Limerick City and County Council has welcomed the announcement from the government of further funding for greenways in the county.

The Minister for Transport has announced that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is to invest almost €4 million on developing our greenway network in Limerick. The largest tranche of the money, €3 million, is to be spent on improvement and ancillary works on the Limerick Greenway, which will be facing into its first full year of operations in 2022.

Almost 155 years after it first opened, Limerick City and County Council has completed extensive restoration works on the historic Ardagh Station House.

The Station House was part of a larger site which had lain derelict for years before it was purchased by Limerick City and County Council in 2020 as part of the Council’s ambitious plans for the Limerick Greenway.

Limerick is the ideal hub for your west coast family adventure. One of Ireland’s oldest cities, it’s full of character and charm. Close to many top destinations within driving distance, it’s the perfect base for your trip. Experience its unique spirit, the friendliness of the people, the vibrancy of the Treaty City, the sporting passion, the rich history and of course, the rural majesty of County Limerick.

Limerick Greenway is the largest outdoor tourism project ever undertaken by Limerick City and County Council. Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, Limerick Greenway seamlessly links the West Limerick landscape with towns and villages located in some of the country’s most historic sites, offering visitors a wide range of varied activities.

Visits to Limerick Greenway, the scenic 40km off-road walking and cycling route in the West Limerick countryside, have increased by 52% year on year, in July to October 2022 compared with the same period in the previous year. Visitors from the region, across Ireland and overseas are embracing Limerick Greenway as a recreational amenity, contributing to a total of 834,837 visits to date.

Limerick City and County Council has announced the restoration of a historic 19th century Railway Goods Shed at Rathkeale on Limerick Greenway as the centre piece of a new visitor facilities project that is due to commence work in the West Limerick town on Monday 3rd April.

Limerick Greenway users can now access shuttle bus services seven days a week, adding to the first-class network of visitor facilities already in place along the 40km scenic off-road walking and cycling route. There are several bike hire companies in operation along the route and the daily shuttle bus is available to all Greenway users.

Exploring West Limerick appeals to the inquisitive and culturally curious - satisfy your curiosity by embarking on a journey along the 40km of safe, scenic, off-road Greenway. Throw some great gastronomy and exhilarating experiences into the mix and you’ve got one incredible adventure suitable for all ages.

For the first time since 1980, Newcastle West and surrounds will play a significant part in “The Rás”. Stage 3, on Friday June 17th, will see riders roll out from Newcastle West Community Centre, through the Square and onwards to Ardagh. It’s traditional to have a short, neutralised section at the start of most stages. On this occasion, cyclists will get to experience the Limerick Greenway section from Newcastle West to Ardagh as a neutralised section.

Limerick Greenway has welcomed over 500,000 visits to the 40km scenic off-road walking and cycling route since it reopened in July last year, following a €10 million investment by Limerick City and County Council.

Ireland’s Greenways are a fantastic way to get outside and experience some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Free from traffic, Limerick Greenway was designed with accessibility in mind for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised users, such as wheelchair users and families with buggies.

While Limerick Greenway offers users an authentic experience of rural Ireland and a recreational path that stretches for 40km, it also boasts an array of other benefits.

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.