Routes

This is a level section and begins at the Old Station [now the Palatine Centre; a museum dedicated to the settlers from the Palatinate in Germany who arrived in Ireland 300 years ago to escape persecution www.irishpalatines.org . After a few hundred metres the River Deel is crossed and then the trail moves to the north of the N21, crossing the road by means of a riverside underpass. The westward journey continues through lands associated with the Palatines. Five beautiful cut-stone overhead bridges are encountered on the trail to Ardagh. Just before the third one, on the right, can be seen the ancient Churchyard at Clounagh and the ruins of 15th Century Lisnacille Castle in the distance. On the approach to the fourth bridge, about a mile further on, a local road at a right angle [90 degrees] to the trail leads to Cahermoyle House which has associations with William Smith O’ Brien leader of the 1848 Young Ireland rebellion. The fifth bridge is at Ardagh Station from where the village, St. Molua’s Well and the old fort where the Ardagh Chalice was found in 1868 can be visited.

This section is level at each end with a ‘dip’ in the middle in the form of a 1% gradient. It passes through pleasant pastoral farmland with views of the surrounding hills. As Newcastle West is approached the River Daar is bridged. 500 metres further on the R521 is crossed on the level and Newcastle West station is entered. The only survivors of the railway age are the restored Station House (private) and the mature oak trees which lined the approach avenue.

The N21 roadside cycleway continues into a short section of a cul-de-sac road before the sight of old telegraph poles indicate that the railway has been regained. This was the western end of Barnagh Station; the tunnel and railway house are at the far side of the N21. The route is pleasant passing through cuttings and embankments and under two stone bridges. The village of Templeglantine becomes visible on the left and is reached along the L21006. Templeglantine is a good starting point for a side trip to Glenquin Castle (restored) [5Km] and Killeedy Castle (ruin)/ St. Ita’s Churchyard [7km].This excursion will also afford great views of a modern Wind farm.

The L21006 leads to the Greenway where a left turn is taken for Abbeyfeale. After 2Km Tullig Wood is entered and its tranquil atmosphere is in sharp contrast to the noisy N21 only a couple of fields away. Shortly after the restored station at Devon Road is passed; once serving a local Creamery. The Greenway now levels out as it comes parallel to the River Allaghaun and keeps company with it until Abbeyfeale. One stone bridge spans the Greenway and 2km later the Station at Abbeyfeale is reached. Turn left onto the R524 for the town centre.

As one of the largest towns in Limerick, Abbeyfeale has an array of shops, pubs, restaurants and inviting places to stay. Check out the vernacular architecture and plasterwork on display in the main street or explore the award-winning town park. Once the last stop before Kerry on the old railway line, the Abbeyfeale area also marks the end of the Limerick Greenway, if you began your journey in Rathkeale. The route continues beyond the town, where you will see the ruins of Port Castle and pass by the river Feale, reaching the Kerry border where further adventures await. Greenway parking facilities are available at Abbeyfeale.