If you would like to get close to nature, why not visit a forest park, a visitor farm, or a self-guided nature trail through wild countryside, all just a short distance from Askeaton.
The nearby Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail is certainly worth a visit! Along the south bank of the Shannon Estuary you can explore Ireland’s first designated sanctuary for butterflies, a meadlowland and a rare heath habitat. Only a short distance from Askeaton, it is equally fascinating in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Curraghchase Forest Park is 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, park land and lakes which together provide a rich habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants. There are a number of trails in the park to enjoy.
The Glenisca Trail leaves the Curragh Trail loop and brings you through mature broadleaf and conifer forest, passing an old cave and impressive limestone cliff walls and rounds Glenisca Lough.
The Arboretum Trail offers an opportunity to stroll through the old arboretum of Curraghchase and see the extensive collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world.
Stonehall Wildlife Park guarantees a great day out for all ages. With a wide variety of animals in a beautiful setting, a nature trail and a pets corner and play area for the children to enjoy.
The Limerick Greenway, a former railway line which stretches for 39km from Rathkeale to beyond Abbeyfeale, can be accessed at a number of points along the way and is free-of-charge to use. Visitors to Askeaton can access the Greenway in the neighbouring town of Rathkeale (10.5km).
A haven for enthusiasts there are a number of gardens that will stimulate interest and offer inspiration. Boyce Gardens in nearby Foynes is a one acre show garden open to the public from May to September. Ballynacourty Gardens in Askeaton, close to the River Shannon, extends to approximately 1.6ha. Knockpatrick Gardens is an award-winning 3-acre garden that enjoys a wonderful location overlooking the scenic Shannon Estuary in West Limerick.
For a full list of nature and wildlife attractions click here.
