Southern Trail News... AGM of Great Southern Trail this Thursday [18th February 2010]
All supporters are invited to the AGM of the Great Southern Trail this Thursday,18th February at 8pm in the GAA Rooms, The Demesne [off Church St.], Newcastle West. As the Trail expands the Committee would appreciate the active involvement of more locals in each Parish along the route between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale. Beidh fáilte romhat.
The past year of 2009 has been a busy one with the major development being the opening of the Barnagh-NCWest section which necessitated major works on the viaduct at Garryduff. This extension completed the 17 miles from Abbeyfeale to Ardagh. As the year ended the clearance of a further 5 miles from Ardagh to Rathkeale was undertaken and it is hoped to resurface this section in 2010.Thanks to the Heritage Council, Limerick Co. Co., Fáilte Ireland, Dept. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, CIÉ, Rural Social Scheme, Shannon Development, West Limerick Resources and Foras na Gaeilge for their support and funding over the years. The continued support of those who use the Trail and of all voluntary contributors-especially Mike Condon for providing a new bridge at Devon Road- is hugely appreciated. In 2009 the GST received over €4,000 at the Churchgate Collections in the Parishes along the route. These monies are essential for routine maintenance, insurance and the hosting of local events.
The GST hosted several events during the year and received many visitors. Among the highlights were: Jan.'09 - Dr.Hugh Maguire of Heritage Council visited Garryduff Viaduct ,Tullig Wood and Devon Road Station. February-GST featured on Nuacht TG4. March-New bridge erected at Devon Road; Nostalgic film show at NCWest Library by Tony Price, Liam Mooney of Irish Railway Record Society www.irrs.ie June-Demonstration of electric bikes by Marty Mannering www.goeco.ie
August-Visits by: Minister Éamon Ó Cuív to Barnagh Tunnel for Heritage Week M.Gilbert Perrin, President, European Greenways www.aevv-egwa.org, walked the 10 miles from NCWest-to Devon Road. As a result of this visit the GST has been accepted as a member of this prestigious organisation. Jean Boydell, Cormac McDonnell of Irish Sports Council [which has responsibility for the National Trails network] visit the GST.
October-The National Trails Day was celebrated with a walk/cycle from NCWest to Barnagh Tunnel. Later in the month a coach load of visitors from Kerry walked various sections of the GST as part of their public consultation process in advance of developing the Tralee-Fenit railtrail. Souvenir to Commemorate the Restoration  The Great Southern Trail has produced a souvenir to commemorate the restoration, earlier this year, of the old railway viaduct at Garryduff, near Newcastle West. The souvenir is an A4 laminated card containing two photos and a short historical text.
One photo shows the last steam train heading towards Barnagh in 1972 and the other illustrates the beautiful work carried out in 2009.It is a nice keepsake and is available to personal callers for €3 from Pat Dalton,5 Bishop St., Newcastle West. Orders by post: €10 for a set of three (post free). National Trails Day 2009 National Trails Day, 4th October ,was celebrated on the Great Southern Trail with a 6 mile walk/cycle from Newcastle West, Co. Limerick along the old railway to Barnagh. The sixty participants were of all ages and included people from Greece, Spain and Turkey. The beautiful weather enhanced the panoramic views along the route. The ascent included the crossing of the recently restored viaduct and concluded at the 130 year old magnificent tunnel which is located at the summit of the line. Sunday 4th October 2009. National Trails Day on the Great Southern Trail Location Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
Theme Celebration of latest extension to historic rail-trail
Description of event Explore the route of one of Ireland's most arduous railway ascents; enjoy panoramic views and mature hedgerows during the 6 mile [10 km] climb; cross over newly restored 19th Century viaduct and explore the tunnel at the summit. Host organisation(s) Great Southern Trail
Contact name Liam O'Mahony
Phone number 069-61121
Email address lomahony@hotmail.com
Website address www.southerntrail.net: ALSO www.nationaltrailsday.ie FOR DETAILED COUNTY BY COUNTY EVENTS
Nearest town and county Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
Meeting point Old Railway Station, Bishop Court, Newcastle West Town Centre.
How to get there
Is pre-registration required? No
Time of event Walk begins at 3 p.m. from Newcastle West [Old Station] to Barnagh
Duration 3 to 4 hours walking; 2 hours cycling
Suitable for Hard surfaced easy graded trail suitable for all ages of reasonable fitness level
Special Instructions Participants are welcome to either walk or cycle!
