Limerick Greenway

Rathkeale Abbeyfeale

Distance

38.4km

Elevation

157m

Time

Cycling: 2h 34m

Walking: 7h 41m

Difficulty

Leisure

Surface Finish

Smooth macadam surface

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Overview

The Limerick Greenway runs for 40km along the former Limerick–Tralee railway line, from Rathkeale through Newcastle West to Abbeyfeale, with an onward link into Kerry. Opened in 2021 after major investment, it offers a smooth, fully surfaced trail through the heart of West Limerick’s countryside. The route connects lively towns with tranquil farmland, woodlands and cuttings that once echoed with the sounds of steam trains. With trailheads at Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, it is easy to plan day trips or shorter loops, and bike hire is widely available.

Engineering landmarks include the Barnagh Tunnel, where the atmosphere of a Victorian railway cutting remains intact, and several restored viaducts offering sweeping views. The Greenway is family-friendly, free to use and open year-round, with multiple cafés, playgrounds and amenities en route. It has quickly become a major tourism draw and a valued local amenity, reconnecting communities through active travel and heritage. Whether you are cycling with children, walking a short section, or riding the entire 40km, the Limerick Greenway delivers a blend of scenery, culture and history that reflects the character of this welcoming region.

Rathkeale – Ardagh

9.7 km

Starting at Rathkeale, this section follows a level route through farmland to Ardagh, where the famous Ardagh Chalice was discovered in 1868. The village provides rest stops and interpretation points.

Ardagh – Newcastle West

Newcastle West – Barnagh – Templeglantine

Templeglantine – Abbeyfeale

Need to Know

Seasonal events are run along Limerick Greenway including Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and Christmas. Limerick Greenway is a public asset that can be utilised by all members of the community. From time to time, charity or voluntary organisation walks, runs and cycles will also be organised on the Greenway – Limerick City and Council have a formal process in relation to applications to run events on the Greenway. More information on this process can be found here

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Amenities

Parking
EV Charging
Café
picnic-area
bike-repair
Toilets
Playground
Bike Parking
Water Fountain

Route connects with…

Listowel – Abbeyfeale Greenway

N Kerry - Listowel Limerick Border

Leisure

Distance: 11.8km

Cycling: 47m

Walking: 2h 22m

The Listowel–Abbeyfeale Greenway forms part of the Great Southern Trail, a repurposed railway corridor that once linked Limerick to Tralee. This 16km section connects the literary heritage town of Listowel in north Kerry with the bustling market town of Abbeyfeale, straddling the Kerry–Limerick border. Fully surfaced and traffic-free, it offers an easy gradient and safe...

The Limerick Greenway passes through a landscape of hedgerows, woodlands and grasslands that provide habitats for a wide variety of species. Hedgerows dominated by hawthorn, blackthorn and ivy are important for pollinators, supporting bees and butterflies, and also act as nesting sites for birds such as robin, wren and chaffinch. In spring, wildflowers like primrose, bluebell and stitchwort brighten woodland margins, while summer brings orchids and meadowsweet to the verges.

The Barnagh Tunnel is a notable biodiversity site: its damp, shaded environment supports mosses, ferns and liverworts, while its dark spaces provide roosting habitat for bats including the brown long-eared bat, soprano pipistrelle and Leisler’s bat. Birds such as kestrel, sparrowhawk and buzzard hunt over the open farmland around Newcastle West and Templeglantine. Amphibians, including common frog and smooth newt, are found in wet ditches and ponds along the corridor. Management of the Greenway has included biodiversity-friendly planting and interpretation boards to raise awareness. Users are encouraged to stick to the surfaced trail, keep dogs on leads, and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats to ensure that wildlife continues to thrive along this important ecological corridor.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

Read Code of Conduct

Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

There are no train services at present near the route. The closest train station is Colbert Station in Limerick City.

Can I access the route by bus?

Yes, the route is accessible by bus. Bus Éireann operates Route 321 from Limerick Bus Station (located at Colbert Station) to Newcastle West. The Limerick to Tralee/Killarney Expressway Routes 13/14 also serve the area, stopping at Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Templeglantine, and Abbeyfeale.

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

Yes, there are electric vehicle charging points are available at Rathkeale.

News and Updates

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Maynooth–Leixlip Royal Canal Greenway Section Officially Opened by Minister O’Brien

Route Updates

26 Nov 2025

Maynooth–Leixlip Royal Canal Greenway Section Officially Opened by Minister O’Brien

Kildare County Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the Maynooth to Leixlip section of the Royal Canal Greenway. The official opening...

Rathkeale Trailhead Officially Opens as Mayor and Minister Unveil Major Greenway Upgrade

The Rathkeale trailhead facility was officially opened today, by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...