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Shannon Airport, located in the heart of Ireland’s tourist region, just 15 miles from Limerick City and Ennis, and approx. 50 miles from Kerry.

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Kerry Airport, (Farranfore) is ideally situated in the heart of Kerry, with four flights daily to and from Dublin and one flight daily to and from London, Kerry Airport

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Trail Information

Information for potential and current users of the trail

The Great Southern Trail (GST) is a unique 96km (60 miles) stretch of countryside in West Limerick/North Kerry. It is the route taken by the Limerick - Tralee/Fenit railway line, which opened in stages between 1867 and 1887. Most of the route closed between 1975 and 1978 but remains the property of CIÉ ( the National Transport Company). Much of the development as a recreational amenity has been undertaken by the GST Ltd. which is a voluntary group assisted by various Local and State agencies.

Today (May 2012) the GST is suitable for off road walking and cycling along 36km of the Co. Limerick section of the route between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale. In Co.Kerry a short stretch has been developed near the Lartigue Museum in Listowel and work has commenced on the Tralee-Fenit section.

IRISH

Síneann Slí an Mhór-Dheiscirt (GST) feadh 96km(60 míle) trí Iarthar Luimnigh agus Tuaisceart Chiarraí. Leanann sí líne an iarnróid, Luimneach – Trá Lí/An Fhianait, a d’oscail i gcéimeanna idir 1867 agus 1887. Dúnadh an chuid is mó den slí idir 1975 agus 1978 ach fós is le CIÉ an líne. Tá Slí an Mhór-Dheiscirt(GST Ltd), grúpa deonach a fhaigheann cabhair ó ghníomhaireachtaí Áitiúla agus Stáit, freagrach as an gcuid is mó den bhforbairt mar áit taitneamhachta.

Faoi láthair (Bealtaine 2012) tá an GST in úsáid mar áis easbhóthair do shiúlóirí agus do rothaithe feadh 39km i gCo. Luimnigh, idir Ráth Caola agus Mainistir na Féile. I gCo. Chiarraí tá forbairt déanta ar phíosa gairid in aice le Músaem Lartigue i Lios Tuathail agus tá obair tosaithe ar an gcuid sin ó Thrá Lí go dtí An Fhianait.

FRENCH

Le Great Southern Trail (GST) traverse sur 96 km une belle région de l'ouest du comté de Limerick et du nord du comté de Kerry en République d'Irlande. Le GST n'est autre que le tracé de l'ancienne ligne ferroviaire Limerick-Tralee/Fenit, ouverte par étapes entre 1867 et 1887. Pour sa plus grande partie, elle fut fermée entre 1975 et 1978 mais elle reste toujours la propriété de la CIÉ, la société nationale des transports. L'essentiel des aménagements en chemin récréatif a été entrepris par la GST Ltd, un groupe de volontaires soutenus par diverses agences locales et nationales.

À ce jour (mai 2012), le GST est une voie verte praticable à pied et à vélo sur 36 km dans le comté de Limerick entre Rathkeale et Abbeyfeale. Dans le comté de Kerry, une courte section a été aménagée près du musée ferroviaire de Listowel et les travaux ont commencé sur la section Tralee-Fenit. [Translation: Gilbert Perrin]

GERMAN

Der Great Southern Trail ist eine 96km lange Bahnstrecke in West Limerick/Nord Kerry. Sie wird von der Limerick - Tralee/Fenit Railway Line befahren und wurde zwischen 1867 und 1887 eröffnet. Ein Großteil der Strecke wurde zwischen 1975 und 1978 stillgelegt, verblieb aber im Eigentum des nationalen Transportunternehmens CIE. Die Weiterentwicklung zu Freizeitzwecken wurde von der GST Ltd. vorangetrieben – eine Gruppe von Freiwilligen, die von lokalen und staatlichen Behörden unterstützt wird.

