With Christmas right around the corner, there are plenty of free and cost-effective activities that can be used to encourage the family to step away from their new gadgets and gizmos, and get some fresh air.
To keep spirits high and the winter blues at bay this festive season, we recommend a family cycle along the historically rich, Limerick Greenway. The newly opened Kingdom Of Kerry Greenways, which extends the Greenway path by 16km from Abbeyfeale to Listowel, is the perfect excuse to explore what both neighbouring counties have to offer.
Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, the greenway path – which runs through Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale and on to Listowel – seamlessly links the West Limerick landscape with towns and villages located in some of the country’s most historic sites.
The newly resurfaced greenway path is mostly flat, safe, and accessible to all users, with the option to choose from several access points, giving you the flexibility to be as wild or mild as you like.
Limerick Greenway is a free amenity that gives you the chance to spend some relaxing quality time with friends and family this winter. So why not bring the whole clan for a spirited Christmas cycle – a memory that will be cherished by all members of your group.
The redeveloped greenway is the largest outdoor tourism project ever undertaken by Limerick City and County Council and has accumulated over 850,000 visits since its reopening in 2021. The greenway has bolstered a substantial increase in domestic tourism in the Limerick area and continues to help create a more sustainable future for the local economy.
Gordon Daly, Director of Services, Community, Tourism and Culture with Limerick City and County Council said: “We were shown the importance of outdoor amenities throughout the pandemic, and the investment into Limerick Greenway has proven the vitality of these amenities going forward.”
“We are delighted to see the expansion of the greenways’ reach into Listowel.”
“We are seeking to further boost local adjoining communities, while also providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all greenway users.”
With affordable bike hire available from several bike hire providers along the greenway path, and a shuttle bus service available on request, you can start planning your Christmas visit to Limerick Greenway now. Bike hire bookings are open for the entirety of the Christmas period, with a full list of providers available on the Limerick Greenway website.
Rothaí an Gheimhridh: Tabhair faoi Rothaíocht Teaghlaigh an Nollaig seo ar Fhéarbhealach Luimnigh
Leis an Nollaig timpeall an choirnéal, tá neart gníomhaíochtaí saor in aisce agus éifeachtach ó thaobh costais is féidir a úsáid chun an teaghlach a spreagadh chun céim amach óna gcuid giuirléidí agus gizmos nua, agus aer úr a fháil.
Chun an bhiotáille agus gormacha an gheimhridh a choinneáil slán i rith na féile seo, molaimid timthriall teaghlaigh feadh Ghlasbhealach Luimnigh a bhfuil saibhreas stairiúil ann. Is é Féarbhealaí nua-oscailte Ríocht Chirarraí, a shíneann cosán an Ghlasbhealaigh 10.5km ó Mhainistir na Féile go Lios Tuathail, an leithscéal foirfe chun iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar a bhfuil le tairiscint ag an dá chontae máguaird.
Tar éis seanlíne iarnróid Luimnigh go Ciarraí, nascann cosán an fhéarbhealaigh – a ritheann trí Ráth Caola, Ardach, An Caisleán Nua Thiar, Teampall an Ghleanntáin, Mainistir na Féile agus ar aghaidh go Lios Tuathail – tírdhreach Iarthar Luimnigh gan stró le bailte agus sráidbhailte atá suite i gcuid de na suíomhanna is stairiúla sa tír.
Tá an cosán glasbhealaigh athdhromchlaithe den chuid is mó cothrom, sábháilte, agus inrochtana do gach úsáideoir, agus an rogha a roghnú as roinnt pointí rochtana, a thugann solúbthacht duit a bheith chomh fiáin nó séimh agus is mian leat.
Is áis saor in aisce é Glasbhealach Luimnigh a thugann deis duit roinnt ama suaimhneach a chaitheamh le cairde agus le teaghlach an geimhreadh seo. Mar sin, cén fáth nach dtabharfaidh tú an chlann go léir leat le haghaidh timthriall spioraid na Nollag – cuimhne a bheidh faoi chomaoin ag gach ball den ghrúpa.
Is é an féarbhealach athfhorbartha an tionscadal turasóireachta allamuigh is mó riamh ar thug Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Luimnigh faoi agus tá breis agus 850,000 cuairt bailithe aige ó athosclaíodh é in 2021. Tá an féarbhealach tar éis méadú mór a chur ar thurasóireacht intíre i gceantar Luimnigh agus leanann sé ag cuidiú le tuilleadh a chruthú. todhchaí inbhuanaithe don gheilleagar áitiúil.
Dúirt Gordon Daly, Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí, Pobail, Turasóireachta agus Cultúir le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Luimnigh: “Léiríodh dúinn an tábhacht a bhaineann le taitneamhachtaí amuigh faoin aer le linn na paindéime, agus chruthaigh an infheistíocht i nGlasbhealach Luimnigh beogacht na n-áiseanna seo amach anseo.”
“Tá an-áthas orainn a fheiceáil go bhfuil na glasbhealaí ag síneadh isteach i Lios Tuathail.”
“Táimid ag iarraidh tuilleadh treisithe a chur ar phobail áitiúla tadhlach, agus eispéireas sábháilte taitneamhach a sholáthar do gach úsáideoir glasbhealaí.”
Agus rothar inacmhainne ar cíos ar fáil ó go leor soláthraithe ar cíos rothair feadh chosáin an bhealaigh fhéir, agus seirbhís tointeála bus ar fáil ach é a iarraidh, is féidir leat tosú ag pleanáil do chuairt Nollag ar Ghlasbhealach Luimnigh anois. Tá áirithintí rothar ar cíos oscailte ar feadh thréimhse iomlán na Nollag, agus tá liosta iomlán soláthraithe ar fáil ar shuíomh Gréasáin Ghlasbhealach Luimnigh.
