Trail Information Information for potential and current users of the 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). While visitors are welcome to explore any location we recommend the following walks as being most suitable for a leisurely stroll. To view the overall map of the trail along with section maps of the route (Newcastle West to Barnagh, Barnagh to Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West to Ardagh
and
Ardagh to Rathkeale) you will need Acrobat Reader installed on your PC. N21 Road section
Much progress has been made
on the 22 miles [35 Km] of continuous walking/ cycling trail along the old railway from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale. Until
2011 the continuity of the trail had been broken by the N21 at Barnagh and Rathkeale. The provision, by Limerick County Council, of 1.5 miles [2.5 Km] of dedicated cycle-lanes parallel to the N21 has resolved this issue.
On the Barnagh section of the route along the N21 road, there is a short section of trail, (which does not make up part of the main trail) leading to a railway tunnel originally on the line (see photo). This may attract users off the main trail. To access this spur, users must cross the N21 road. Please note that no signs warning motorists of pedestrians/cyclists crossing the road at this point.
Other information The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail, see tables below. For information on classification and grading for recreational trails go to Irishtrails website http://demo.irishtrails.ie/National_Trails_Office/Publications | CLASS 2 - WALKING TRAIL | | GENERAL DESCRIPTION | - Essentially trails for casual use, by people of all ages.
- Serviced by a vehicle parking area where appropriate.
- Reasonably flat and wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic.
- Relatively smooth surface with minimal loose material.
- No waterbars or climb over stiles.
- Bridges and boardwalks on sections of trails.
- Resting places with seating provided in places.
| | SITE SUITABILITY | Rural landscapes/ forests | TRAIL SURFACE
| Consistent sealed surfaces, non-slip timber boardwalk or
compacted aggregate - 20mm to dust stone. | | TRAIL WIDTH | Range: 1200mm to 3000mm | | TRAIL GRADIENT | Desirable: Range Flat to 8% - 5% average.
In sections the trail continues to rise with gradients sampled at 10% (1:10) and 12.9% (1:8) for short stretches |
| CLASS 2 - OFF-ROAD CYCLING TRAIL | | GENERAL DESCRIPTION | - Small gradients but essentially level trails to ensure slow speeds and travel in any direction.
- Wide enough to accommodate two-way usage.
- Traffic-free.
- Very minor grade reversals and no other trail features can be included.
- Will be suitable for bikes with tag-a-longs, but not bikes with stabilisers or child seats.
| | SITE SUITABILITY | Urban/ Urban Fringe or Core Recreation Area | TRAIL SURFACE
| Compacted material. Minimal loose material no larger than 20mm. | | TRAIL WIDTH | Range:1500mm to 2200mm | | TRAIL GRADIENT | Desirable: 5% Range: Flat to Maximum 5% downhill, 10% uphill
In sections the trail continues to rise with gradients sampled at 10% (1:10) and 12.9% (1:8) for short stretches |
Brief Description of the Routes
ABBEYFEALE: 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.
TEMPLEGLANTINE: 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.
BARNAGH TUNNEL: 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.
NEWCASTLE WEST: 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.
RATHKEALE: A short 1km (0.6 miles) mile walk along the old railway parallels the southern side of the N21 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.
Emergency Contact Details Newcastle West Garda Station Tel: 069 20650 Ambulance Service Tel: (069)62311 Fire and Rescue Contacts in an emergency dial 999 or 112
Dogs are permitted on the trail, please read a code of conduct for all trail users and observe the Leave No Trace Principles or Country Code.
Use of Gates along the Trail
Full width (farm gates) are used across the trail at some road junctions and at points where landowners have land on both sides of the trail and have a need to move animals or machinery from one side to the other. In general, beside each large gate there is a small swing gate with a spring mechanism keeping it closed or a kissing gate to allow trail users to pass through.
While walkers will not be hampered significantly by the need to pass through kissing gates or swing gates, the presence of these gates is a problem for cyclists. In the case of many of the kissing gates, the space to get a bicycle through is limited. In some cases depending on the length of the bike it is not possible to get through the gate and in most cases it requires a lot of manoeuvring by the cyclist to get through. 
Route obstructed for cyclists – gates across the trail at many points block or hinder progress of cyclists. It is important to make it clear that anyone cycling the trail should be prepared to open gates and in some cases lift their bicycle across a gate.
We would appreciate your comments on the Southern Trail - preferably by e-mail southerntrail@eircom.net Return to top of page | 