Heute kann der Great Southern Trail entlang des 36 km langen County Limerick-Abschnitts (zwischen Rathkeale und Abbeyfeale) zum Wandern und Radfahren genützt werden. Im Co. Kerry wurde ein kleiner Teil der Strecke in der Nähe des Lartigue Railway Museums ausgebaut und am Tralee-Fenit-Abschnitt wurde ebenfalls schon mit der Arbeit begonnen.[Translation: Thomas Falch]

SPANISH

El Great Southern Trail (GST) atraviesa con sus 96 km una bella región del oeste del condado de Limerick y del norte del condado de Kerry en la República de Irlanda. El GST aprovecha el trazado de la antigua línea ferroviaria Limerick-Tralee/Fenit, abierta a tramos entre 1867 y 1887. La mayor parte del ferrocarril, se cerró entre 1975 y 1978 pero la CIÉ, empresa pública de transportes, mantiene su propiedad. La parte fundamental de su transformación en camino recreativo ha sido realizada por el GST Ltd, un grupo de voluntarios apoyado por diversas agencias locales y nacionales.

En la actualidad (mayo 2012) el GST es una vía verde para uso de caminantes y ciclistas, de 36 Km en el condado de Limerick entre Rathkeale y Abbeyfeale. En el condado de Kerry, se ha acondicionado un tramo corto cerca del museo ferroviario de Listowel y ya han comenzado las obras entre Tralee-Fenit. [Translation:Mercedes Muñoz Zamora]

POLISH

The Great Southern Trail (GST) to odcinek terenu o długości 96 km (60 mil) w zachodniej części hrabsta Limerick oraz w północnej części hrabstwa Kerry. Tamtędy właśnie przebiegało połączenie kolejowe Limerick - Tralee/Fenit, którego odcinki zostały oddane do użytku w latach 1867 – 1887. Większość trasy została zamknięta w latach 1975 -1978, ale w dalszym ciągu pozostaje ona własnością CIÉ (the National Transport Company). Ten teren został przekształcony w dużej części w teren rekreacyjny przez GST Ltd., która jest organizacją wolontariacką wspieraną przez różne lokalne i państwowe instytucje.

Obecnie (maj 2012) GST jest wykorzystywany do spacerów i jazdy rowerem na odcinku o długości 36 km. w hrabstwie Limerick pomiędzy Rathkeale i Abbeyfeale. W hrabstwie Kerry przekształcono krótki odcinek i rozpoczęto prace na odcinku Tralee – Fenit. [Translation: Nikola Sekowska-Moroney]

ITALIAN

“La Great Southern Trail (GST) attraversa con i suoi 96 km una bella regione dell'ovest della contea di Limerick e del nord della contea di Kerry, in Irlanda. La GST copre il tracciato dell'antica linea ferroviaria Limerick-Tralee/Fenit, aperta in varie fasi tra il 1867 e il 1887. La maggior parte del tracciato fu chiusa tra il 1975 e il 1978 ma la CIE, azienda pubblica dei trasporti, ne conserva la proprietà. GST Ltd, associazione di volontariato, si è presa carico di gran parte della sua trasformazione in percorso ricreativo, con il patrocinio diversi enti locali e statali.

Attualmente (maggio 2012) la GST è una greenway fruibile a piedi e in bicicletta per 36 km nella contea di Limerick, tra Rathkeale e Abbeyfeale. Nella contea di Kerry ne è stato completato un breve tratto nei pressi del Museo Ferroviario di Listowel e sono iniziati i lavori sulla tratta Tralee-Fenit.” [Translation: Giulio Senes]

Trailheads

There are over twenty access points to the GST from various public roads; these facilitate locals and those who wish to do loop walks/cycles. Apart from the entrance at Rathkeale Trailhead all others are to the north of the N21.

The principal trailheads are as follows:

  1. Rathkeale: The old station is now the Palatine Museum and is accessed from the R518 roundabout just south of the N21 and near the Catholic Church (large spire)

  2. Ardagh: The entrance is at the railway bridge on the local road L7001 which links the N21 with the R523. Parking is at the Community Centre 200m from the railway bridge.

