Southern Trail News...

THE FOLLOWING REPORT APPEARED IN THE 'LIMERICK LEADER' NEWSPAPER ON JUNE 9th 2007

O Cuiv pledges extra funding towards upkeep of railway trail. A CABINET Minister has promised that resources will be made available for the maintenance of the eight-mile stretch of the newly-completed walk and cycleway between Abbeyfeale and Barnagh. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Amon Cuiv, was speaking as he officially opened the facility at Abbeyfeale last Thursday.

The Minister looked forward to the completion of the walk all the way from Tralee along the bed of the former railway to where it meets the present Limerick to Foynes line at Ballingrane, Rathkeale, a distance of 53 miles. As well as the Abbeyfeale to Barnagh section, the group, Great Southern Trail, have developed the section through Barnagh tunnel and the from Newcastle West to Ardagh.

Praising the voluntary membership who had persisted with the idea since the 1980s, Minister Cuiv said that rural reconstruction and tourism were becoming increasingly appreciated.

Thursday s ceremony, at which a commemorative plaque was unveiled, was conducted almost entirely in Irish.

Trail chairman Liam O Mahony outlined the history of the project, which had come about after attempts to get the railway itself reopened had failed. The group had support from Shannon Development, initially, but they had, he said, fallen back on a bunch of amateurs.

But persistence had paid off, he said, and official support had been made available from a number of sources after CIE had accepted the project s worth.

With the completion of this stretch, it is time to advance to a new plane, said Mr O Mahony. We need a dedicated maintenance crew, possibly through West Limerick Resources, and we need a trail manager. A further 37 miles, 12 of them in Limerick, remain to be done. It would be the manager s job to draw the local authorities in further.

Barnagh and Rathkeale, he said, were two locations where access to the trail was impeded by road construction.

Mr O Mahony said that his group had been pioneers in the scene of conservation of abandoned railways, and other areas had studied the work which they had done, and benefited from experience already gained.

Referring to the access problem, Minister Cuiv said that there was always a way around roads.

Former railways were very suitable for walkways and cycleways because they were flat, said the Minister, who added that it was fortunate that the railway, although abandoned and taken up, had not been sold, as had been the case elsewhere.

He accepted Mr O Mahony s case for constant maintenance.

If not maintained, there is little point in putting in the capital in the first place, he said.

Minister Cuiv also foresaw a dual role for a trail manager. Firstly such a person would be a trouble-shooter to liaise with landowners beside the trail and seeing to litter problems and that fences were not knocked.

I see the Rural Social Scheme providing the labour, the Community Services Programme providing management, and then there would be money needed for materials, he said.
The previous cap of 50 per cent on grants had been raised to 75 per cent.

The ceremony, which was attended by about 150 people, was chaired by Great Southern Trail secretary Mike Mac Domhnaill. The trail was blessed by Fr Leo McDonnell, CC, Abbeyfeale. Shay Riordan, manager of West Limerick Resources, also spoke.

As well as the portions of track bed developed by Great Southern Trail, a short length, including the bridge over the Deel, has been restored within the town by Rathkeale community council and the Irish Palatine Association. It is called the Matrix Way.

MARTIN BYRNES
09 June 2007

RTE Nationwide Special: Walking

On the 28 May 2007, Marian Malone reports on the Southrn Trail, which runs through west Limerick and North Kerry. To view the programme click on http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0528/nationwide_av.html?2253002,null,228# You will need Real Player software installed on your computer, this software is available at http://uk.real.com/player/  just click on Download Free RealPlayer and follow the instructions.

Slí Luimneach-Ciarraí Great Southern Trail Ltd.

Cuireann Slí Luimneach-Ciarraí/Great Southern Trail Ltd. fíorchaoin fáilte romhat bheith i láthair i Mainistir na Féile ag 2.00 p.m. ar an 31ú Bealtaine 2007.

Beidh an tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. i láthair chun an tSlí a oscailt go hoifigiúil idir Mhainistir na Féile agus Bearna, Co. Luimnigh.

The Great Southern Trail Ltd. invites you to attend at the Railway Station, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick on Thursday 31st May 2007 at 2.00 p.m.

An tUasal Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will officially open the Abbeyfeale to Barnagh "rail-trail".

