Two significant new amenities along the Limerick Greenway - Barnagh Station House and the Limerick Greenway Car Park at Newcastle West - are ready to welcome visitors, marking another major step in enhancing recreation, heritage and tourism opportunities across County Limerick.
The projects represent a combined investment of €4 million, with funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht and Limerick City and County Council.
Bringing Railway Heritage Back to Life
Once part of the historic Limerick to Tralee railway line, Barnagh Station House had fallen into dereliction before being acquired and restored by Limerick City and County Council.
With an investment of €1.1 million the building has now been carefully recreated to reflect life at the station when it was home to the station master and his family. The restored station house features displays celebrating the area's rich railway heritage, including audio and video recordings capturing memories and stories connected to the railway era.
The project designed by Healy & Partners Architects was completed by Alan O’Connell Developments Ltd.
Visitors can explore the heritage building, experience the nearby Barnagh Tunnel and enjoy one of the most scenic sections of the Limerick Greenway.
A unique feature of the restoration is the inclusion of audio contributions from former local residents Mary Hartigan and Sean Hartnett, whose memories help bring the building's history to life for visitors.
Enhanced Access to Limerick Greenway at Newcastle West
The new Limerick Greenway Car Park at Newcastle West represents at €2.9 million investment and will further strengthen connections between the Greenway and the county's largest town.
The facility provides:
- 80 car parking spaces
- Two coach parking spaces
- A public plaza area
- A bicycle repair station
- A drinking water station
- EV charging facilities (awaiting installation)
The new amenity will improve access to the Greenway for visitors arriving by car or coach while supporting increased visitor activity in Newcastle West.
The Limerick Greenway Car park at NCW was completed by Priority Construction Ltd and designed by Fehily Timoney and Company Ltd.
Investment in Limerick's Future
Both projects were delivered through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle, Cathaoirleach of the Newcastle West Municipal District Cllr Liam Galvin, other local elected representatives, members of the construction team and officials from Limerick City and County Council marked the completion of the projects with visits to Barnagh Station House and the new Limerick Greenway Car Park in Newcastle West.
Formal official openings will take place at a later date.
The public are invited to enjoy the new facilities, which are now open and operational along the Limerick Greenway.
About Limerick Greenway
The Limerick Greenway is a 40km walking and cycling route stretching through the heart of West Limerick along the former Limerick to Tralee railway line. Linking the communities of Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale, it offers a unique blend of heritage, recreation and outdoor adventure.
The Greenway features a number of landmark attractions, including the 115-metre Barnagh Tunnel, Ferguson's Viaduct, restored railway structures and scenic countryside views that showcase the natural beauty and rich history of the region.
Since opening, the Limerick Greenway has become one of the county's leading outdoor tourism attractions, supporting local businesses, encouraging active travel and helping to attract visitors to towns and villages across West Limerick. Continued investment in visitor facilities and heritage projects along the route is enhancing the overall visitor experience while preserving the unique story of the railway corridor for future generations.
