The Limerick Greenway: 39 km Through West Limerick
39 km from Rathkeale to the Kerry border in five sections, with Newcastle West roughly halfway. Parking and hire are straightforward at both ends.
Introduction
The Limerick Greenway follows the old North Kerry railway line for 39 kilometres, from Rathkeale in the east to the River Feale crossing into County Kerry. The gradients are whatever a steam locomotive would tolerate, which is to say almost nothing. Surface is tarmacadam with gravel in places, and it is traffic-free the whole way. West Limerick is farming country: river valleys, market towns, bogland, a few castle ruins that nobody queues for. The trail divides into five sections, and there is no obligation to ride all of them.
Why the Limerick Greenway Stands Out
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 39 km (≈ 24 miles) of off-road, mostly tarmac surface |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate, flat to gently undulating, suitable for all fitness levels |
| Surface | Tarmacadam with occasional gravel sections; well-marked with greenway symbols |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly sections, ample car-parks at trailheads, toilets at towns |
| Season | Open year-round; best weather May-September, but rain-proof gear is essential |
The Greenway’s blend of heritage (Norman castles, famine graveyards, old railway stations) and natural beauty (river valleys, bogland vistas, mature oak avenues) suits either a single day or two shorter ones, if you overnight in one of the trail towns.
The Five Sections of the Trail
1. Rathkeale → Ardagh (9 km)
- Trailhead: Off the N21 at the R518 round-about, beside the Irish Palatine Museum.
- Highlights: Six stone bridges, the 15th-century Lisnacille Castle ruins, the historic Ardagh Chalice site and St. Moula’s Well.
- Time: ~45 min by bike, 2.5 h walking.
- Facilities: Café and restrooms in Rathkeale; limited services in Ardagh.
2. Ardagh → Newcastle West (4 km)
- Trailhead: Railway bridge on the L7001 road; parking at the community centre.
- Highlights: Gentle 1 % dip, River Daar crossing, restored Newcastle West Station House, mature oak-lined avenue.
- Time: 15 min cycling, 1 h walking.
- Facilities: Shops, cafés and the impressive Desmond Castle in Newcastle West.
3. Newcastle West → Barnagh (10 km)
- Trailheads: Bishop Court (town centre) or Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair recycling centre.
- Highlights: Rooskagh Hills climb, panoramic views over the Limerick Plains and Golden Vale, Ferguson’s Viaduct, tarmac-wide cycleway.
- Time: 45 min cycling, 2.5 h walking.
- Facilities: Picnic spots, cafés, and a lay-by at Barnagh with a short spur to the historic Barnagh Tunnel.
4. Barnagh → Templeglantine (4 km)
- Trailhead: Lay-by on the N21 at Glendarragh.
- Highlights: Cuttings, stone bridges, telegraph-pole markers, views of a modern wind-farm, easy terrain.
- Time: 15 min cycling, 1 h walking.
- Facilities: Small car-park at Templeglantine; local shop for snacks.
5. Templeglantine → Abbeyfeale & Kerry Border (12 km total)
- Trailhead: Parking behind Halla Inse Bán community hall (L21006).
- Highlights: Tullig Wood tranquil walk, restored Devon Road station, River Allaghaun corridor, Abbeyfeale town centre, ruins of Purt Castle, and the River Feale crossing into County Kerry.
- Time: 1 h cycling, 2 h walking to Abbeyfeale; an extra 30 min to the Kerry border.
- Facilities: Devon Inn Hotel café, Abbeyfeale’s shops, public toilets, and a range of B&Bs.
Getting There & Parking
| Access Point | Parking Details |
|---|---|
| Rathkeale | Off-road car-park beside the Palatine Museum (free, 20-car capacity). |
| Ardagh | Community Centre lay-by, 200 m from the railway bridge (free). |
| Newcastle West | Two options, Bishop Court car-park (town centre) and Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair lay-by (both free). |
| Barnagh | N21 westbound lay-by with three exits: main trail, tunnel spur, and Templeglantine. |
| Templeglantine | Halla Inse Bán car-park (free, limited spaces). |
| Abbeyfeale | Street parking on the R524; pay-and-display zones near the town centre. |
All parking areas provide basic facilities (toilets, water, and signage). Arriving early in the summer months secures a spot, especially at the popular Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale trailheads.
Bike-Hire & Guided Tours
If you’re staying in Limerick or any of the trail towns, a range of local hire operators will deliver a bike (including e-bikes and child trailers) to your accommodation and pick it up at the end of the day:
- Pedal Pursuits: mobile service covering all access points; helmets and child-seat options available.