RSVP: 9, Bishop Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick or text (087) 2155511

(Abbeyfeale Station is 1km from the town centre on the R524 Road to Athea)

FORTHCOMING EVENTS ON GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL

1. MONDAY 28 MAY 7 p.m.: RTE1 TV. 'NATIONWIDE' REPORT ON NEWCASTLE WEST - TEMPLEGLANTINE SECTION OF Great Southern Trail (filmed on 1/4/2007).

2. THURSDAY 31 MAY 2 p.m.: OFFICIAL OPENING OF GST's LATEST SECTION BY MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY, RURAL and GAELTACHT AFFAIRS , ÉAMON Ó CUÍV T.D. AT OLD ABBEYFEALE RAILWAY STATION, CO. LIMERICK (1 km from town centre on R524 road to Athea).

3. SATURDAY 2 JUNE AT 3 p.m.: 'INTERNATIONAL TRAILS DAY' WALK AT BARNAGH, CO. LIMERICK (lay-by N21, 4 miles west of Newcastlewest INCLUDING VISIT TO HISTORIC TUNNEL.

4. THURSDAY 21 JUNE AT 7 p.m.: 'MID-SUMMERS EVENING' GUIDED WALK AT BARNAGH, CONDUCTED BY GEOFF HUNT OF BIRDWATCH.

5. SUNDAY 26 AUGUST AT 3 p.m.: 'HERITAGE WEEK' SEPARATE GUIDED WALKS FROM BARNAGH AND ABBEYFEALE AT 3 p.m. UTILISING 9 MILES OF 'RAIL-TRAIL' WITH REFRESHMENTS AT TEMPLEGLANTINE AFTERWARDS.

MINISTER ÉAMON Ó CUÍV TO OPEN GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL

The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. will officially open the Abbeyfeale to Barnagh, Co. Limerick section of the Great Southern Trail on Thursday 31st May at 2 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the old Railway Station in Abbeyfeale from which an 8 mile [13Km] stretch of a public cycle / walkway has just been completed. This development brings to 12 miles the amount of the old Limerick - Tralee railway that has been rehabilitated as a public amenity by the Great Southern Trail Ltd. which is a voluntary group dedicated to opening up the entire 53 mile route of the old railway as a 'rail-trail'. Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne ar an lá.

INTERNATIONAL WALKING TRAILS DAY (SATURDAY 2nd JUNE 2007)

The Great Southern Trail (GST), Ireland www.southerntrail.net will join with the worldwide fraternity of rail-trails in celebrating World Trails Day on Saturday June 2nd 2007 at 3 p.m. All are welcome to join us at Barnagh Lay-By (on the N21, 4 miles west of Newcastle West, Co. Limerick). We will visit the historic railway tunnel before setting out on a stretch of the newly completed 8 mile rail-trail towards Abbeyfeale but one need only walk as far as they wish! Bí linn (Be with us). The complete programme of events is on www.internationaltrailsday.com

RAILWAY MEMORIES (WEST LIMERICK IN THE 1970'S)

On Friday 23rd March 2007 at 8pm, in Newcastle West Library, Gortboy, an illustrated talk will be given on the final years of the railway era in West Limerick/North Kerry. The event is open to all but an especial welcome awaits the "Railway Families". The speaker, Mr. Liam O Mahony, will share his recollections and accompany them with a Slide Show. If anybody has some additional slides to bring along beidh fáilte rompu iad a thaispeáint.

The night is the 5th Annual one which has been organised by the Great Southern Trail [GST]. This year it coincides with the opening up of the entire 8 miles of the old railway from Barnagh to Abbeyfeale as a public walkway. This is the longest stretch to be developed to date.

CHRISTMAS WALK / SIÚLÓID NA NOLLAG

On Wednesday 27th December at 1.30 p.m. a Festive Walk will commence from the Square, Abbeyfeale and will utilise the old railway to Devon Road, Tullig Wood, Templeglantine and Barnagh. The 6 miles to Templeglantine is easy and suitable for everybody but the final 2 miles to Barnagh will require waterproof boots as the several weeks of wet weather have delayed improvement works on this stretch.

The journey should be completed in daylight and return transport will be available from Barnagh 5 p.m. and Templeglantine 5.15 p.m. with arrival back in Abbeyfeale at 5.30 p.m. Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne. The walk route is detailed in the new GST brochure downloadable from the website www.southerntrail.net.

THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL HAS JUST PUBLISHED A NEW GUIDE TO RAILWAY WALKS IN NORTH KERRY/WEST LIMERICK.

