40km off-road walking and cycling route between Rathkeale and the County Border extending to Listowel on the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways. (over 50.5km in total)

This 40km Greenway route through captivating Limerick countryside, offers day-trippers and families the opportunity to explore rural Limerick by cycling, running or walking while suitable for all ages and abilities.

Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, the Greenway seamlessly links the West Limerick landscape with towns and villages located in some of the country’s most historic sites, offering its visitors a range of activities and places to see including Desmond Castle in Newcastle West; a Pottery Workshop at Barnagh; and the Irish Palatine Centre in Rathkeale.

Whether you choose a day trip to Limerick Greenway, or do it as part of a longer staycation, there will be a genuine welcome from the locals in towns along the Greenway, offering delicious food and quality accommodation.

There are several entry points from where you can access Limerick Greenway, this gives visitors the flexibility to be as wild or mild as they like – experience Limerick Greenway in one visit or explore in shorter stages, perfect for your morning cycle, family adventures, or your daily run – the choice is yours!

Further information, access points and a downloadable map are available online at www.limerickgreenway.ie

More
Highlights
  • Four hotels are located within close proximity of Limerick Greenway at Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale
  • There are two glamping sites to choose from at Rathkeale and Templeglantine
  • Barnagh Tunnel – at Barnagh the railway engineers decided not to scale this hill to extend the railway, but to go through it. This tunnel is approx.100 metres in length and was refurbished in 2019 by Limerick City & County Council
  • Railway built heritage – At Hubs in Rathkeale, Ardagh, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale you will see some fine examples of 19th century built heritage including station houses and goods sheds, as well as some other railway infrastructure along the route
  • Ferguson’s Viaduct – built in 1880, is an excellent example of Victorian era engineering, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
  • Tullig Wood is a good example of a Mixed Broadleaved woodland with a mix of mature non-native species including Beech, with Oak, Ash, Sycamore and Horse Chestnut
  • History along the Greenway – take a look at the Discovery Points at each Hub and at some points of interest along the Greenway, which give a great overview of its history and heritage
  • The Greenway Hub at Barnagh has a café, playground, bike hire and pottery workshop and is a great stop on the route
  • Off the Greenway, local towns and villages are a hive of activity and provide lots to see and do including a Desmond Castle and boutique trail in Newcastle West, an old world sweet shop – An Siopa Milseain in Abbeyfeale, and local cafés and the Irish Palatine Centre in Rathkeale

 

 

Useful Information

Greenway sections

  • Rathkeale to Ardagh (10km)
  • Ardagh to Newcastle West (4km)
  • Newcastle West to Barnagh (10km)
  • Barnagh to Templeglantine (4km)
  • Templeglantine to Abbeyfeale (9km)
  • Abbeyfeale to the Kerry Border (3km) 
  • Abbeyfeale to Listowel (13km)

Bike hire available. See website for details

Getting There

By car – each trailhead/ Greenway Hub has a car park, which is free of charge:

  • Rathkeale
  • Ardagh
  • Newcastle West
  • Templeglantine
  • Abbeyfeale

By public transport –Yes, there are three large towns on the Greenway at Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, situated along the N21 national primary road. There is a public bus transport service operating on the N21 between Limerick City and Tralee/ Killarney, with bus stops at Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale. Please look at www.expressway.ie/journey-search.

There is also a private bus service on the N21 with bus stops at Adare, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Search for timetables on www.dublincoach.ie. For locals there is a Local Link bus service with a number of regular rural services to Newcastle West in particular. Check out services at www.locallinklc.ie/limerick-routes.

By cycling – The Eurovelo route from Limerick City to the Greenway trailhead at Rathkeale via Adare village is available to view and download here. This will provide maps and cue sheets for cycling this section. The entire route has Eurovelo signposts.

 

Map Location: 52.522526, -8.940366
Contact Limerick Greenway

Various hubs/ trailheads along the Greenway in West Limerick


E: greenway@limerick.ie
W:
www.limerick.iegreenway
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