The café provides breakfast, lunch, and a specials menu with the head chef creating tasty creations.
Other popular dishes include the blaa stack, eggs benedict, waffles, fish and chips, sweet treats, and a range of wraps, ciabattas and sandwiches.
Seating inside can accommodate 50, and when the weather is fine – there’s bench seating and plenty of water for the dogs outside, along with bike stands and free parking.
This area also has a handy ‘caboose’ reflecting again the railway theme. David said: “We have grab and go options like coffee, soft-scoop ice-cream, smoothies, and milk shakes. It’s handy if you just want to rest up your bike and head off again on the Greenway.”
Alongside the café, they also provide catering for parties, and frozen ready meals with classics like beef and Guinness stew, and fish pie. Available at stores locally.
David concluded: “It has a great vibe here – people are out enjoying the fresh air, cycling and walking. And with our offering people see it as a destination – a healthy way to spend a few hours.”
The Railway Cottage celebrates its 150th year this year. And with the owner’s passion, and talented team in place producing wonderful food, its future is sure to stay on track.
Open daily – 08.00am to 7.00pm (seasonal times apply).