Explore the Limerick Greenway in two days

The Limerick Greenway begins in the lively town of Rathkeale, just a 30-minute bus ride from Limerick city. Start at the former railway building, which has plenty of car parking. A range of bike hire options are available in the area. Rathkeale has a number of shops, bars and restaurants, so you can dine and stock up on essentials before heading off.

Next stop: Ardagh. Along this first section of the route, you’ll pass five old stone bridges, all of which were cut from local stone. Enjoy the journey, your Limerick Greenway adventure is up and running!

If you have more time in Rathkeale, visit St Mary’s Priory, a ruined Augustinian Abbey founded way back in 1210. Further afield, the cute thatched cottages in Adare village are a sight to behold.

Welcome to the historic village of Ardagh, where the famous Ardagh Chalice was found by two local boys in 1868. The silver chalice is one of the most important artefacts of the early Irish Church. The treasured item is now on display in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, but you can visit the site close to where it was found at The Old Station House. Why not have a picnic for lunch at this peaceful spot before the next leg of your journey?

If you want to take things a little slower, detour to Foynes, a port town on the Shannon Estuary that’s home to beautiful riverside walks and views, as well as the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. It’s also the birthplace of Irish coffee, so you have to try one whilst here!

The greenway continues through lush, verdant countryside before the final stop of the day: Newcastle West. As the largest town in County Limerick, it’s the ideal place to rest up for the evening, with a plethora of bars, eateries and accommodation options. For dinner, try The Silver Room, an award-winning restaurant that champions local ingredients and producers. Dan Cronin’s is a good choice for hearty pub grub and a pint.

There are several B&Bs and hotels where you can overnight. But, if you’re travelling as a family or in a group, make it a stay to remember at Springfield Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress set on a 200-acre wooded estate. Go all out and book the ENTIRE castle, or opt for the more (ahem) modest surroundings of “just” the East Tower.

A new day in Newcastle West. Before heading off on the next section of greenway, make sure to visit Desmond Hall and Castle. The unique medieval banqueting hall offers a glimpse into the revelry that would have taken place here, hundreds of years ago!

Then it’s time to hit the trail. You may be forgiven for thinking you’ve gone back in time on the way to Templeglantine, as you’ll pass over the cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct and through the 115-metre long Barnagh Tunnel, both Victorian-era landmarks. This part of the greenway also brings you to the peak of the route, and the Barnagh Viewing Point is the perfect spot to take in panoramic views of counties Limerick, Clare and Cork.

Stop to rest and refuel in the small village of Templeglantine. This small community has a rich tradition of Irish music, so you might catch a music session in full flow in the local bar. Top tip: the village is known simply as Glantine by residents, in case you want to impress the locals with your knowledge of the area!

The pathway out of the village and towards Abbeyfeale is one of the most scenic parts of the entire greenway as it takes you through Tullig Wood. This natural woodland is home to an array of mighty trees, including oak and sycamore, as well plenty of animals such as badgers, bees and butterflies. See how many different types of flora and fauna you can spot here.

If you want to spend more time in this area, veer off to Glenquin Castle, one of the finest 16th-century tower houses in Ireland.

From Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale, in many ways this scenic trip has been poetry in motion. Abbeyfeale is the last stop of the Limerick Greenway and a fine place to finish. The thriving market town is brimming with stores, cafés, pubs and more. Leens Hotel is a great one-stop-shop for dinner, drinks and a place to stay. Local Irish cuisine and the best pint for miles around are what this establishment is all about.

If you plan on spending a while here, don’t miss the rugged ruins of Purt Castle on the outskirts of town. To change up your mode of transport for a bit, go to Fitzgerald's Farmhouse, a family-run equestrian centre that offers horse and pony trail rides. Look out for heritage trail plaques around town too, which identify important historical sites such as the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey and the Inn where legendary Irish statesman, Daniel O’Connell often stayed.

While this trip is spread out over 48 hours, it could be done as a single day trip if you’re pressed for time. Conversely, those looking to extend their travels in the pretty southwest can continue the Limerick Greenway out of Abbeyfeale, over green hills and past the River Feale, to the County Kerry border and beyond. The Kingdom of Kerry Greenways await!