THE ASSISTANCE OF FORAS NA GAEILGE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. IN ADDITION TO IRISH AND ENGLISH THE TEXT ALSO INCLUDES FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN AND SPANISH . PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHMENT WHICH DETAILS THE BROCHURE'S CONTENTS. COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING 00353 (0) 69 62597

PRESS RELEASE: EMBARGO UNTIL WED.25th OCTOBER 2006

Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne go Barnagh Tunnel on Bank Holiday Monday October 30th; parking at N21 layby 4 miles west of Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. To celebrate the success of the Great Southern Trail in the Limerick County Council. Environment Awards a walk to inspect the two mile Barnagh - Templeglantine section of the old railway will set out from Barnagh layby at 2 p.m.

As work on this route is still ongoing wellingtons will be advised; the walk is not yet suitable for children. The children will be catered for in a special Hallow'een Creepy Story Session with the renowned storyteller Eddie Lenihan. This will commence at Barnagh at 4 p.m. [by which time the walkers should have returned unless they have been 'spirited away'!]. Everyone will make their way into the 126 year old Railway Tunnel for the scéalta; waterproof footwear and a flashlight [or hollowed turnip+candle] are necessary. Further details from 087 2155511 or<www.southerntrail.net>

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL WALK

Failte roimh gach einne to a WALK from Abbeyfeale Railway Station, Co. Limerick this Sunday 1st October at 3 p.m. It will be for 6 miles along the old railway to Templeglantine where free refreshments and return transport will be provided.

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL HERITAGE SUNDAY WALKS

On Sunday 3rd September at 3 p.m. four separate walks will take place along the GST to celebrate Heritage Week. They are as follows:

1. Meet outside Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale [on Athea road] for a 10 mile stretch via Templeglantine [along the railway] and then on minor roads over the hills to Glenquin Castle. Car pooling will be arranged for the return journey.

2. Meet at the N21 Barnagh layby [4 miles west of Newcastle West] at the new Information Signs for a visit to the 126 year old Railway Tunnel followed by a 7 mile road walk to Glenquin Castle. Car pooling for the return trip.

3. Meet at Ardagh Railway Bridge for a 5 mile round trip along the track to Newcastle West with a visit to the Desmond Banquetting Hall.

4. Meet at Newcastle West Station House, Bishop Court for a 5 mile round trip to Ardagh with a visit to Reerasta Fort [site of the Ardagh Chalice find]

MEETING OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL

A MEETING OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL WILL BE HELD AT NEWCASTLE WEST GAA ROOMS, THE DEMESNE, ON THURSDAY 10 AUGUST AT 8.30 p.m. PLANNING FOR A NUMBER OF EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER WILL BE DISCUSSED. THESE INCLUDE

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION AT NEWCASTLE WEST. 4 SEPARATE WALKS AT 3 p.m. FROM ARDAGH, ABBEYFEALE, BARNAGH, NEWCASTLE WEST. PLEASE TRY AND ATTEND.

NATURE WALK ABBEYFEALE - TEMPLEGLANTINE

ON SATURDAY 17th JUNE AT 11 a.m. A COURTESY COACH WILL DEPART FROM THE CHURCH, TEMPLEGLANTINE [N21 between NEWCASTLE WEST and ABBEYFEALE] FOR THE 6 MILE TRIP TO THE OLD STATION IN ABBEYFEALE FROM WHERE THE GROUP WILL RETURN TO TEMPLEGLANTINE ALONG THE NEWLY RESURFACED RAILWAY WALK. THIS SCENIC ROUTE RUNS CLOSE TO THE ALLAGHAUN RIVER AND PASSES THROUGH TULLIG WOOD. GEOFF HUNT OF BIRDWATCH WILL GUIDE THE WALK. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED at Halla Inse Bán TEMPLEGLANTINE AT JOURNEY'S END. THIS EVENT IS ORGANISED TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THIS PHASE OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL DEVELOPMENT.

HOLIDAY BRAKE TO ITALY

THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL IS FINALISING A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY BREAK TO THE ITALIAN TOWN OF FIUGGI IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN JULY 6th AND JULY 13th. FIUGGI IS IN THE HILLS ABOUT 50 MILES FROM ROME AND HAS A RAIL-TRAIL WHICH WE HOPE TO CYCLE. DAY TRIPS TO BOTH ROME AND POMPEII/MONTECASSINO [BUT NOT ANY ADMISSIONS TO SITES] WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE 500 EURO COST WHICH ALSO COVERS TRANSFERS FROM THE ROME AIRPORT AND 5 NIGHTS B&B [SHARING].