General Instructions This is a traffic free route except where the railway crossed public roads and children should be accompanied at these five crossing points en route.
BRING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA AND ENTER THE NATIONAL COMPETITION: 2009 Photo Competition. Enter your best photos from National Trails Day in our fantastic photo competition for your chance to win a €500 outdoor equipment/clothing voucher. One photo per email, max file size 2MB, send your picture to photo@nationaltrailsday.ie Return to top of page Irish Healthy Heart Week Walk Saturday 26th On this Saturday 26th in conjunction with the Irish Healthy Heart Week a walk will take place along the newly refurbished section of the Great Southern Trail from the layby in Barnagh, on the N21, making our way down into Newcastle West as far as Station Road and back again....... Start time 2 p.m. and should take approximately 2 to 3hrs to complete ..
Everybody welcome.. http://www.irishheart.ie/ Contact Denis Mc Auliffe on 0872030535 if further information is required.. GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL RAILWAY WALK/CYCLE Sunday 4th October 09. National Trails Day on the Great Southern Trail
Location: Newcastle West, Co. Limerick Theme: Celebration of latest extension to historic rail-trail Description of event: Explore the route of one of Ireland's most arduous railway ascents; enjoy panoramic views and mature hedgerows during the 6 mile [10 km] climb; cross over newly restored 19th Century viaduct and explore the tunnel at the summit. Host organisation(s): Great Southern Trail Contact name: Liam O'Mahony Phone number: 069-61121 Email address: lomahony@hotmail.com Website address: www.southerntrail.net:ALSO www.nationaltrailsday.ie FOR DETAILED COUNTY BY COUNTY EVENTS Nearest town and county: Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Meeting point: Old Railway Station, Bishop Court, Newcastle West Town Centre. How to get there: Is pre-registration required? No Time of event Walk begins at 3 p.m. from Newcastle West [Old Station] to Barnagh. Duration 3 to 4 hours walking; 2 hours cycling. Suitable for Hard surfaced easy graded trail suitable for all ages of reasonable fitness level. Special Instructions Participants are welcome to either walk or cycle! General Instructions - This is a traffic free route except where the railway crossed public roads and children should be accompanied at these five crossing points en route. THE GST WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL SUPPORTERS TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING, AT FIRST HAND, THE EXTENT OF THE PROGRESS BY AVAILING OF THIS EVENT. TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED TO BRING THE GST TO THIS STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT WE SAY MÍLE BUÍOCHAS. COME ALONG AND BRING A FRIEND .FÁILTE! MINISTER Ó CUÍV VISITS GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL
Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs joined the Great Southern Trail [GST] for the Heritage Sunday visit to the railway tunnel at Barnagh, Co. Limerick and the recently restored viaduct nearby. These are features of the old Limerick-Tralee branch line which is being converted into a cycle/walkway. Seventeen miles between Ardagh and Abbeyfeale are at present open for recreational use.
Liam O Mahony, Cathaoirleach, GST welcomed the Minister and thanked him for his support over the years which had greatly facilitated the development of the Trail. An tUasal Ó Cuív, replying, complimented the GST on the progress made and looked forward to its further expansion in tandem with other schemes throughout the country. He emphasised the importance and value of walking/cycling tourism to Ireland and expressed his satisfaction with the widespread public support for such initiatives along with the growing cooperation of landowners in facilitating access to the countryside. He commented favourably on the restoration by CIÉ of the 129 year old railway viaduct at Garryduff, near Newcastle West, which has just been completed. Return to top of page News Update.....AUGUST 2009 This Sunday August 30th the GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL has scheduled two events to conclude Heritage Week. At 3 p.m. a walk/cycle will commence at Newcastle West, Old Station, Bishop Court, Town Centre with participants having the choice of two routes; one to Ardagh and the other to the newly restored viaduct near Barnagh.
At 7 p.m. a separate gathering will assemble at the N21 lay-by [4 miles west of Newcastle, left hand side of road] for a visit to the 129 year old Barnagh Tunnel with its panoramic approach.Beidh fáilte romhat ar an lá.
