- How long is the Greenway?
- Where can I park?
- Where can I access the Greenway?
- Where does the Limerick Greenway start?
- How long does it take to complete the Greenway? (Cycling and Walking)
- Is the Greenway accessible for people with disabilities?
- Can I bring my dog on the Greenway?
- Where can I hire bikes?
- Which is the best section for kids?
- Can I have a picnic on the Greenway?
- Are there toilet facilities near the Greenway?
- I haven’t cycled a bike in years, can I still do the Greenway?
- Where is the best place to eat near the Greenway?
- Where is a nice place to stay close to the Greenway?
- Can I plan events on the Greenway?
- Is there a public transport service along the Greenway?
- Is there a designated cycling route from Limerick City to Limerick Greenway?
1. How long is the Greenway?
The Limerick Greenway from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale is 40km in length in total (just under 25 miles). It can be broken into stages. Download our brochure here.
2. Where can I park?
This depends on where you decide to begin your Greenway journey! There are parking facilities at the following:
- Rathkeale - There is a Greenway car park located beside the Irish Palatine Centre, just off R518 at the roundabout into town.
- Ardagh - Parking is available at the Ardagh Station House, turn off R523 to local road, to east of village.
- Newcastle West – Parking is available in the Newcastle West Business Park, off the R521 onto Station Road.
- Templeglantine – Parking is available at the rear of Halla Inse Bán, on the L21006 (turn off N21 at Halla, junction opposite the Church).
- Abbeyfeale – Parking available at the Greenway car park off the R524 road, to north of the town.
- Summer opening hours are 7am to 10pm.
- Winter opening hours are 7.30am to 6.00pm.
- The car parks are opened and locked to correspond with the Summer and Winter opening hours.
3. Where can I access the Greenway?
You can start the full route at Rathkeale or Abbeyfeale on the Limerick-Kerry border, or at any of the below entry points:
- Rathkeale: The Rathkeale Trailhead is beside the Irish Palatine Museum. It is accessed from the R518 roundabout, just south of the N21.
- Ardagh: The entrance is at the Ardagh Station House carpark.
- Newcastle West: The entrance on Station Road near Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair/Recycling Centre on the R521 or the Greenway Carpark in the Newcastle West Business Park.
- Templeglantine: Park the car at Halla Inse Bán which is on the local L21006 road directly opposite the church. The greenway is accessed 1km north along this local road.
- Abbeyfeale: In the town centre turn right from the N21 onto the R524 Athea Road. After one kilometre you will arrive at the Old Railway Station adjacent to the Station Bar.
4. Where does the Limerick Greenway start?
The official start point is either Rathkeale, which is closer to Limerick City or Abbeyfeale, which is closer to the Kerry border. It’s really your choice which direction you want to go! But remember that you can also start at any of any of the points that take your fancy. Download our brochure here.
5. How long does it take to complete the Greenway? (Cycling and Walking)
Not everyone will wish to cycle the full length of the Greenway all at once, it’s 40km in total which could take casual riders up to two hours. You can pick and choose between sections if you prefer. The sections range from just 3km long to over 9km long, so lots of lovely spots for pit stops along the way. Download our brochure here.
6. Is the Greenway accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the surface of the Limerick Greenway was designed with mobility in mind and is safe and suitable for users of all abilities and ages to visit and enjoy.
There is full disability level access at Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, from each trailhead car park to the Greenway. The Greenway is fully accessible at these locations, and is capable of being independently accessed and used by people with a disability.
The Barnagh Viewing Point is not fully accessible due to the different ground levels of the car park and the start of the Greenway, and the associated gradients. The Council is working towards improving this trailhead at present.
7. Can I bring my dog on the Greenway?
Yes you can of course, but out of respect for other Greenway users, please remember to keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them as you go! Watch our code of conduct video for more helpful tips.
8. Where can I hire bikes?
Businesses offering bike hire are all listed here on our website.
9. Which is the best section for kids?
The whole Greenway is a closed route safe from traffic and is kid friendly, when accompanied by an adult. However, some sections of the Greenway might appeal more to your kids – the Barnagh Tunnel which runs 115 metres underground is always a highlight!
10. Can I have a picnic on the Greenway?
Yes of course you can, in fact we encourage it! Please do remember to take your rubbish away with you afterwards.
11. Are there toilet facilities near the Greenway?
Limerick City and County Council has provided portaloo toilets in the 3 Greenway car parks at Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. In each car park there are 2 standard portaloos and 1 disabled portaloo.
In addition to these, there are public toilets located at the Market Square, Newcastle West and at The Square, Rathkeale (just to the east of the Community Centre). The public toilets in Rathkeale are open from 8.30am - 4.30pm.
12. I haven’t cycled a bike in years, can I still do the Greenway?
Yes! The gradient of the Greenway is mostly flat and very easy to cycle, and is manageable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy. But if you’re not feeling confident, you could try a section at a time or go for a stroll instead to suss it out first.
13. Where is the best place to eat near the Greenway?
There are some lovely places to eat in the towns and villages off the Greenway; Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale and Barnagh.
For some suggested itineraries for your trip click here.
14. Where is a nice place to stay close to the Greenway?
You’ll find plenty of hotels and guesthouses (family-friendly of course!) in each of the towns connected by the Greenway. Visit our website for information on hotels offering ‘Greenway Packages’: www.limerickgreenway.ie
15. Can I plan events on the Greenway?
In order to maximise enjoyment of the Greenway for all concerned, avoid clashes with other events, and to satisfy insurance obligations, waste management and health and safety precautions, Limerick City and County Council require event organisers to obtain permission from the Council to hold an event on the Greenway. The types of events that will require permission include but are not limited to family fun days, sports days, walks and runs, sporting events, filming, photoshoots, etc. Covid-19 guidelines that are in place at the time of the event shall be factored in as part of any request and subsequent plan. Click here to download the Permission Request Form for Events on the Limerick Greenway.
16. Is there a public transport service along the Greenway?
Yes, there are three large towns on the Greenway at Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, situated along the N21 national primary road. There is a public bus transport service operating on the N21 between Limerick City and Tralee/ Killarney, with bus stops at Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale. Please look at www.expressway.ie/journey-search.
There is also a private bus service on the N21 with bus stops at Adare, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Search for timetables on www.dublincoach.ie. For locals there is a Local Link bus service with a number of regular rural services to Newcastle West in particular. Check out services at www.locallinklc.ie/limerick-routes.
17. Is there a designated cycling route from Limerick City to Limerick Greenway?
The Eurovelo route from Limerick City to the Greenway trailhead at Rathkeale via Adare village is available to view and download here.
This will provide maps and cue sheets for cycling this section.
The entire route has Eurovelo signposts.