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED. FLIGHTS WILL BE DIRECT SHANNON-ROME-SHANNON. [MAKE YOUR OWN WAY TO SHANNON.] PLACES ARE LIMITED AND HOTEL AND FLIGHT RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE 25th MAY. A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF 150 EURO PLUS YOUR NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE SENT TO PAT CONDON, UPR. MAIDEN ST., NEWCASTLE WEST, CO. LIMERICK. FOR FURTHER INFOFORMATION CONTACT ELSA HALLINAN AT 087 2155511

TEMPLEGLANTINE TO ABBEYFEALE RESURFACING WORK  

The Great Southern Trail Churchgate collection will be held in Templeglantine this weekend 20/21 May 2006. Within the next few weeks resurfacing work will be completed on the Templeglantine to Abbeyfeale route which is already easily walkable in it's entirety. Bain taitneamh as agus bígí flaithiúil don Bailiúcháin! On Saturday June 17th at 11 a.m. a coach will leave from Halla Inse Bán for Abbeyfeale where Geoff Hunt of Birdwatch will guide a walk along the old Railway to 'Glantine. Beidh fáilte romhat.

HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN TRIP TO TRALEE

On Saturday evening, May 6th, a steam engine which has seen service in three centuries will haul a passenger train into Tralee. The locomotive is none other than "J-15" No 186 which was built in 1879. Coincidentally it also headed the very last passenger train through Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and Listowel back in the summer of 1972. To mark this very historic occasion the Great Southern Trail Group has requested the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) to make some seats available. The RPSI have kindly reserved twenty places for the GST on the Killarney to Tralee section of their tour. These will be allocated on a "first come first served" basis.

A coach will depart Newcastle West at 3.00 p.m. on Saturday 6th May and will pick up en route to Killarney. The steam train will set out from Killarney at 5.30 p.m. and arrive in Tralee at 6.45 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided before returning by coach from Tralee with arrival in Newcastle West at 9.00 p.m. The "all-in" fare is 40 euros and cheques/postal orders/cash should be forwarded (along with a contact number) to Pat Condon, Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Seats will only be reserved on receipt of payment.

WEEKEND IN FERMANAGH

The Great Southern Trail's next event is a visit to the North West which will be based in Belleek, Co.Fermanagh for the May Weekend. As the Hotel now needs final numbers any intending participant should contact 087 2155511 immediately.

RAILWAY SLIDE SHOW

An attendance in excess of 60 people braved the elements on Friday 3rd March to view the slide show in Newcastle West Library on the Limerick-Foynes-Tralee-Fenit railway. The two hours of nostalgia was presented by Mr. Barry Carse of Dublin who is an avid railway enthusiast.

The "Railway Families" were very well represented at this 4th Annual event with Whelan, O'Donovan, Moone [all Newcastle West]; Madigan [Foynes]; O'Neill [Adare]; Murphy [Barnagh]; Stack [Abbeyfeale/Listowel] and Fitzgerald [Tralee] among the list of those whose people had staffed the Stations, crewed the trains and looked after the 'Permanent Way' of the old 'North Kerry' line.

The night also marked the presentation to Limerick County Library of a collection of railway reference books donated by the family of the late Francis [Francie] Kennedy of Kilmallock who was also a great lover of railways. These books are now available at Newcastle West Library.

Thanks to Aileen Dillane, Librarian, for facilitating the evening and to staff members Pat Galvin and Liam English for attending to all the organisational details.

WALK IN THE NORTH FOR THE MAY WEEKEND

The Fourth Annual Great Southern Trail visit to the North of Ireland on the May Weekend will centre on Belleek, Co. Fermanagh in 2006 with the walks programme including sections of the old Great Northern Railway and the County Donegal Railway as well as Lakeshore and Forest routes. Visits will be made to Derry City and Enniskillen (on Lough Erne) and Belleek Pottery will undoubtedly be another attraction. The journey North will be by luxury coach via Co. Galway with the return trip being through the Midlands.