The GST was host recently to M. Gilbert Perrin, President European Greenways Association, who walked 10 miles of the Grate Southern Trail from Newcastle West to Devon Road. En route he traversed the viaduct, explored the tunnel and praised the generosity of Mike Condon for the fine bridge he donated to the GST at Devon Road where the tastefully restored ,privately owned, Station House also complements the Trail. M. Perrin, from Belgium, was delighted with his visit and looks forward to assisting in further development of the GST www.southerntrail.net and in promoting the conversion of other disused railways into cycle/walkways. Picture shows L. to R. Mike Mac an tSaoir, Chairman GST Ltd.; Gilbert Perrin, President European Greenways Association; Liam O Mahony, Cathaoirleach, Great Southern Trail at Newcastle West. THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL www.southerntrail.net HAS ORGANISED THE FOLLOWING HERITAGE WEEK EVENTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT BARNAGH TUNNEL WILL BE VISITED ON BOTH SUNDAYS. Barnagh Railway Tunnel Sunday Evening Walk
Date & Times: 23 August : 19:00 - 20:00
30 August : 19:00 - 20:00
Admission: Free/Saor
Event Description: Historic 19th Century railway tunnel with scenic approach.
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail
Venue: Assemble: N21 Lay-by,4miles West of Newcastle
Barnagh Gap[N21] Co. Limerick
Limerick
Access Details
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: None
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details: Summit of old Limerick-Tralee railway [1880-1975]; rich in flora/fauna.
Event Category: Historic Buildings, Gardens & Parks
Walk/Cycle Old Railway Line
Date & Times: 23 August : 15:00 - 18:00
Admission: Free/Saor
Event Description: Afternoon ramble on foot or bicycle along an 8 mile stretch of former Limerick- Tralee railway.
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail
Venue: Abbeyfeale: Old Railway Station
1Km from Town Square along Athea road
Limerick
Access Details
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: Partial
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details: Gently graded scenic route;suitable for all ages especially chldren on bikes.Riverside and Woodland features.
Event Category: Local History
Afternoon Walk/Cycle On Old Railway: Newcastle West
Date & Times: 30 August : 15:00 - 18:00
Admission: Free/saor
Event Description: Relaxing traffic free 8 mile route from NCWest to Ardagh/Barnagh
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail
Venue: Old Railway Station
Bishop Court, Newcastle West
Limerick
Access Details
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: Full
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details: Ideal for all ages; cycling very suitable for children
Event Category: Landscapes Return to top of page News Update.....JUNE 2009 All are welcome on Bank Holiday Monday June 1st at 3pm to assemble at the Station House, Bishop Court, Newcastle West [Town Centre] for a stroll/cycle along the GST in either the Barnagh[10 mile round trip] or Ardagh [5 mile round trip] direction. It is hoped to have a demonstration of electric bikes courtesy of www.goeco.ie on the day. If you haven't yet viewed the recent extension and improvement works this will be a good opportunity to do so. Thanks to all who contributed €525 at the recent Templeglantine Churchgate collection. The Monagea Churchgate collection will be held on Sat/Sun June 6-7th.Please contact Morgan O Shea [069 61240/085 1740993] if available to assist or for info. about the section of the GST in the Monagea Parish. It is desirable that each community becomes actively involved in caring for their portion of this amenity corridor.
News Update 9/5/2009 The Annual Churchgate Collection in aid of the Great Southern Trail will be held in Templeglantine on Saturday and Sunday 16th and17th May. Bígí flaithiúil! Also, on Sunday May 17th at 9am Geoff Hunt of Birdwatch [087 7656439] will lead a morning walk from Templeglantine Church along the Trail to Tullig Wood and Devon Road Station. All are welcome. Anybody interested in assisting at the Collection or in helping to further enhance the Trail in the Parish would be most welcome as this amenity belongs to all of you. Please contact Máire Ní Chearmada or Denis McAuliffe [069 84305/087 2030535] if you are willing to give some of your time. News Updates 2/5/2009 Thanks to all who contributed €466 at the recent Ardagh/Carrigkerry Churchgate Collection. The first group walk of Summer 2009 departs Abbeyfeale Station at 3 p.m. Bank Holiday Monday May 4th for Devon Road Station and to cross the new bridge at this location which was most generously donated by local businessman Mike Condon; a round trip of 8 miles. On Sunday May 17th at 9 a.m. Geoff Hunt [Tel:087 7656439] will lead a nature walk from Templeglantine Church along the old railway ,via Tullig Wood, to Devon Road Station; a round trip of 4 miles. On Sat/Sun, 16th-17th May the GST Churchgate Collection will be held in Templeglantine - all support appreciated. Recent works have improved access from the town centre to the Trail in Newcastle West. A new signpost "SLÍ GST" near the Courthouse at Bishop St. indicates this entrance where walkers will pass the restored 19th Century Station House as they begin their stroll. We suggest Wednesday evenings for informal group walks from Newcastle West. A 7.30 p.m. start will give ample time to walk to Ardagh Station [a round trip of 5 miles] or to visit the brand new Barnagh route which will bring one to the foothills of West Limerick. Painting of the Viaduct at Garryduff [between Newcastle West and Barnagh] is in progress. This is the seventh bridge to be reinstated in the current developments which have opened five more miles of the old railway to the public. These works have also involved four crossings of public roads and Limerick Co. Co. along with JONS Contractors and the Iarnród Éreann Bridge Team are to be complimented on the high standards of the various elements of the undertaking. This amenity is managed by the GST for the benefit of the public so please make full use of it on foot or on bikes. It is your Trail. Please keep dogs under control ,avoid litter and respect the privacy of the adjoining landowners whose cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Great Southern Trail-Railway Film Show
There was a capacity attendance of over 100 people at Newcastle West Library last Friday night. All had gathered to view archival films which recalled the railway era in Munster and Galway of half a century ago. The two hour feast of nostalgia was presented by Liam Mooney and a colleague from the Irish Railway Record Society, Dublin, www.irrs.ie to whom grateful thanks are extended.
