Overview
The Limerick Greenway is a 40 km traffic-free trail that follows the former Limerick-to-Tralee railway line through the heart of West Limerick. Open to walkers, runners and cyclists, the route is free, clearly waymarked and can be accessed from five main hubs: Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale. Tackled in a single day or broken into shorter stages, the trail delivers a seamless blend of restored railway engineering, native woodland and traditional market towns without ever crossing a busy road.
Route Highlights & Towns
The Greenway is naturally divided into manageable sections, each with its own character and local amenities. You can join the trail at any point and cycle or walk as far as you like.
Rathkeale to Ardagh (10 km)
Starting at the northern gateway, this level section crosses the River Deel and passes under five beautifully crafted overhead bridges cut from local stone. In Rathkeale, the trail begins near the Irish Palatine Heritage Museum, housed in the original 1867 station house. The museum traces the story of German Palatine families who settled here in 1709. A short detour takes you to St Mary’s Priory, a 12th-century Augustinian abbey, or the River Deel for kayaking and fishing.
Heading west, the route reaches Ardagh, a village steeped in early medieval history. The Old Station House marks the approximate discovery site of the Ardagh Chalice in 1868. The actual silver chalice, a masterpiece of early Irish metalwork, is now in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, but the village remains a peaceful spot for a picnic. Nearby, Ballylin Hill Fort covers 52 acres and offers sweeping views across the surrounding farmland.
Ardagh to Newcastle West (4 km)
This short, mostly level stretch rolls through open agricultural land with gentle gradients. As you approach Newcastle West, you cross the River Daar. The town serves as the Greenway’s main service hub, with a wide range of shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodation. Before heading back on the trail, visit Desmond Hall, a remarkably preserved medieval banqueting hall, or relax in Castle Demesne Park, which features a skatepark and playground.
Newcastle West to Barnagh (10 km)
Leaving the town, the trail begins a gradual, steady climb toward the route’s highest point at 164 metres. This section rewards effort with panoramic views across the Golden Vale and toward the Kerry hills. The standout features are two Victorian engineering feats: the cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct and the 115-metre Barnagh Tunnel. Both were carefully restored during the Greenway’s development. The Barnagh hub includes a viewing platform, playground and café, making it an ideal halfway stop.
Templeglantine to Abbeyfeale (13 km)
After Barnagh, the path descends through cuttings and embankments, passing under two more stone bridges before reaching Templeglantine. Locals call the village simply “Glantine”, and it’s known for its strong Sliabh Luachra musical tradition. The trail then enters Tullig Wood, a tranquil mixed woodland of oak and sycamore where badgers, bees and butterflies are commonly spotted.
The final stretch follows the River Allaghaun into Abbeyfeale, a thriving market town and the western terminus of the Limerick section. Abbeyfeale is famous for its traditional music scene and the annual Fleadh by the Feale festival. The Greenway continues a further 3 km beyond the town centre toward the County Kerry border, where it eventually links to the North Kerry Greenway.
Railway History & Heritage
The corridor was originally built by the Great Southern and Western Railway between 1867 and 1880, serving passengers and freight for nearly a century. Passenger services ended in 1963, and the line was fully closed in the late 1970s. For decades, the overgrown track was championed by the Great Southern Trail Ltd volunteer group, who campaigned for its conversion into a public trail. Limerick City and County Council took over management in 2015, and with funding from Fáilte Ireland and government departments, the Limerick Greenway officially opened in June 2021. It quickly became a major regional attraction, welcoming half a million visitors in its first ten months. Today, the route forms a key segment of EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast cycling network.
Practical Information
- Distance & Time: 40 km point-to-point. Cycling takes roughly 3 hours 20 minutes; walking takes 9–10 hours. Most visitors tackle shorter sections.
- Surface & Grade: Sealed tarmac, largely flat with a gentle incline toward Barnagh. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Bike Hire & Support: Multiple operators provide hybrid, electric and children’s bikes, plus trailers and adaptive cycles. A shuttle bus runs seven days a week to transport riders and bikes between hubs, and a mobile repair service operates daily along the route.
- Parking & Facilities: Free car parking is available at Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale. Public toilets and vending machines are located at the main hubs.
- Dogs: Welcome on leads throughout the trail.
- App & Maps: A free official Limerick Greenway app provides interactive maps, waymarking guidance and local business listings.
Getting There
The Greenway is easily reached by car via the N21 and regional roads R518, R521 and R524. Public transport links Limerick city to Rathkeale and Newcastle West, with local buses serving Abbeyfeale and Templeglantine. If you plan to cycle the full route without a car, book the shuttle bus in advance to avoid waiting for return transport. Check the official Limerick Greenway website for current shuttle timetables and bike hire availability before your visit.