Accommodation will be at the Carlton Hotel, Belleek and the €250 cost includes coach travel, two nights B&B (sharing), one evening meal and two packed lunches. Departure will be from The Market Yard, Newcastle West at 8 a.m. on Saturday 29th April and the coach will be due back at 8 p.m. Monday 1st May. Immediate contact with Elsa Hallinan phone 061 392619 or mobile 087 2155511 or email hallinan1@eircom.net is advised. A non-refundable deposit of €100 will secure a place (which are limited).

RELIVE THE AGE OF THE LIMERICK - FOYNES - TRALEE - FENIT RAILWAYS

ON FRIDAY 3rd MARCH AT 8 p.m. NEWCASTLE WEST PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL HOST A SLIDE SHOW OF RAILWAY SCENES FROM OVER THIRTY YEARS AGO WHICH WERE PHOTOGRAPHED BETWEEN LIMERICK AND TRALEE. The show will be presented by Mr. Barry Carse, a renowned photographer of the Irish railway scene. Barry's slides cover all stations between Limerick and Foynes as well as those between Rathkeale and Fenit (via Listowel and Tralee). The night is certain to evoke happy memories of a bygone era.

This is the fourth annual reunion of the railway personnel and their families who served with CIÉ on the old "North Kerry" railway but, of course, all interested persons are most welcome to attend. Beidh fáilte romhat. The occasion will also formally mark the donation to Limerick County Library of a collection of railway books belonging to the late Francis (Francie) Kennedy R.I.P. of Kilmallock. Francie, who died in June, 2005 after a short illness, was an avid railway enthusiast all his life. The Great Southern Trail organises this event as a "Thank You" to those who gave their working lives on what is now being developed as a public walkway. Eventually it is hoped to link the principal towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Listowel and Tralee with a pedestrian / cycle trail facility accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL

On Tuesday 27 Dec.2005 the newly constructed entrance to The Great Southern Trail [GST] at Ardagh ,Co.Limerick will be officially opened.This was constructed at the old railway bridge by a team of FAS Community Employment Scheme workers.They were Richard O Donoghue,Timmy O Sullivan and John Power. Their work was co-ordinated by Paddy Riedy [FAS Supervisor] and Tom Mc.Coy [GST Works and Environment Officer].

Proceedings will commence with a Walk from the old Railway Station ,Bishop Court, Newcastle West at 1.30 p.m. Ceremonies at Ardagh will be at 2.30 p.m. with the walkers due back in Newcastle at 4.30 p.m. The round trip is less than 6 miles [10 km.] and is an ideal post Christmas exercise. Mar sin tar amach agus bain taitneamh as an la!

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL AGM

THE AGM OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 9th 2005 AT 8 p.m. IN THE GAA ROOMS, THE DEMESNE, NEWCASTLE WEST, CO. LIMERICK. DUE TO THE WELCOME EXPANSION OF THE WALKING ROUTE ALONG THE OLD LIMERICK-TRALEE RAILWAY IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT INVOLVEMENT FROM THE COMMUNITIES OF ABBEYFEALE, TEMPLEGLANTINE, BARNAGH, NEWCASTLE WEST, ARDAGH AND RATHKEALE SHOULD INCREASE.

FURTHER, TO ENABLE THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN CO. LIMERICK BE CONTINUED INTO CO. KERRY WE ALSO APPEAL FOR NEW MEMBERS FROM DUAGH, KILMORNA, LISTOWEL, LIXNAW, ABBEYDORNEY, ARDFERT AND TRALEE. OF COURSE BEIDH FAILTE CHOMH MAITH ROIMH SUPPORTERS FROM OUTSIDE THESE LOCATIONS! BREIS EOLAIS O www.southerntrail.net

CELEBRATION WALK ON BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY

Rejoice in the Achievement Award presented by Limerick County Council in recognition of the opening up of Tullig Wood,Templeglantine by the GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL and the Council's grant aid towards the development of a walkway along the old railway route between ABBEYFEALE and DEVON ROAD by participating in a GRAND WALK on Sunday 30th October at 2.30 p.m from THE SQUARE ABBEYFEALE to Templeglantine.

