Saturday, 04 October 2025
The Limerick Greenway has taken another major step forward with the official opening of a new visitor hub in Rathkeale, following a €2.48 million investment. The project, which involved the restoration of a derelict 19th-century railway goods shed, marks a significant milestone in the continued development of one of Limerick’s most celebrated amenities. Historic Building […]
The Limerick Greenway has taken another major step forward with the official opening of a new visitor hub in Rathkeale, following a €2.48 million investment. The project, which involved the restoration of a derelict 19th-century railway goods shed, marks a significant milestone in the continued development of one of Limerick’s most celebrated amenities.
After 13 months of restoration work, the formerly derelict and protected railway goods shed has been transformed into a vibrant hub for visitors. The project was designed with universal accessibility in mind and preserves the historic character of the building while adapting it for modern use.
On-site services now include bike hire and repair provided by Like Bikes, and the existing Greenway Café 1709 and Irish Palatine Museum remain active in the adjoining Station House.
Greenways like the Limerick route are increasingly recognised as essential infrastructure for promoting low-carbon, active transport. By providing safe, car-free pathways for walking and cycling, greenways reduce reliance on fossil fuels and encourage healthier lifestyles. With Ireland targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, investments in active travel infrastructure such as the Limerick Greenway are part of a broader shift toward sustainable mobility, particularly in rural areas where transport options are limited.
The surrounding public space has been significantly enhanced, featuring:
Limestone paving
Seating and picnic benches
A 29-space car park (including mobility spaces)
Two electric vehicle charging points
Toilets
A bus stop
A water station
A public bicycle repair stand
These upgrades aim to make the Greenway more accessible and welcoming for both residents and visitors.
The Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale was officially opened by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer. The project was jointly funded by:
The Department of Transport/Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)
Limerick City and County Council
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)
Mayor Moran called the Greenway “a driver of tourism, jobs and sustainable growth right across the county” and said this new hub marks the beginning of a wider programme, with more destination hubs to follow.
Rathkeale is the first of several planned destination hubs along the 40km Limerick Greenway. Each future hub will reflect the character and heritage of its location through storytelling and community links.
Restoration of the Barnagh Station House began in May 2025 and is on schedule. Additional works are progressing at Ardagh Station House and Fullers Folly in Newcastle West, as part of a broader strategy to develop connected heritage and visitor infrastructure along the Greenway.
Minister Buttimer described the Greenway as “a driver of economic growth and tourism in West Limerick,” and emphasised the Government’s commitment to community infrastructure that supports rural regeneration and wellbeing.
Cllr Ger Ward, Cathaoirleach of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, said the new hub is “transformative” for Rathkeale, revitalising a key historic site and creating a new focal point for both community life and tourism.
Dr Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, noted that the project exemplifies how heritage assets can be leveraged to deliver long-term social and economic benefits. He praised the Greenway as an “outstanding outdoor recreational amenity” that continues to attract visitors locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Limerick Greenway was reopened in 2021 following a €10 million upgrade and now connects Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine, and Abbeyfeale. Major highlights along the route include the restored Barnagh Train Tunnel (115m) and Ferguson’s Viaduct, relics of the original Limerick–Tralee railway line.
It now connects seamlessly with the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways, extending the visitor journey into Listowel, and continues to gain popularity as a safe, accessible, and family-friendly route for walking and cycling.
The opening of the Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale marks a significant step in the evolution of one of Ireland’s most celebrated greenways. Through the careful restoration of a historic railway goods shed and the addition of high-quality visitor amenities, this €2.48 million investment has not only preserved a key heritage asset but also enhanced the Greenway’s role as a catalyst for rural regeneration, tourism, and community development.
As the first of several destination hubs planned along the route, Rathkeale sets a strong precedent for future developments. With continued support from national and local government, the Limerick Greenway is well-positioned to deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits to communities across the region, while offering locals and visitors alike a sustainable and enriching way to explore West Limerick.
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