Rathkeale is one of the oldest towns in the country and this walk takes you past some of the sites of major interest.
Distance: 3.1 km
Start/End: Rathkeale Town Centre
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Guide: Download the Rathkeale Slí na Sláinte Walking Route here
The Rathkeale Slí route is a 3.1 km circuit of the western side of town, extending from the centre of town into rural surroundings.
It has a blend of the old and the new as the western part of the walk passes over the permanent way of the original Great Southern and Western Railway line (Limerick - Tralee). See Limerick Greenway for more.
From the centre of town, the route traverses the old Limerick - Killarney road over the River Deel. At the Deel Bridge, walkers can divert for a stroll along the river.
The route continues along Church Street, so named because of the Church of the Holy Trinity (Church of Ireland) to which is attached the No.2 National School. Continuing onto the top of the hill on the left-hand side is the Marian Shrine and across the vista to the right can be seen Glebe Castle and the outline of Castle Matrix.
The route then veers sharp right down towards the Rathkeale By Pass (N21) and another sharp right at Castle Matrix to follow the trail of the now dismantled railway line.
The route now runs in an easterly direction parallel to the Rathkeale By Pass (Limerick - Killarney Road). This is an area of quiet rural splendour of green fields, trees and shrubs, and here you will cross the River Deel again. You then pass by the old railway Station now the Palatine Heritage Centre.
Returning towards the town centre you pass St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and St. Anne’s Convent of Mercy before returning to Main Street having completed your 3.1 km Slí Walk.
Route can be walked in either direction and is recommended as a daytime walk.
Slí na Sláinte
Slí na Sláinte stands for 'path to health'. Developed by the Irish Heart Foundation, it's the new outgoing way to make walking for leisure and good health even more enjoyable.