It is 6 miles and waterproof walking boots are recommended. Refreshments in Halla Inse Ban and free return transport. BRO. ANTHONY KEANE O.S.B., Glenstal Abbey will guide the walk through Tullig Wood at 4.00 p.m. Connecting complimentary coach from The Square,Newcastle West at 2.00 p.m. Bigi linn agus Failte! Breis eolais o www.southerntrail.net

Great Southern Trail Abbeyfeale News

The Annual Churchgate Collection for the Great Southern Trail takes place on 1^st and 2^nd October in Abbeyfeale. The support of the public and the assistance of GST members will be much appreciated. This year we are happy to report that a clearance of several years growth of vegetation has been undertaken between Abbeyfeale and Devon Road. As a result we are able to properly survey the potential of this route. We hope to walk the 6 miles from Abbeyfeale to Templeglantine on Sunday October 30^th [D.V.]. Beidh failte romhat

Great Southern Trail Barnagh Glenagowan Sugarhill Loop Walk

On Sunday 2^nd October at 3 p.m. all are invited to assemble at the N21 lay-by at Barnagh, which is 4 miles west of Newcastle for an enjoyable circular walk through some very scenic minor roads (including forestry roads). The route is about 7 miles and involves some hilly sections. It will take about three hours including time to visit the railway bridge at Garryduff and Barnagh tunnel. If the weather is bad then the walk will be deferred to the next available fine Sunday because the views are too good not to be enjoyed! Breis eolais o Mike Mac Domhnaill 069-62597

WALKING FEST IN WEST LIMERICK

GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL CELEBRATES HERITAGE SUNDAY ON 4^th SEPTEMBER 2005. The Great Southern Trail is hosting three separate walks on Sunday September 4^th to celebrate Heritage Week. The walks are of different lengths and cater for various levels of fitness. All are welcome to participate free of charge. A facility to book meals will be provided during the walks but these are optional and must be paid for individually.

The "A" Walk assembly point is The Square, Newcastle West at 9.30 a.m. where free transport will be provided to the Old Railway Station entrance at Abbeyfeale. From there a fourteen mile trek back to Newcastle will commence. This walk will be partly on the railway route and partly on public roads. Waterproof footwear and visibility vests are advised. It is hoped to visit Barnagh Railway Tunnel along the way.

The "B" Walk assembly point is at Glenquin Castle, near Killeedy (on the R515 Dromcollogher - Abbeyfeale Road) at 12 o'clock noon. Free transport will be provided to the old railway bridge at Garryduff. Following a short talk on our railway heritage and a viewing of the adjacent railway viaduct the 10 mile walk will commence. This walk is entirely on roads and forest tracks. The first two miles is uphill and reasonable fitness is necessary. Please bring a visibility vest for safety. The route goes along the Bog Road and over Barnagh Hill with stunning views. It continues over Barnagh Tunnel to Glenmageen (another climb here) before descending by Rathcahill to Strand. The final mile to Glenquin Castle is again uphill with the ultimate challenge being the ascent of the Castle's spiral staircase although this is not compulsory!

The "C" Walk assembly point is at the restored Station House in Bishop Court, Newcastle West at 2.30 p.m. The six mile return trip to Ardagh is almost wholly along the old railway where blackberries should be in abundance. From Ardagh Station a short road journey leads to the site where the Ardagh Chalice was found at Reerasta Fort.

It is hope that participants in all three walks will gather outside the Desmond Banqueting Hall in The Square, Newcastle West at 5.00 pm before adjourning to discuss their adventures over a meal and/or a drink.

Ta suil againn go mbeidh slua mor i lathair agus go mbeidh an aimsir deas an an la. Beidh failte romhat. Breis eolais o Mike MacDomhnaill (069) 62597

Meeting of the Great Southern Trail

On Thursday 18th August 2005 at Newcastle West GAA Rooms, The Demesne at 9.00p.m. To discuss: The Rural Social Scheme, Newcastle West Church Gate Collection on Sunday 4th September and the official opening of the new entrance at Ardagh. The Heritage Sunday Walks which will take place on Sunday 4th September as follows:-

"A" Walk: ABBEYFEALE - TULLIG WOOD - BARNAGH - NEWCASTLE WEST (14 miles)

"B" Walk: GARRYDUFF RAILWAY BRIDGE - GLENAGOWAN - BOG ROAD - BARNAGH TUNNEL - STRAND - GLENQUIN CASTLE (9 miles)

"C" Walk: NEWCASTLE WEST STATION HOUSE - ARDAGH - REERASTA FORT (chalice) – NCW (6 miles)