The audience were enthralled with scenes from West Cork,West Clare, Gort, Newmarket, Castleisland, Fenit and other locations where the railway is now but a distant memory.
Highlights of the night included the 'super intelligent' railway alsatian dog who assisted the Signalman in Ardrahan and the unforgettable last steam train making its ascent of Barnagh, Co. Limerick.
Although many of the old lines have disappeared from the landscape happily the Limerick-Tralee route is an exception. It remains in CIE ownership and through the efforts of the Great Southern Trail [GST] and its partners 17 miles of it, from Ardagh to Abbeyfeale, is now available to the public for walking/cycling.
The GST is delighted to have been able to host such an enjoyable nights entertainment and is very appreciative of the support of Librarian Aileen Dillane and her staff; in particular Pat Galvin who had everything in readiness on the night.
This annual commemorative event is organised with the 'railway families' particularly in mind. Therefore it was great to have in the audience a lady whose great grandfather had worked in Newcastle West when the Prince of Wales passed through on the Royal Train from Killarney to Dublin in 1885. SPRINGTIME ON THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL [GST]
The GST will feature on 'Nuacht TG4' at 6.45pm on Sunday 8th February with some West Limerick interviewees appearing.
Work is continuing apace on the development of the 5 miles between Newcastle West and Barnagh, Co. Limerick with both JONS Contractors and the Iarnród Éireann Bridge team doing a most professional job. Redecking of the old Viaduct at Garryduff is a major element of the project. When completed there will be a continuous 17 mile walking /cycling off-road trail, along the old railway, between Abbeyfeale and Ardagh. The GST will endeavour to extend the route to Rathkeale and Ballingrane later in 2009.
The latest extension opens the prospect of West Limerick attracting considerable numbers of cycling/walking tourists. It behoves all interested parties to capitalise on the investment made by the GST and its partners in revitalising the former Limerick-Tralee railway route. The co-operation of the adjoining landowners over the past number of years is also greatly appreciated.
The Communities of Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale are making good use of the existing Trail agus beidh fáilte roimh cuairteóirí nua now that the days are lengthening once again.
