Limerick Greenway steaming ahead with €2.48m transformation of derelict railway goods shed

THE LIMERICK Greenway is steaming ahead with the transformation of a derelict 19th-century railway goods shed into a visitor hub.

The hub in Rathkeale has been officially opened after an investment of €2.48m.

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It brings the protected building back to life after a 13-month restoration. Like Bikes is providing bike hire and repair services on site, while the existing Irish Palatine Museum and Greenway Café 1709 remain located in the adjoining Station House.

The surrounding public realm includes limestone paving, seating, picnic benches and a 29-space car park with mobility spaces and two electric vehicle charging points. Facilities also include toilets, a bus stop, a water station, and a bicycle repair stand. The entire site has been designed with universal access in mind.

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 and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Mayor Moran said the 40km Limerick Greenway is one of our county’s great success stories, and this new hub at Rathkeale strengthens its role as “a driver of tourism, jobs and sustainable growth right across the county”. 

“Crucially, it also marks the beginning of a wider programme. With further hubs planned, we are creating a network that will showcase the very best of Limerick while delivering lasting benefits for communities along the route.

"I am looking forward to engaging further with the minister and his officials and TII on the significance of the project, to ensure we can get access to the funding we need to allow it to continue to progress,” said Mayor Moran.

Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale is the first of several destination hubs planned along the popular stretch. Each will have its own unique character through interpretation, storytelling and links to the local community, supported by funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). 

Restoration works on Barnagh Station House began in May 2025 and are progressing on schedule. Other sites, including Ardagh Station House and Fullers Folly in Newcastle West are advancing through design and preparation for tendering.

Mr Buttimer said the Limerick Greenway has already proven itself as a driver of economic growth and tourism in West Limerick, supporting local businesses and revitalising surrounding towns and villages. 

“This new hub, supported through Government investment, builds on that success by strengthening the amenity for local communities and visitors alike. It also reflects the Government’s long-term commitment to investing in high-quality community infrastructure that supports rural regeneration, sustainable tourism and the wellbeing of people right across the country,” said Mr Buttimer.

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Adare-Rathkeale, Cllr Ger Ward added: “For Rathkeale, this hub is transformative. It has brought a historic building back to life, created a welcoming space for residents, and given visitors a new reason to stop, explore and spend time in the town. This is a new focal point for community life and one that will be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come.”

Dr Pat Daly, Director General, Limerick City and County Council, said: “This is another proud milestone for Limerick Greenway, an outstanding outdoor recreational amenity set against the scenic backdrop of West Limerick. The newly restored railway goods shed in Rathkeale breathes new life into a historic structure while enriching the experience for local, national, and international visitors.

“The Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale has been a strategically important project, reflecting our commitment to delivering positive social and economic benefits across the region. It also exemplifies how we can unlock the potential of our heritage assets to create lasting value for communities and visitors alike.”

The design team was led by Feeney McMahon Architects and construction was carried out by Thomas Nolan & Sons Builders Ltd.  

Reopened in 2021 following a €10 million upgrade, Limerick Greenway links Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale. Highlights include the 115m Barnagh Train Tunnel and Ferguson’s Viaduct, restored relics of the original Limerick–Tralee railway line. The route now connects seamlessly with the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways, extending the journey to Listowel.

The Limerick Greenway surface was designed with mobility in mind and is safe and suitable for all users. Public amenities, including parking, have been developed at the access points along the route.  

To plan a trip, visit limerick.ie/greenway