Attractions

The Barnagh Tunnel is one of the more evocative features of the now closed Limerick to Tralee Railway and is a significant feature within the architectural heritage of south County Limerick. Of a considerable length, the tunnel is approached through substantial rock cuttings. Typical of nineteenth-century railway engineering, the tunnel features well executed components including fine arches, interior walls and soffits. Internal recesses also display a high attention to detail with red brick voussoirs and surrounds drawing further interest. Although no longer used by trains, the track has been recently converted into a leisure trail stretching some 53 miles, providing an important amenity to not only the local community but also in developing tourism within the area. The disused track also provides rich habitat for plants and animals with nine species of bat recorded living in the Barnagh Tunnel.

Ferguson’s Viaduct, which traverses Madden’s Farm at Garryduff, four miles West of Newcastle, Co. Limerick carried its first train in 1880. The last steam train (above) travelled from Limerick to Tralee on Saturday 3rd June 1972, three years before final closure. The viaduct was restored by Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in 2009 and is now part of the Great Southern Trail. This project was supported by IÉ, Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland, Limerick Co. Co., An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta and the GST.

Tullig Wood gradually emerges ahead, which is mainly Beech, Oak and Ash with Hazel and Elm. There is also Sweet Chestnut growing amongst the Beech. The ground flora is best seen in spring, with many Bluebells, Violets and Primroses. A steep bank slopes down on the left where Badgers may be found and at night Barn Owls hunt. Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap give a blast of song during the summer, when Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Ringlet butterflies are plentiful. Look out for the metallic blue/green Beautiful Jewelwing perching on the leaves of Beech. This is a scarce damselfly in Limerick that breeds in fast flowing upland stony rivers

The chalice is a large, two-handled silver cup, decorated with gold, gilt bronze, brass, lead pewter and enamel, which has been assembled from 354 separate pieces. The main body of the chalice is formed from two hemispheres of sheet silver joined with a rivet hidden by a gilt-bronze band. The names of the apostles are incised in a frieze around the bowl, below a girdle bearing inset gold wirework panels of animals, birds, and geometric interlace.

The chalice was found in a hoard   by two boys, Jim Quinn and Paddy Flanagan in 1868; digging in a potato field on the south-western side of a rath (ring fort) called Reerasta, beside the village of Ardagh, County Limerick, Ireland. The chalice held the other items, covered merely by a slab of stone; the pieces must have been interred in a hurry, probably temporarily, as though the owner probably intended to return for them at a later time.

The castle remains at Newcastle West survive as separate entities. This is Desmond Hall that was created from a 13c chapel, and used for banquets and entertainment. It comprises a lower vaulted chamber and an upper hall. It underwent further rebuilding in the 15c. The castle was confiscated after the Desmond Rebellions, and granted in 1591 to Sir William Courtenay. In 1598 it was captured by the “sugan” Earl of Desmond, but was recaptured by the English in 1599. The castle was surrendered in 1643 after a four month siege by the Confederate Catholics, and burnt.