Limerick: Greenway, Heritage and Landscape
Accommodation in Limerick
The Limerick Greenway follows a 40-kilometre car-free route through the West Limerick countryside. You can walk or cycle along it; the route connects the countryside with Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale. Several access points let you join the route at different locations. Check current access options before your visit.
Greenway, driving route and cycling trails
The Greenway features notable structures: Barnagh Tunnel is 115 metres long, and Ferguson’s Viaduct is a cast-iron viaduct. The Irish Palatine Centre exhibition is housed in Rathkeale Station House, at the starting point of the Greenway. Along this route, you’ll encounter both natural and railway history, while the connection between the five places mentioned sets the geographical context.
The Shannon Estuary Way offers another way to experience the changing landscapes of West Limerick: it is a driving route. In the south of County Limerick, the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails comprise 98 kilometres of trails. These options differ in how you travel and in their scale: the Greenway is designated for walking and cycling, the Shannon Estuary Way as a driving route, and the Ballyhoura Trails as mountain biking trails. This can help you choose the kind of exploration that suits your trip.
Museums and historic heritage
The Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum explores Foynes’ role in establishing commercial transatlantic passenger flights. A 3D hologram presentation recreates the evening when Irish coffee was first served in Foynes in 1943. You can also try the drink at its original location. The history of aviation and that of Irish coffee come together here in the same museum.
The Hunt Museum collection ranges from Neolithic treasures to 20th-century masterpieces, including works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats. In Newcastle West, Desmond Banqueting Hall is one of the most impressive surviving medieval halls in western Limerick. Askeaton Franciscan Friary dates back to 1389 and is one of Ireland’s best-preserved complete ruins. It is visible from the N69 Shannon Estuary Way.
In Adare, access to Desmond Castle is available only as part of a guided tour departing from the Adare Heritage Centre. As tour arrangements may change, it is advisable to check current options before your visit.
Landscape and archaeology
Curraghchase Forest Park covers more than 300 hectares of rolling parkland, mixed woodland and lakes. Those interested in archaeology will find a different focus at Lough Gur, a site of international importance for its rich archaeology and environment. At Lough Gur Lakeshore Park, you can explore the exhibition independently or as part of a guided tour. Customised guided tours of the archaeological monuments are also available. Check current tour arrangements in advance.
Produce and encounters at the market
Limerick Milk Market offers fresh local produce, artisan foods and crafts. The market also features live music and family-friendly activities, and you can meet the producers behind the products. The selection of stalls and the programme may change. If you’re hoping to find specific produce, music or activities, check the latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bruff, Knightstreet, Newcastle West, Kilfinane, Rathkeale, Templeglantine, Ardpatrick, Clarina, Galbally, Pallasgreen, Askeaton, Reens, Ballyneety, Croom, Knocklong, Castleconnell, Limerick, Adare, Abbeyfeale, Cill MocheailĂłg, Ballyorgan, Caherconlish, Croagh, Tuogh, An Ghleann.
For the broader travel overview: Munster.
