With its heady mix of history, heritage and heart, exploring West Limerick appeals to the inquisitive and intrepid. Throw into the mix great gastronomy and exhilarating experiences and you’ve got one incredible destination.
Forging a path of exploration through the region is Limerick Greenway, a 40km traffic-free route that follows what once was the Limerick to Kerry railway line. The old track has been transformed into a fully accessible route that takes bikers, hikers, walkers and wheelchair users on a journey through heart-stirring scenery and communities with heartwarming hospitality.
So, lace up your boots, or get on your bike and brace yourself for a brilliant getaway along the gorgeous Limerick Greenway.
Limerick Greenway from Limerick.ie on Vimeo.
Get on your bike
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If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, don’t worry; Limerick Greenway is mostly flat and the surface has been designed with mobility in mind. With no motorised traffic, it feels very safe too.
If you don’t own a bike, no worries, there are local rental shops at various points en route so you can simply hire one for the duration of your stay.
If you want to go twice the distance with half the effort, rent an electric bike. E-bikes are an energy saver when you have children in tow as you can put them in a trailer towed behind the bike. It’s a fun way to cover a lot of ground without little legs tiring out.
A gourmet getaway
The smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakery as you pedal past, the rich aroma of coffee at the food truck, eating a punnet of juicy strawberries by the riverbank and sipping an ice-cold drink at the end of a warm day, are simple pleasures to savour on your journey.
Fresh air and activities sure do work up an appetite and along Limerick Greenway are welcoming cafés, restaurants and bars, where you can treat your tastebuds to some local flavours. After all, West Limerick is renowned for its bounty of local produce and artisan producers.
Stop into the local shops to pick up the makings of a picnic for a scenic al fresco lunch. Lying back in the grass, biting into a freshly made sandwich with your bare feet wiggling or dipped in a stream, the sunshine kissing your skin really makes it feel like you are on holiday.
A bespoke journey
Limerick Greenway runs from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale, taking you through the pretty towns and villages of Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale and on to the Kerry border.
There are a number of entry points from where you can access Limerick Greenway, which gives you the flexibility to be as wild or mild as you like - experience it in one go, or explore it in shorter stages - the choice is yours.
Rathkeale to Ardagh - 10k
Before joining the Greenway, soak up the sights in Rathkeale. Once an essential stop on the old railway line, its railway station opened in 1867. When the road network expanded in the late 20th century, locals moved the station stone by stone to its current location, preserving a part of Limerick’s heritage.
On this stretch, you’ll pass five overhead bridges, beautifully cut from locally sourced stone. When you reach Ardagh, make a stop at the old station house, located close to where the legendary Ardagh Chalice was discovered in 1868.
Ardagh to Newcastle West - 4km
Heading towards Newcastle West, verdant pastures provide a painterly backdrop and the unhurried pace of the Greenway truly allows you to bask in its bucolic beauty. Newcastle West is Limerick’s largest town. Here, you can stock up on provisions and roam like royalty around Desmond Castle - a great place to delve deeper into the history of the area.
Back on the Greenway, you’ll quickly become part of the community and have beautiful moments with strangers - be it an enthusiastic ‘hello’ or casual lifting of a finger from the handlebars. What a friendly bunch.
Newcastle West to Barnagh - 10km
Step back in time and admire beautiful railway architecture up close as you pass over the Victorian cast iron Ferguson’s Viaduct and go through the 115m-long Barnagh Tunnel, which opened in 1880.
Reaching the highest point of the old railway line, 164m above sea level, the Barnagh viewing point is an ideal spot for a breather and to take in the panoramic views across the lush Limerick landscape and beyond out to Clare, Cork and Kerry.
Barnagh to Templeglantine - 4km
Arriving at Glantine (as the locals call it), your toes will start tapping, a natural reaction to the live Irish music for which the village is famous. You are now in the Sliabh Luachra area, which has a distinctive musical style, and it would be remiss not to pop into a pub, pull up a seat and tap your feet to the pulsing rhythm.
Templeglantine to Abbeyfeale - 9km
The buzz of Glantine gives way to the hum of nature as you traverse Tullig Wood, admiring the native trees and wildflowers. This is one of the most tranquil places along Limerick Greenway and an important wildlife habitat too. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, badgers, butterflies and more.
Abbeyfeale to the Kerry border - 3km
From animals to architecture! Travel into Abbeyfeale, and admire the vernacular architecture and plasterwork on display on the main street. This was once the stop before Kerry on the old railway line and today marks the end of Limerick Greenway for those who started in Rathkeale.
The town is a great base for those who want to start the Greenway going in the other direction. You’ll find agreeable accommodation, great gastronomy, bike hire and other services to get you started on your Limerick Greenway journey.
As you can see, whether you cycle or stroll, travelling along Limerick Greenway is a rewarding way to relish the region’s riches, for locals and visitors alike.
To plan your Limerick Greenway trip, see limerick.ie/greenway