Built along the former Limerick to Tralee railway line, Limerick Greenway is a redeveloped off-road cycling and walking route that can be accessed through any one of the six entry points.
Limerick Greenway weaves through West Limerick’s traditional agricultural landscape, starting in Rathkeale, on through Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine and finishing in Abbeyfeale, with a perfect view of the Allaghaun River.
Designed with mobility in mind, the Greenway path links major towns with some of the country’s most historical attractions and is safe and suitable for all visitors – perfect for family staycations, weekends away, or a day trip to Limerick.
Visit some of the most popular attractions in Limerick along the Greenway path – by passing through a Victorian-era railway tunnel, visiting several ancient castles and abbeys, basking in the solitude of a native forest and meeting the people that make Limerick unique.
You can start the full route at Rathkeale or Abbeyfeale at the Limerick-Kerry border, or you can choose to join in at any of the entry points located along the way. Plan your route on Limerick Greenway by using the map below.
Greenway Map
Click on the map image to download the Limerick Greenway Brochure
Key Discovery Points
On Limerick Greenway, you’ll walk, cycle or run through a Victorian-era railway tunnel, visit ancient castles and abbeys, bask in the solitude of a native forest and meet the people that make Limerick unique.
Rathkeale to Ardagh – 10km
At the northern end of Limerick Greenway is the town of Rathkeale, a community whose sense of hospitality is matched only by the deep history and heritage that created it.
Soak up the local culture by kayaking on the River Deel, check out the ruins of a 12th Century Augustinian Abbey, and learn about local historians at the Irish Palatine Heritage Centre in the renovated Rathkeale Station.
With many shops, pubs and restaurants in the town, visitors will be met with a warm welcome and a detailed list of things to do in Limerick.
Heading towards Ardagh, you will pass five overhead bridges, beautifully cut from locally sourced stone. In Ardagh, visit The Old Station House, located close to where the iconic Ardagh Chalice was found in 1868, or stop and make a wish at the famous St. Kieran’s Holy Well.
Parking facilities for Limerick Greenway are available at both Rathkeale and Ardagh.
Ardagh to Newcastle West - 4km
Steeped in history and surrounded by the gorgeous Limerick countryside, Ardagh is a hidden gem in this part of the world. A gentle 4km from the town of Newcastle West, it makes for a wonderful spot to embark on a trip along the Limerick Greenway path.
Newcastle West is Limerick’s largest town, with an array of amenities to suit everyone in the family. The cultural hub offers historical monuments of interest, boutique shops, gourmet food and breath-taking scenery.
Visitors can learn all about local history at Desmond Castle, enjoy the excellent facilities at Castle Demesne Park, explore the beautiful grounds at Cahermoyle House, or pop into the cosy pubs and quality restaurants for some rest and relaxation.
Parking facilities for Limerick Greenway are available at Newcastle West.
Newcastle West to Barnagh – 10km
On the inclined Limerick Greenway Path from Newcastle West to Barnagh is the Barnagh Greenway Hub, which boasts a range of amenities for guests including bike hire, crazy golf, pottery, a children’s playground, and The Platform 22 Café.
Along the way you will pass over the cast iron Ferguson’s Viaduct and through the 115-metre long Barnagh Tunnel, two Victorian-era marvels that helped level the former train’s path as the line was expanded towards Kerry.
After the tunnel at 164 metres above sea level, the viewing point at Barnagh is the perfect place to stop for a break and admire the sprawling natural landscape, with views across Clare, Cork and Kerry.
Parking facilities for Limerick Greenway are available at Barnagh.
Barnagh to Templeglantine – 4km
The journey from Barnagh to Templeglantine is a short stretch that passes under two stone bridges and flowering embankments.
Known locally as Glantine, the village has a rich tradition of Irish music and literature dating back to the 1700’s. Connected to the Sliabh Luachra region, Glantine has a distinctive musical style that captivates its listeners.
Explore the village of Templeglantine, just a short distance away from the Limerick Greenway path. Be it on foot, or by bicycle, all you really need is some free time to soak up everything it has to offer.
Parking facilities for Limerick Greenway are available at Templeglantine.
Templeglantine to Abbeyfeale - 9km
Once you leave Templeglantine and head towards Abbeyfeale along the Greenway path, the tranquil sanctuary of Tullig Wood is the ideal place to take a breath and enjoy the scenery.
Not only is Tullig Wood one of the most soul-feeding attractions in Limerick, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining the natural heritage of the county.
Mostly made up of native trees, like Oak and Elm, and beautiful wildflowers that are so vital to the local environment, it provides a wildlife habitat for birds, badgers, bees and butterflies.
Further down the path, you pass Devon Road Station before reaching Abbeyfeale, moving deeper into the rugged landscape of the Sliabh Luachra region.
Abbeyfeale to the Kerry border - 3km
For centuries, bustling Abbeyfeale has had a rich culture of traditional music, dance and song, which is proudly displayed in the town’s annual Fleadh by the Feale festival.
Check out what Abbeyfeale has to offer by following the local heritage trail, founded by the King of Limerick on the original Cistercian Abbey site in 1188. Explore the ruins of the 13th Century Purt Castle, visit the historical monument of Father William Casey, or admire the vernacular architecture on display in the main street, before entering the award-winning town park.
As one of the largest towns in the county, surrounded by captivating green hills and the meandering River Feale, it makes for a wonderful end to the Greenway path, bringing you closer to the Limerick-Kerry border, where further adventures await.