On Friday 27th March at 8.15pm Newcastle West Library will host a nostalgic evening of old railway films to commemorate Ireland's transport heritage. Return to top of page Former Limerick to Kerry railway line to be upgraded to cycling routeMAJOR DEVELOPMENT and upgrading works are to take place on a walking and cycling route along the former Limerick to Kerry railway line. Limerick County Council yesterday signed a €552,638 contract to commence works on the Great Southern Trail which will mean a significant tourism boost for the region in 2009. The dismantled rail lines from Newcastle West to Barnagh and Newcastle West to Ardagh, Co Limerick, is still owned by Iarnrod Éireann, which will oversee part of the works. The additional works to be undertaken involve approximately 11 km of railway line.Anthony Coleman, administrative officer, of the council, said: “This project is one of a number of cycling and walking trails being developed in Co Limerick and will form part of a designated national cycling network linked to cycling hub towns, such as Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West, to improve infrastructure and facilities for both tourists and locals. “The rolling green landscape of west Limerick and north Kerry, much of it untouched by development, makes them ideal locations for the outdoor enthusiast and casual walker alike. The Great Southern Trail is a unique 53-mile stretch of countryside in west Limerick and north Kerry and will benefit greatly from the planned improvement and upgrading works,” he added.GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL'S WELCOMES 600,000 EURO DEVELOPMENT 2008
The Great Southern Trail Ltd. [GST] welcomes the decision of Limerick County Councillors at their meeting on November 3rd 2008 to proceed with the development by the County Council of the rail-trail between Barnagh and Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. This extension to, and upgrading of, the twelve miles of Trail already open will provide an injection of approx. 600,000 Euro to West Limerick in these straitened times. It is also worth noting that the decision was made on the thirty-third anniversary of the complete withdrawal of rail services from the line in 1975.Fifty seven submissions were received by Limerick County Council during the six week planning period. The vast majority were supportive of the proposal with only two being treated as outright objections. The GST wishes to thank all who took the trouble to make submissions and is satisfied that any legitimate concerns will be addressed. In this regard the GST wishes to place on record its appreciation of the support and cooperation of adjoining property owners along the 12 miles which have been open for the past number of years. When the works are completed there will be a seventeen mile cycle/walkway between Abbeyfeale and Ardagh which will be attractive to locals and visitors alike. The historic and scenic route broadly parallels the N21 and a further extension from Ardagh to Rathkeale would provide easy access from the N21 at each end. With the continued support of the various State and Local agencies this objective is capable of realisation in 2009. The GST wishes to thank Minister Amon Cu V and his Department for their ongoing support along with that of West Limerick Resources, Heritage Council, Filte Ireland, Shannon Development, Foras na Gaeilge and C.I.E for their financial and technical assistance.GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL'S NATIONAL DAY SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2008
All are welcome to meet at Halla Inse B n, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick [7 Miles West of Newcastle on the N21] on Sunday 28th September, at 3 p.m. to walk or cycle on the old railway line for an hour or two. The route includes the beautiful oak wood at Tullig which will be resplendent at this time of year. Refreshments in the Halla at journey's end. This event has been organised by the Great Southern Trail www.southerntrail.net to celebrate Ireland's first National Trails Day. There are eight miles of rail-trail accessible on the day but participants may ramble at their own pace. B linn agus f ilte. Enquiries to 069 61121.Trail Walk Barnagh and GlendarraghAt the outset m le bu ochas to all who contributed 1863 at the Newcastle West Church-Gate collection on Heritage Sunday [31st Aug.].
That afternoon thirty people visited Barnagh Tunnel and then did a loop walk to Glendarragh, where the late poet, Michael Hartnett, once lived. Return to Barnagh was along the old railway. The group then travelled by cars [due to the closure of the Glenmageen road since the 'floods'] to Glenquin Castle. Here all 100+ steps were ascended and the panoramic views enjoyed. The afternoon concluded at the nearby Killeedy Castle and St.Ita's Graveyard where the Saint is buried.
The previous Sunday also witnessed another GST outing. That day the old railway from Newcastle West to Ardagh was traversed and included a visit to Ardagh Fort, where the famous Chalice was found. These events continue the custom of celebrating Heritage Week.
The next oganised event will be on Sun.28th Sept. which has been designated as Ireland's first ever 'Trails Day'.Return to top of page Barnagh Railway Tunnel-Glenquin Castle31/08/2008 - 31/08/2008Times: 3pm
Admission: Free
Event Description: Visit to 128 year old railway tunnel followed by scenic hillside walk of 5 miles to well preserved Glenquin Castle [Tower House]; return transport.