- LiKe Bikes: a variety of road, hybrid and mountain bikes; also offers guided “heritage rides”.
- Locomotion Bike Rental: specialist e-bike fleet with extended battery range for the hillier sections.
Booking ahead (especially for e-bikes) is recommended during the peak season (June-August). Prices typically range from €15-€25 per day for a standard hybrid, with e-bike rates around €30-€40.
Attractions Along the Route
| Location | What to See | Approx. Distance from Trailhead |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Palatine Heritage Centre (Rathkeale) | Exhibits on 18th-century German settlers, historic railway artefacts. | 0 km |
| Lisnacille Castle Ruins | 15th-century tower house with panoramic views. | 2 km (Rathkeale-Ardagh) |
| Ferguson’s Viaduct | Impressive stone viaduct spanning the Rooskagh Hills. | 7 km (Newcastle West-Barnagh) |
| Desmond Castle & Banqueting Hall (Newcastle West) | 12th-century fortress with restored medieval hall. | 4 km (Newcastle West) |
| Tullig Wood | Secluded woodland walk, ideal for a picnic. | 2 km (Templeglantine-Abbeyfeale) |
| Abbeyfeale Town Park | 29-acre riverside park with playgrounds and a mini-pitch. | 0 km (Abbeyfeale) |
| Purt Castle Ruins | 13th-century tower house overlooking the River Feale. | 1 km north of Abbeyfeale |
| Knockpatrick Gardens (Foynes), a short detour off the N21 for horticulture lovers. | 12 km from Barnagh (via side road). |
All of these are a short walk or a brief detour off the main trail. None of them require a car.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Dress for the Irish Weather: Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and high-visibility vest are essential. Even summer days can bring sudden showers.
- Helmet & Safety: A properly fitted helmet is mandatory for bike-hire rentals and strongly recommended for private bikes.
- Bike Type: Hybrid or touring bikes work well on the mostly smooth surface; an e-bike eases the gentle climbs around Barnagh.
- Navigation: The trail is way-marked with the greenway symbol and directional arrows. A simple paper map (available at visitor centres) or a GPS app such as Komoot or Ride with GPS adds confidence.
- Refreshments: Stock up on water and snacks before you leave Rathkeale; larger towns (Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale) have cafés, but services are sparse in between.
- Respect the Environment: Stay on the path, take litter home, keep dogs on leads, and avoid trespassing on adjacent farmland.
- Emergency Contact: In case of injury or breakdown, dial the local Garda station (Newcastle West Gardaí: +353 69 20650).
Sample Itineraries
A. One-Day Full-Greenway Loop (≈ 6 h)
- Start: Rathkeale 08:00 (bike hire pick-up)
- Ride: Follow the five sections, stopping for lunch in Newcastle West (12:30).
- Finish: Abbeyfeale 16:30, return bike to the local hire point.
- Highlights: All major bridges, Ferguson’s Viaduct, Desmond Castle, Tullig Wood.
B. Two-Day Leisure Ride (≈ 3 h each day)
- Day 1: Rathkeale → Newcastle West (≈ 23 km). Overnight in Newcastle West (Longcourt House Hotel or a B&B).
- Day 2: Newcastle West → Abbeyfeale (≈ 16 km). Explore Abbeyfeale Town Park and Purt Castle before heading home.
C. Family Friendly Short Loop (3-4 km)
- Base: Rathkeale town loop (≈ 3.2 km), includes the Palatine Museum, local playground, and a gentle riverside walk. Short enough for young children and for anyone trying an e-bike for the first time.
Where to Stay
- Rathkeale: Rathkeale House Hotel (family-run, garden rooms).
- Newcastle West: Longcourt House Hotel (4-star), plus several cosy B&Bs such as The Coach House.
- Abbeyfeale: Devon Inn Hotel and Leen’s Hotel for a traditional Irish welcome.
All three towns offer a range of accommodation from boutique hotels to self-catering cottages, many within a short walk of the greenway trailheads.
Conclusion
The Greenway will not test anyone, and that is rather the point. It is flat, surfaced, signed the whole way and never far from a town with a café, which makes it one of the few routes in the country you can ride with children and with nervous adults on the same day. The stretch between Ardagh and Newcastle West, all four kilometres of it, is over almost before it starts. The Barnagh section is the one people remember, for the viaduct and the views over the Golden Vale.
Two things worth saying plainly. Services thin out badly between Rathkeale and Newcastle West, so carry water. And bring the raincoat regardless of what the forecast says.