Ready to embark on an adventure? Follow the scenic rural roads through townlands, soak up spectacular scenery, experience world-class golf and outdoor pursuits, visit medieval marvels, embrace local culture and cuisine, and enjoy a warm West Limerick welcome! There are miles of memories just waiting to be made!
1. Soak up village life in Adare
Thatch the way, a-ha a-ha, I like it! If you, like us, like old world villages with quaint thatched cottages, medieval buildings and a rich heritage, a visit to Adare is a must!
Jostling for space alongside a row of picture-perfect thatched cottages you will find antique shops, boutiques, a Heritage Centre, cosy pubs, restaurants and retailers, while the historic buildings and ruins that surround ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village’ offer a glimpse into Adare’s impressive history.
Explore the village on a scenic stroll along the riverbank walk or around Adare Village Park, a peaceful haven on Main Street. Delve a little deeper on a tour of the Norman built Desmond Castle on the banks of the River Maigue, the 14th century Augustinian Friary and the Franciscan Friary, the ruins of which are located within the grounds of Adare Manor Golf Club.
2. Walk up an appetite in Ballingarry
Steal away to The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, West Limerick’s multi-award winning culinary hideaway where a faultless fáilte awaits! Relax in the sumptuous surrounds of the Blue Book Country House. Embark on an exhilarating hike up nearby Knockfierna (the ‘Hill of Truth’), and soak up the spectacular sights across County Limerick from the summit, before returning to the elegant heritage hideaway with an appetite that is fitting of a fine dining experience by head chef Angel Pirev!
3. Learn about local history at the Irish Palatine Centre
Explore the history of the Palatines, an exodus of families of German origin who fled their homeland due to the ravages of civil war and famine, and settled in County Limerick in the early 1700s. The Irish Palatine Heritage Centre, housed in Rathkeale’s old railway station, tells their story through a unique and interesting display of artefacts, photographs and other memorabilia.
The riverside town of Rathkeale has long since retained a strong tradition of good food and hospitality with plenty of characterful pubs and cosy cafés to whet the appetite! Situated on the mile long main street, O’Dea’s Bar and Bistro is well known for its delicious daily carvery while the home-baked sweet treats at Bloomers Café & Restaurant will satisfy even the sweetest tooth!
The family-run Rathkeale House Hotel, nestled within a quiet old orchard, oozes the charm and character of an old-world hotel, and makes the perfect base for exploring the Limerick Greenway.
4. Embrace the Unexpected along Limerick Greenway
Get off the beaten track and explore Limerick Greenway , which offers an authentic experience of rural Ireland for cyclists, runners and walkers alike. Carving a 40km path through the lush green countryside, Limerick Greenway follows the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, connecting the three county towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. With many features of the railway still intact, visitors will pass through a dramatic tunnel and beautifully restored station houses from the Victorian era, see ancient castles and abbeys, bask in the solitude of a native forest, and meet the people that gives Limerick its uniqueness and charm.
Start the full route at Rathkeale or Abbeyfeale near the Limerick-Kerry border, or join at one of the many entry points located at key stops along the way at Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Templeglantine. No bike? No problem! There are a range of bike hire and shuttle bus options for those wishing to experience Limerick Greenway on two wheels.
5. Say you saw a tree-mendous Irish treasure!
We’re well accustomed to hosting silverware here in Limerick (thanks to our county hurling heroes), but, did you know, that one of Ireland’s most precious treasures, the Ardagh Chalice, was unearthed in a potato field in Ardagh, Co. Limerick over 150 years ago? Today, the 8th Century silver chalice takes pride of place in the National Museum of Ireland but you can see for yourself, the lovingly replicated chalice, carved from an ash tree by local sculptor Will Fogarty, on the grounds of the former Ardagh Railway Station along the Limerick Greenway.
6. Revel in the medieval majesty of Desmond Castle, Newcastle West
The imposing Desmond Castle and Banqueting Hall in the heart of bustling Newcastle West is the town’s most notable historical landmark and a must-see for any visitor. Once used by the Earls of Desmond for lavish banquets, the vaulted medieval hall is one of the most impressive surviving halls in Ireland. Its restored features include an oak musicians' gallery and a limestone hooded fireplace. Open daily from 15 March – 05 November 2024 from 10am – 6pm and admission is completely free of charge!
A mere stone’s throw away, Castle Demesne features almost 100 acres of magnificent parkland featuring tranquil areas of flora and fauna and is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
7. Expand your horizons at Barnagh Viewing Point
Set your phone’s camera to panorama mode and capture the sweeping county Limerick landscape below! At 164 metres above sea level, Barnagh Viewing Point marks the steepest point of the former Limerick to Tralee railway line and offers unrivalled views across the fertile pastures of the Golden Vale. On a clear day, try to catch a glimpse of nearby Knockfierna, Thomond Park Stadium - the home of Munster Rugby in Limerick City, Woodcock Hill in County Clare and the Mullaghareirk Mountains on the border of neighbouring counties Cork and Kerry!
8. Chew, chew at Platform 22!
No visit to west Limerick would be complete without a pit stop at Barnagh Greenway Hub, a former station house and essential stop for steam locomotives to replenish their coal and water before continuing their journey. Today, it’s a hub of activity for all, complete with bike hire, crazy golf, The Painted Pot, children’s playground, café and even kennels for canine visitors!
The family-run Platform 22 Café offers barista style coffee, home-baked treats and signature sandwiches – the perfect stop to leave you feeling refreshed for your onward journey.
9. Bird’s the word at Wild Encounters
A small zoo with a big heart in the West Limerick countryside! Just a short drive from Newcastle West, (cue ‘we’re going to the zoo’ on repeat from the back seat!), Wild Encounters mini zoo is home to a range of exotic and domestic animals - Britney the pig, donkey duo Peggy and Millie, Ozzy the Bearded Dragon and Tango the Macaw, the resident feathered diva, to name but a few!
During the daily Keeper Chats visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive animal experiences. See the meerkat family as they munch on lunch, meet cute and cuddly farm friends, or get up close and personal with snakes and lizards (with possibly a creepy crawly or two thrown in as well!).
Little ones can exert their energy on the swings, climbing wall and twisty slide in Fitz's Farm play area before re-fuelling at Wild Hart Café, which has lots of tasty options to choose from!
10. Follow the Abbeyfeale Heritage Trail
The final stop-off is Abbeyfeale, the westernmost town in County Limerick and, at 900 years old, one of the oldest. While Abbeyfeale is probably best known for its rich culture of traditional music, dance, and song, proudly displayed in the annual Fleadh by the Feale festival, visitors can explore the town’s rich history on the local heritage trail, waymarked by a series of plaques, highlighting the fascinating main points of interest.
The award-winning town park, a 30-acre oasis on the banks of the River Feale, is filled with flora and fauna and meandering pathways, and offers idyllic views of the surrounding countryside.
If you've got a sweet tooth, you definitely don't want to miss a visit to An Siopa Milseán, a traditional style sweet shop filled to the brim of scrumptious treats – a pick ‘n’ mix paradise for all!
