ACCESSING THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL

The development of a rail-trail along the entirety of the 53 miles (85 km) is a major undertaking for a voluntary group. The entire route is the property of Coras Iompair Eireann (C.I.E) (Ireland's public transport company) but at present certain sections are quite overgrown which can make access difficult. While visitors are welcome to explore any location we recommend the following walks as being most suitable for a leisurely stroll. Click on MAPS to assist your planning.

1. LISTOWEL: Map 3 - Access is West of the Ballybunion Road (R553) opposite the Lartigue Railway. About one mile of the rail-trail is used as part of the John B. Keane walk but you may venture further along the rail track for approximately another mile or so. Alternatively, follow the J. B. Keane route into the bog land and enjoy the bracing Atlantic breeze.

2. ABBEYFEALE: Maps 5,6 - Follow the Athea road [R524] northwards from The Square, Abbeyfeale for 1 Km. Access is at the "Railway Bar" and a pleasant walk awaits you. After a short distance the meandering Allaughaun River appears on your right. After 1.5 miles [2.5km] you will see a finely crafted 19th century bridge overhead the trail. This is called the "Doctors Bridge" and you may exit here if you wish. Just before the bridge, on your left, is a nice 'stepped' water feature. Continuing along the railway for a further 2 miles we pass the old wayside station at Devon Road. This served a nearby Creamery which has also ceased to exist. A short distance beyond the station the removal of a bridge means that we must briefly [100 metres] walk on the public road before regaining our direct route to Templeglantine [which is described below]. The Abbeyfeale-Devon Road trail has been grant aided by Limerick County Council and West Limerick Resources.

3. TEMPLEGLANTINE: Map 6 -Access is along a minor road directly opposite the Church (N21); walk for about 5 minutes and then you will encounter the railway. Turn left to enjoy a stroll through Tullig Wood with its mature native trees before emerging near Devon Road Station. 5 mile (8 km) round trip - 1.5 to 2 hrs. Development of this section has been grant aided by Shannon Development under its Tourism Innovation Programme.

4. BARNAGH TUNNEL: Map 7 -Access is at the "P" sign on the map (at the N21 Lay By) 4 miles (7km) West of Newcastle West. This short 1.25 mile (2km) round trip walk - 1/2 to 3/4 hr. provides panoramic views of the Golden Vale and contains a wide selection of flora and fauna. It also contains features of railway heritage including a cut stone bridge, embankment, cutting and tunnel. Improvement works at Barnagh have been grant aided by the Heritage Council.

5. NEWCASTLE WEST: Map 7 - Access is adjacent to the Recycling Centre on Station Road (R521). It is an easy walk and the round trip of five miles (8 km) takes 1 hrs 2 hrs. Along the way there is a river bridge (Daar) and a pleasant tree lined section for 1km at Farran. Ardagh Station Bridge (1867) is the exit / entry point for visiting the village which gave us the famous Ardagh Chalice. Development of this route was grant aided by West Limerick Resources Ltd. under the E.U. Leader programme. The entrances at Newcastle West and Ardagh were provided with the assistance of Limerick County Council and the FAS Community Employment Scheme.

6. RATHKEALE: Map 8 A short 1km (0.6 miles) mile walk along the old railway parallels the southern side of the N 21 at Rathkeale. Exit the N21 at the junction for the R518 and access is to the side of the Palatine Museum (former Station House). The route includes the Railway bridge spanning the River Deel. We would appreciate your comments on the G.S.T. - preferably by e-mail southerntrail@eircom.net 

The Great Southern Trail group recently published a walking trail guide, feel free to download  THE BROCHURE'S

Southern Trail Templeglantine Section Upgrade

Southern Trail Tullig Wood Section

Recent Upgrade in Southern Trail Templeglantine

Southern Trail Templeglantine Section

Scenic View from Southern Trail Templeglantine

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Some places of interest which are not far from the Old Railway Trail stations include.......

TRALEE - Blennerville Windmill, Dingle Steam Railway and Geraldine Experience.

ARDFERT - 12th Century Cathedral, Banna Strand and Ballyheigue Bay .

LISTOWEL - Lartique Mono – Rail , St. John's Heritage Centre and Ballybunion Beach.

ABBEYFEALE - River Feale Fishing , Ceol & Cultur Sliabh Luachra and Crag Cave (12 miles)

NEWCASTLE WEST - Desmond Banqueting Hall , Dromcollogher Co-Op, Museum (10 miles) and Spacious Demense. 

ARDAGH - Cahermoyle, Rathronan , Location of Ardagh Chalice and Shanid Castle.

RATHKEALE - Castlematrix , Irish Palatine Heritage Centre , Dohyle Lough and Knockfierna Folklore Centre (9 miles).

BALLINGRANE - Embury and Heck Church , Curraghchase Forest Park and Access to Limerick by Minor Roads.