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, well‑signposted and can be accessed from six points – Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale. Whether tackled in a single day or broken into shorter stages, users enjoy a blend of historic railway structures, charming market towns and native woodland scenery.
History / Background
The line was built by the Great Southern and Western Railway between 1867 and 1880 and served passengers until its closure in 1977. For a century it carried four daily passenger trains, freight and occasional special services, underpinning the economy of West Limerick. After a period of decline, passenger services ceased in February 1963 and the line was fully abandoned in the 1980s.
Volunteer advocacy by Great Southern Trail Ltd led Limerick City and County Council to assume management in 2015. Funding from Fáilte Ireland and the Departments of Transport and Rural and Community Development enabled the completion of the Rathkeale‑to‑Abbeyfeale section in June 2021. Notable engineering works – the 115‑metre Barnagh Tunnel and the cast‑iron Ferguson’s Viaduct – were restored and incorporated into the trail, which now forms part of the EuroVelo Atlantic Coast Route (EV 1). In its first ten months after reopening the Greenway attracted half a million visitors.
Rathkeale Railway Station, opened in January 1867, was a key stop on the North Kerry line. The station house, built of finely cut limestone, was later dismantled stone‑by‑stone to make way for a modern bypass, while the adjoining goods shed fell into disrepair. A €2.48 million restoration project (2025‑2026), funded by the Department of Transport, Limerick City and County Council and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, transformed the goods shed into the Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale, adding universal‑access features and a multi‑purpose visitor centre.
What to See & Do
Rathkeale – the Greenway gateway
- Limerick Greenway Hub – the restored goods shed now serves as a visitor centre with bike‑hire operators, ample car parking and universal‑access facilities.
- Irish Palatine Heritage Museum – housed in the former station house, the free museum tells the story of the German Palatine families who settled in Rathkeale in 1709. It displays original artefacts, family records and interactive exhibits.
- Greenway Café 1709 – a cosy café offering locally sourced snacks, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a break before or after a ride.
- St Mary’s Priory – a 12th‑century ecclesiastical site just a short walk from the trail.
- River Deel – opportunities for kayaking and riverside walks.
Ardagh (10 km north of Rathkeale)
- Stone bridges – five historic stone bridges line the trail.
- Old Station House – marks the discovery site of the famous Ardagh Chalice in 1868.
- St Kieran’s Holy Well and Ballylin Hill Fort – a short detour leads to the second‑largest hill‑fort in Ireland and a historic holy well.
Newcastle West
The largest town on the route, offering additional amenities, shops and eateries for trail users.
Heritage Highlights along the route
- Barnagh Tunnel (115 m) and Ferguson’s Viaduct – impressive engineering relics restored for public enjoyment.
- EuroVelo EV 1 – the Greenway forms a segment of the Atlantic Coast cycling network.
Practical Information
- Access points: Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale.
- Parking: Free car parking is available at the Rathkeale hub and at most entry villages.
- Bike hire: Several operators are based at the Rathkeale visitor centre; bikes can be hired on the spot.
- Universal access: The restored goods shed and trail surfaces meet accessibility standards, making the route suitable for wheelchair users and families with push‑chairs.
- Opening: The visitor centre, museum and café are open year‑round; exact opening hours can be confirmed on the Limerick City and County Council website.
- Connectivity: Rathkeale is a short bus ride from Limerick city, and the trail links to the wider EuroVelo network for longer cycling adventures.
Getting There & Transport
- By car: The Greenway is accessed via the N69 and R511 regional roads. Ample free parking is provided at the Rathkeale hub, Abbeyfeale car park and the smaller lay‑bys at Ardagh and Templeglantine.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann route 332 links Limerick city to Rathkeale (hourly on weekdays, reduced on weekends). From Rathkeale, local services run to Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West, making the trail reachable without a car.
- Cycling connections: The Greenway forms part of EuroVelo 1, allowing cyclists to continue northwards towards Tralee or southwards towards Killarney via connecting regional cycle routes.
Seasonal Highlights & Events
- Spring Wildflower Walks (April–May): Guided walks from Rathkeale highlight the blooming native flora along the woodland sections.
- Greenway Family Fun Day (June, usually the first Saturday): Activities for children, bike‑maintenance workshops and live music at the Rathkeale hub.
- Autumn Heritage Trail (September): Special tours focusing on the railway history and the Irish Palatine Museum, often paired with storytelling sessions.
- Winter Lights (December): The trail is illuminated at key points such as the Barnagh Tunnel entrance, creating a festive atmosphere for evening walks.
Nearby Attractions
- Abbeyfeale – A historic market town at the western terminus of the Greenway, offering a lively main street, traditional pubs and the Abbeyfeale Heritage Centre.
- Adare Heritage Centre – Just a short drive north of Rathkeale, this site showcases medieval ecclesiastical ruins and the famous Trinitarian Abbey, a pleasant detour for history enthusiasts.
- Ardagh – In addition to the Greenway highlights, the village hosts the annual Ardagh Festival in August, featuring music, crafts and local food.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, railway heritage and cultural history that makes the Limerick Greenway a standout destination in the Irish countryside.