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail
Venue: Assemble: N21 Lay-by, 4 miles West of Newcastle, at Barnagh, Co. Limerick, Limerick
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: None
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Architecture, Education/Schools, Walkways-Greenways
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Liam O Mahony
Contact Address: 9 Bishop St., Newcastle West
Email: southerntrail@eircom.net
Telephone: 069 61121 A.G.M. of the Great Southern Trail 2008 The A.G.M. of the Great Southern Trail will be held at the G.A.A. Rooms, The Demesne, Newcastle West this Friday, August 8th, at 8pm agus beidh filte roimh daoine nua. As well as the election of Officers there will be reports on the progress made during the past twelve months as well as a briefing on the latest developments. The Newcastle West Church-gate collection will be held on 30/31 August and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Details of the two August Heritage Sunday walks are as follows and all are welcome:
Newcastle West-Ardagh Railway walk
24/08/2008 - 24/08/2008
Times: 3pm
Admission: Free
Event Description: 3 mile walk along old railway; visit to Ardagh Chalice site with option of 'loop return' to NCWest by road [5 miles] or via rail-trail
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail
Venue: Assemble Newcastle West Railway Station, Bishop Court, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, Limerick
Suitable for Children: Yes
Wheelchair Access: Partial
Car parking Available: Yes
Any Other Details:
Event Category: Education/Schools, Walkways-Greenways
Event Type:
Organiser Name: Liam O Mahony
Contact Address: 9 Bishop St., Newcastle West
Email: southerntrail@eircom.net
Telephone: 069 61121
Barnagh Railway Tunnel-Glenquin Castle
31/08/2008 - 31/08/2008
Times: 3pm
Admission: Free
Event Description: Visit to 128 year old railway tunnel followed by scenic hillside walk of 5 miles to well preserved Glenquin Castle [Tower House]; return transport.
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail
Venue: Assemble: N21 Lay-by, 4 miles West of Newcastle, at Barnagh, Co. Limerick, Limerick Great Southern Trail-Midsummer Eve Tunnel to Castle Walk At 7 p.m. this Friday [June 20th] all are welcome to assemble at Barnagh Lay-By [N21, 4 miles West of Newcastle, Co. Limerick] for a 6 mile Summer evening jaunt; visiting the 128 year old Railway tunnel and then traversing mostly minor roads to mediaeval Glenquin Castle which will be open for climbing. Weather permitting these attractions along with a most scenic road route will provide a pleasant opportunity to enjoy a long Summer evening steeped in heritage. For road safety please bring a VISIBILITY VEST and perhaps a small torch for the tunnel. Return transport will be provided from Glenquin to Barnagh at 10 p.m. WALK THE OLD RAILWAY ON JUNE 2nd. [HOLIDAY MONDAY] THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN A 6 MILE WALK FROM ABBEYFEALE RAILWAY STATION, CO. LIMERICK, TO TEMPLEGLANTINE AT 3 P.M. ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY JUNE 2nd. THE JOURNEY ALONG THE BANKS OF THE ALLAGHAUN RIVER, PAST THE OLD WAYSIDE STATION AT DEVON ROAD AND THROUGH THE LOVELY TULLIG WOOD WILL BE A WONDERFUL WAY TO PASS AN EARLY SUMMER AFTERNOON. REFRESHMENTS AT JOURNEYS END AND RETURN TRANSPORT PROVIDED. A DONATION OF 10 IS SUGGESTED AS THIS WALK IS IN AID OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS. FURTHER DETAILS FROM EILEEN AT 0876172436 Southern Trail 6 mile walk on the 5th May 08 THE GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN A 6 MILE WALK FROM ABBEYFEALE RAILWAY STATION, CO. LIMERICK, TO TEMPLEGLANTINE AT 3 P.M. ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY MAY 5TH. THE JOURNEY ALONG THE BANKS OF THE ALLAGHAUN RIVER, PAST THE OLD WAYSIDE STATION AT DEVON ROAD AND THROUGH THE LOVELY TULLIG WOOD WILL BE A WONDERFUL WAY TO PASS A LATE SPRING AFTERNOON. RETURN TRANSPORT PROVIDED. Southern Trail on RTE1 Television The Great Southern Trail will feature on RTE1 Television at 5.25 p.m. on Sunday 27th January 2008. The programme 'POBAL' will present an item on the old Railway Viaduct at Garryduff, Monagea [near Newcastle West, Co. Limerick]. The projected opening of this bridge to pedestrians will add a vital link to the developing cycle/walkway along the route of the old Limerick-Tralee railway line. Already 13 miles in Co. Limerick have been resurfaced with the Heritage Council assisting in the works on the approaches to the Viaduct.
