Follow the 3km Slí na Sláinte walking route and discover one of the oldest towns in the country, venture further afield on the Rathkeale to Ardagh 10km trail of the Limerick Greenway or for a longer adventure, take a drive along the West Limerick Drive.
Rathkeale Slí na Sláinte Walking Route (3.1km)
This walk takes you past some of the sites of major interest. The Rathkeale Slí route is a 3.1km 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).
Limerick Greenway
Carving a 40km path through the local countryside, the Limerick Greenway offers an authentic experience of rural Ireland for cyclists, runners and walkers.
The Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail
The Aughinish Nature Trail is 20 miles west of Limerick City. A self-guided nature trail through wild countryside along the south bank of the Shannon Estuary which has a bird hide, Ireland’s first designated sanctuary for butterflies, meadlowland and a rare heath habitat. It is equally fascinating in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Knockfierna
In nearby Ballingarry, steeped in local history and folklore, Knockfierna or Knock Dhoinn Firinne can be accessed by a number of tracks and pathways which start in Ballingarry.
As you ascend the mountain, you will pass a number of reconstructed cottages which were abandoned during the famine as well as a famine memorial. From the top you can see all of County Limerick as well as the Shannon Estuary.
West Limerick Drive
The West Limerick Drive follows the N21 from Adare village, passing through the historic towns of Rathkeale, Athea, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Continue through Mountcollins, Ashford and Broadford villages at the foothills of the Mullaghareik Mountains, and finishing up your scenic drive in Ballingarry.
Curraghchase Forest Park
Located at Kilcornan, Curraghchase comprises 313 hectares of woodland, park land and lakes with a number of marked looped trails suitable for a range of fitness levels and also wheelchair users. The entrance gates close automatically so make sure you check the closure time when entering the park. Admission charge is €5 per car.
