Information
The North Kerry – Limerick Greenway is a unique 54km stretch of countryside in West Limerick/North Kerry. It was the route taken by the Limerick – Tralee/Fenit railway line, which opened in stages between 1867 and 1887. Most of the route closed between 1975 and 1978 but remains the property of CIÉ ( the National Transport Company).
Trailheads
There are over twenty access points to the Greenway from various public roads; these facilitate locals and those who wish to do loop walks/cycles. Apart from the entrance at Rathkeale Trailhead all others are to the north of the N21.
The Principal Trailheads Are as Follows:
Abbeyfeale: In the town centre turn right from the N21 onto the R524 (Athea road) where the old Station is on the right after 1km (adjacent to the ‘Railway Bar’).
Devon Road: At Devon Road Cross turn north off the N21/R515 junction and travel along the L7059 where Tullig Wood is clearly visible to the right.
Templeglantine: Parking at Halla Inse Bán on the local road L21006 (directly opposite the Church); the trail is 1km north along this local road.
Barnagh: This is the summit of the Greenway and parking is at the N21 westbound lay-by with three options for exploration: a] main trail west towards Abbeyfeale;
b] main trail east towards Newcastle West/Rathkeale;
c] Barnagh railway tunnel 1km directly from the lay-by.
Newcastle West: There are two entrances one at Bishop Court (off Bishop Street, town centre) and the other near Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair/ Recycling Centre on the R521.
Ardagh: The entrance is at the railway bridge on the local road L7001 which links the N21 with the R523. Parking is at the Community Centre 200m from the railway bridge.
Rathkeale: The old station is now the Palatine Museum and is accessed from the R518 roundabout just south of the N21 and near the Catholic Church (large spire)