  3. Newcastle West: There are two entrances one at Bishop Court (off Bishop St., town centre) and the other near Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair/ Recycling Centre on the R521.

  4. Barnagh: This is the summit of the GST and parking is at the N21 westbound lay-by with three options for exploration: a] main trail west towards Abbeyfeale; b] main trail east towards Newcastle West/Rathkeale; c] Barnagh railway tunnel 1km directly from the lay-by

  5. Templeglantine: Parking at Halla Inse Bán on the local road L21006 (directly opposite the Church) ;the trail is 1km north along this local road.

  6. Devon Road: At Devon Road Cross turn north off the N21/R515 junction and travel along the L7059 where Tullig Wood is clearly visible to the right.

  7. Abbeyfeale: In the town centre turn right from the N21 onto the R524 (Athea road) where the old Station is on the right after 1km (adjacent to the 'Railway Bar').

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

Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale (Abbeyfeale to Rathkeale)

County: Limerick

Category: Walking/Hiking Trails and Off-Road Cycling Trails

Type: Greenway

Length (Kms): 38Km

Climb (m): 252m

Grade: Easy

Format: Linear

Estimated time to complete entire trail if walking: 10hr

Estimated time to complete entire trail if cycling: 4hr

Quality: ***

Description:

The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail. While this trail can be cycled - it is necessary to dismount to open gates along the route.

 

Rathkeale to Ardagh (Ardagh to Rathkeale)

County: Limerick

Category: Walking/Hiking Trails and Off-Road Cycling Trails

Type: Greenway

Length (Kms): 9Km

Climb (m): 41m

Grade: Easy

Format: Linear

Estimated time to complete entire trail if walking: 2hr 10min

Estimated time to complete entire trail if cycling: 52min

Quality: ***

Description:

The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail. While this trail can be cycled - it is necessary to dismount to open gates along the route.

This is a level section and begins at the Old Station [now the Palatine Centre; a museum dedicated to the settlers from the Palatinate in Germany who arrived in Ireland 300 years ago to escape persecution www.irishpalatines.org . After a few hundred metres the River Deel is crossed and then the trail moves to the north of the N21, crossing the road by means of a riverside underpass. The westward journey continues through lands associated with the Palatines. Five beautiful cut-stone overhead bridges are encountered on the trail to Ardagh. Just before the third one, on the right, can be seen the ancient Churchyard at Clounagh and the ruins of 15th Century Lisnacille Castle in the distance. On the approach to the fourth bridge, about a mile further on, a local road at a right angle [90 degrees] to the trail leads to Cahermoyle House (now a private Nursing Home) which has associations with William Smith O' Brien leader of the 1848 Young Ireland rebellion. The fifth bridge is at Ardagh Station from where the village, St. Molua's Well and the old fort where the Ardagh Chalice was found in 1868 can be visited.

 

Ardagh to Newcastle West (Newcastle West to Ardagh)

County: Limerick

Category: Walking/Hiking Trails  and Off-Road Cycling Trails

Type: Greenway

Length (Kms): 4Km

Climb (m): 14m

Grade: Easy

Format: Linear

Estimated time to complete entire trail if walking: 1hr

Estimated time to complete entire trail if cycling: 24min

Quality: ***

Description:

The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail. While this trail can be cycled - it is necessary to dismount to open gates along the route.

This section is level at each end with a 'dip' in the middle in the form of a 1% gradient. It passes through pleasant pastoral farmland with views of the surrounding hills. As Newcastle West is approached the River Daar is bridged. 500 metres further on the R521 is crossed on the level and Newcastle West station is entered. The only survivors of the railway age are the restored Station House (private) and the mature oak trees which lined the approach avenue.

