Take the Limerick Greenway to authentic Ireland

Carving a 40km path through the County Limerick countryside, the newly renovated Limerick Greenway officially opened on 1 July.

The latest addition to a network of amazing greenways to be discovered all over the island of Ireland weaves through the traditional agricultural landscapes of west Limerick.

Following an old railway line that once ran to Tralee in County Kerry, the Limerick Greenway offers an authentic experience of rural Ireland to cyclists, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.

The three-metre wide resurfaced route links the towns of Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale, with several more towns and villages and fantastic heritage sites in between.

Highlights along the way include a Victorian-era railway tunnel, ancient castles and abbeys, plus the chance to bask in the solitude of a native forest and meet the people that make Limerick unique.

Perfect for short breaks, the greenway can be tackled in a single visit or explored in smaller sections. Whichever you choose, there will be a traditional Irish welcome, delicious food and loads of fun activities to enjoy.

Along the route there is a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafés, public amenities and numerous outlets for renting bikes available, with many of the hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses offering special greenway packages.

Among the places you can stay and to eat is the boutique Rathkeale House Hotel and the Mustard Seed Country House Hotel, straight out of the exclusive pages of Ireland’s Blue Book. 

You can also stay the night in Newcastle West, the second largest town in County Limerick and the perfect mid-point to break a slow greenway journey. As well as offering B&Bs, hotels, shopping, traditional pubs and restaurants for rest, relaxation and retail therapy, the town is also a renowned spot for fishing, golf and horse riding. 

The Limerick Greenway surface was designed with mobility in mind and is safe and suitable for all. Plans are already underway to ultimately extend it all the way to Tralee. 

Limerick’s new outdoor attraction joins the Royal Canal Greenway, the longest greenway in Ireland at 130 km (80.8 miles), which opened earlier this year. There are many others to be found right around the island of Ireland and there plans afoot to develop yet more. 

Offering authentic experiences of Ireland and its stunning landscapes, as well up close encounters with the Irish people, there is a greenway to suit you, your family or group just as soon as your travel plans will allow.

www.ireland.com