The 45th anniversary of the closing of the line to daily passenger trains occurs on Saturday 2nd February next. On that frosty winters evening in 1963 the curtain fell on several small stations along the route. One of them was Ardagh. To commemorate the anniversary and to celebrate the upgrading of the 4 km rail-trail between Ardagh and Newcastle West to cycling standard a walk will set out from Newcastle West [Railway Station, Bishop Court-in the town centre] at 3.30 p.m. on February 2nd. The round trip to Ardagh and back takes about 1.5 hours. Anybody wishing to commence the walk at Ardagh should do so at 3 p.m. or 4.15 p.m. Cyclists are also welcome and should complete the round trip in about 30 minutes. Funding from the Rural Recreation Fund of An Roinn Gn tha Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta has enabled this upgrade to be done. Please come along and enjoy this wonderful amenity-beidh f ilte romhat. CHRISTMAS WALKS 2007 - SI LID NA NOLLAG
On Thursday 27th December the Annual Christmas Walk of the Great Southern Trail [GST] will provide the public with an opportunity to view the achievements of the past twelve months. At 1 p.m. Abbeyfeale walkers will meet at the Square from where they will have two options: either a good two hour stretch on foot along the old railway to Templeglantine or a complimentary coach to the Barnagh area from where they will walk a shorter route to Templeglantine. Also on the 27th at 1.30 p.m. in Newcastle West walkers will meet in their Square to board a complimentary coach which will bring them to Barnagh from where they also will walk to Templeglantine. Refreshments will be provided to all participants at journey's end in Templeglantine and return transport to both Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale will be available.
On Friday 28th December at 1.30 p.m. another walk will set out from the Square, Newcastle West to traverse the 6 mile round trip to Ardagh along the newly resurfaced track. This work has been funded by the Rural Recreation Grant Scheme of An Roinn Gn tha Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta. The works on the Abbeyfeale-Barnagh-Glenagowan section have been assisted by the Heritage Council,West Limerick Resources,Shannon Development and Limerick County Council. The Rural Social Scheme and FAS also provide ongoing assistance to the GST.
The GST wishes all benefactors and supporters a Happy Christmas. Nollaig Shona agus gach dea-ghu don Bhliain Nua. GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL
HERITAGE EVENING WALK THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7 p.m. FROM NEWCASTLE WEST, CO. LIMERICK STATION HOUSE, BISHOP COURT [town centre]. ROUND TRIP OF 6 MILES TO ARDAGH STATION ALONG OLD RAILWAY ROUTE. FILTE ROIMH GACH INNE. GREAT SOUTHERN TRAIL celebrates HERITAGE SUNDAY AUGUST 26th As the weather prospects seem brighter for this weekend an opportunity to experience walking the rail-trail in West Limerick is being provided on Heritage Sunday 26th August at 3 p.m. At that time separate walks will set out from Abbeyfeale [Old Railway Station on R524 road] for 6 miles and a shorter option, of 4 miles, is provided from Barnagh Lay-by [N21, West of Newcastle].
Both walks will end at Halla Inse Bn, Templeglantine where complimentary refreshments and return transport will be provided. Filte roimh gach inne. See www.southerntrail.net for more information on the rail-trail Abbeyfeale & Barnagh Tunnel to Templeglantine Walks HERITAGE SUNDAY 26/08/2007
Times: 3pm
Admission: FREE/SAOR IN AISCE
Event Description: Celebration of latest [8 miles in West Limerick] extension to the Great Southern Rail-trail. For further information visit www.southerntrail.net
Event Organiser/Organisation: Great Southern Trail/ Sl Luimneach-Ciarra
Venue: HERITAGE SUNDAY AUGUST 26th; Old Limerick-Tralee railway line, WALK 1 [6 miles] begins at Abbeyfeale Station [R524] 3pm with WALK 2 [4miles] starting from Barnagh Lay-by[N21], Co. Limerick also at 3pm and including a visit to the 127 year old tunnel. Free return transport. Suitable for Children: Yes Wheelchair Access: Partial Car parking Available: Yes Any Other Details: Event Category: Built Heritage/Archaeology, Great Outdoors, Wildlife Event Type: Organiser Name: Liam O Mahony Contact Address: 9 Bishop St., Newcastle West, Co.Limerick Email: southerntrail@eircom.net Telephone: 06961121/087 2155511 Fax:
Great Southern Trail - Annual General Meeting - 2007 The Annual General Meeting of the Great Southern Trail will be held at the G.A.A. Rooms, The Demesne, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick on Fri. 10th August at 8 p.m. All supporters are requested to attend if possible as it is important that each community along the route of the old Limerick-Tralee railway share in the project. Development of the Trail has been rapid in recent years with 12 miles now available for recreation. Minister Amon Cuv, when opening the Abbeyfeale to Barnagh section recently, looked forward to the Trail being completed as soon as possible. So, for anybody who has been thinking of getting involved-now is the opportune time ;agus beidh filte romhat. Return to top of page | 