 

Newcastle West to Barnagh (Barnagh to Newcastle West)

County: Limerick

Category: Walking/Hiking Trails and Off-Road Cycling Trails

Type: Greenway

Length (Kms): 10Km

Climb (m): 110.0 m

Grade: Easy

Format: Linear

Estimated time to complete entire trail if walking: 2hr 4min

Estimated time to complete entire trail if cycling: 50min

Quality: ***

Description:

The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail. While this trail can be cycled - it is necessary to dismount to open gates along the route.

This was one of the most arduous challenges in the age of the steam train as it is an uphill journey for most of the way. However, the gradients never exceed 2% and the reward for those continuing westward is that it is downhill all the way from Barnagh to Abbeyfeale. The trail route is 3Km longer than the N21 as the train needed a more gentle incline.1Km outside Newcastle West there is on overhead bridge and then there are three level crossings giving access to minor roads.7Km from Newcastle West a quiet road (L1329) comes alongside the trail. This road climbs into the Rooskagh Hills and is well worth a visit as it leads to the bog lands and provides wonderful views of the Limerick Plains and the Golden Vale. It also provides the opportunity to loop back onto the trail at the aforementioned level crossings and elsewhere further west. Continuing on the trail the L1329 is crossed by a high bridge and then Ferguson's Viaduct is traversed. Shortly after the viaduct the railway was incorporated into the N21 and now the trail becomes a dedicated roadside tarmacadam cycleway, with excellent views, for 2Km before regaining the railway at Barnagh Station. The trains entered Barnagh Station through a tunnel which can be visited along a 'stand-alone' 1Km section of the old railway. Access to the tunnel is from the lay-by at Barnagh on the N21 (Westbound)

 

Barnagh to Abbeyfeale (Abbeyfeale to Barnagh)

County: Limerick

Category: Walking/Hiking Trails and Off-Road Cycling Trails

Type: Greenway

Length (Kms): 15Km

Climb (m): 27m

Grade: Easy

Format: Linear

Estimated time to complete entire trail if walking: 3hr 55min

Estimated time to complete entire trail if cycling: 1hr 34min

Quality: ***

Description:

The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail. While this trail can be cycled - it is necessary to dismount to open gates along the route.

The N21 roadside cycleway continues into a short section of a cul-de-sac road before the sight of old telegraph poles indicate that the railway has been regained. This was the western end of Barnagh Station; the tunnel and railway house are at the far side of the N21. The route is pleasant passing through cuttings and embankments and under two stone bridges. The village of Templeglantine becomes visible on the left and is reached along the L21006. Templeglantine is a good starting point for a side trip to Glenquin Castle (restored) [5Km] and Killeedy Castle (ruin)/ St. Ita's Churchyard [7km].This excursion will also afford great views of a modern Wind farm.

The L21006 leads to the trail where a left turn is taken for Abbeyfeale. After 2Km Tullig Wood is entered and its tranquil atmosphere is in sharp contrast to the noisy N21 only a couple of fields away. Shortly after the restored station at Devon Road is passed; once serving a local Creamery. The trail now levels out as it comes parallel to the River Allaghaun and keeps company with it until Abbeyfeale. One stone bridge spans the trail and 2km later the Station at Abbeyfeale is reached. Turn left onto the R524 for the town centre.

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.

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.

anyone cycling the trail should be prepared to open gates and in some cases lift their bicycle across a gate.

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 

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Experience Tullig Wood and Barnagh Tunnel sections of the Southern Trail at your leisure. The tour operates daily, for more information email Dennis McAuliffe tulligwoodoak@gmail.com To ensure you have the latest news on which sections of the trail are developed for walking or cycling call Trail Secretary on Tel: +353 (0) 69 62597 or email the Tour guide who is a West Limerick native. The tour operates daily, for more information email Tour Guide Dennis McAuliffe tulligwoodoak@gmail.com The tour has been designed to give you the freedom to explore and experience Tullig Wood and Barnagh Tunnel sections of the Southern Trail at your leisure.

Contact: Secretary, Great Southern Trail, Gortbui, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, Ireland. Email Us
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