Lisa Ruttle and family cycling on Limerick Greenway at Barnagh Tunnel. Pic. Sean Curtin
With Christmas right around the corner, there are plenty of free and cost-effective activities that can be used to encourage the family to step away from their new gadgets and gizmos, and get some fresh air.
To keep spirits high and the winter blues at bay this festive season, we recommend a family cycle along the historically rich, Limerick Greenway. The newly opened Kingdom Of Kerry Greenways, which extends the Greenway path by 16km from Abbeyfeale to Listowel, is the perfect excuse to explore what both neighbouring counties have to offer.
Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, the greenway path – which runs through Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale and on to Listowel – seamlessly links the West Limerick landscape with towns and villages located in some of the country’s most historic sites.
The newly resurfaced greenway path is mostly flat, safe, and accessible to all users, with the option to choose from several access points, giving you the flexibility to be as wild or mild as you like.
Limerick Greenway is a free amenity that gives you the chance to spend some relaxing quality time with friends and family this winter. So why not bring the whole clan for a spirited Christmas cycle – a memory that will be cherished by all members of your group.
The redeveloped greenway is the largest outdoor tourism project ever undertaken by Limerick City and County Council and has accumulated over 850,000 visits since its reopening in 2021. The greenway has bolstered a substantial increase in domestic tourism in the Limerick area and continues to help create a more sustainable future for the local economy.
Gordon Daly, Director of Services, Community, Tourism and Culture with Limerick City and County Council said: “We were shown the importance of outdoor amenities throughout the pandemic, and the investment into Limerick Greenway has proven the vitality of these amenities going forward”.
“We are delighted to see the expansion of the greenways’ reach into Listowel. We are seeking to further boost local adjoining communities, while also providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all greenway users.”
With affordable bike hire available from several bike hire providers along the greenway path, and a shuttle bus service available on request, you can start planning your Christmas visit to Limerick Greenway now. Bike hire bookings are open for the entirety of the Christmas period, with a full list of providers available on the Limerick Greenway website: www.limerickgreenway.ie