All trail supporters are requested to attend this meeting agus beidh failte roimh daoine nua

Northumberland Railway Walks Society Irish Visit

THE LINKS BELOW DISPLAY INFO AND PHOTOS ON A RECENT VISIT TO THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL, CO. LIMERICK, IRELAND [+ OTHER WALKS IN CO. KERRY] BY THE NORTHUMBERLAND RAILWAY WALKS SOCIETY FROM ENGLAND. The Great Southern Trail page is http://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/m.h.ellison/nrws/ireland/ireland120505.htm and the page for the whole week is http://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/m.h.ellison/nrws/ireland/ireland.htm

Official Opening of Rail-Trail

On Sunday August 15^th 2004 the official opening of the 4 km (2.5miles) walkway along the old railway between Newcastle West and Ardagh, Co. Limerick took place at 5 p.m. Mr. Tom Finn, Strategic Planning Manager, Iarnrod Eireann performed the opening of the rail-trail that afternoon. ADDRESS by Liam O'Mahony, Chairman, Great Southern Trail on the occasion of the official Opening of the Walkway railway route.

Work is also in progress along a 1km. stretch at Barnagh Tunnel (between Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale). This is being assisted by the Heritage Council. A further section, of 2 miles (3 km), is been developed around Tullig Wood, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick. To date about 100,000 euro has been spent by the GST in promoting and rehabilitating this old railway route. Further information on G.S.T. from www.southerntrail.net or Elsa Hallinan at 061 392619 hallinan1@eircom.net

RTE RADIO PROGRAMME ON THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL

The reminiscences of Denis Foley, Templeglantine, who was the final C.I.E. employee on the old North Kerry Railway, can be heard this Friday, July 30, at 11a.m. on RTE Radio 1. Denis recollects his 47 years of service in an interview with Ella McSweeney on the programme "Shank's Mare". Also included are contributions from Geoff Hunt of Bird watch Ireland as well as from Mike MacDomhnaill and Liam O Mahony of the Great Southern Trail, which is the organisation, promoting the conversion of this former railway into a public walkway.

The broadcast celebrates recent progress along a number of sections of the route. The longest stretch of 2.5 miles between Newcastle West and Ardagh, Co. Limerick will be officially opened in Newcastle West on Sunday August 15th. by Mr. Tom Finn Strategic Planning Manager, Iarnrod Eireann. The ceremony takes place at 5p.m. at the entrance adjacent to the Recycling Centre (on the R521). To listen to the programme which was broadcast on 30 July 04, click on www.rte.ie/radio1/shanksmare/rams/30july.ram 

WORK IN PROGRESS

Great Southern Trail group have a Licence from CIE (Irish Transport Company) to operate 2 ½ miles from Newcastle West to Ardagh. Hedge and grass cutting began and the route was cleared for the Heritage Week walk, subsequent work in the Autumn/Winter saw the erection of some security barriers as well as the resurfacing of a particularly wet stretch. 6 International Volunteers commenced the process by re-decking the bridge over the River Daar, 1 km out from Newcastle West.

A large 8’ x 4’ sign was also erected at the Trail entrance near Newcastle West.  In total over 5,000.00 euro of GST funds were used in these basic improvements.  The availability of this walking route has enabled us to host 25 organised walks over the past twelve months.

International Volunteers in July, 2003 took on the task of rebuilding a previously demolished bridge at Tullig Wood, 5 miles to the east of Abbeyfeale, using a combination of old railway timbers and some new material.  Together with some experienced local aid they had the new structure ready for an official opening on Bank Holiday Monday, August 4^th The result is that a further 2.5 miles walk is new readily accessible in one of the most scenic locations along the Great Southern Trail.

The 5,000.00 euro grant given by the Heritage Council which enabled a comprehensive study of the flora and fauna of the tunnel and its approaches to be undertaken.  Copies of the report are available at 5.00 euro (+ 1 euro postage) from Liam O’Mahony, 9 Bishop Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick.

The Heritage Council have continued their support in 2003 by allocating a further 7,500.00 euro to enhance access to the tunnel and to implement conservation measures designed to encourage growth in the bat population.  

Rail bridge over river Feale at  Finuge, Co. Kerry on the 28th July 2002. International volunteers redeck River Daar Bridge outside Newcastle West on the 16th July 2002 and Group of walkers at Dundrum Bay, Co. Down on the 5th May 2003.

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