About Rathkeale and Places of Interest
Rathkeale is just off the N21 between Adare and Newcastle West on the River Deel in County Limerick. It will soon be at the elbow of the Foynes to Limerick motorway, shortening drive times to and from Limerick City. It is the start of the Limerick Greenway, where a new visitor hub is under construction. Unlike other small towns it has a secondary school, a supermarket, hotel, restaurants, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Point, community centre, bars, post office, credit union, library, garda station, fire station, industrial estate, water treatment facility, high speed broadband, as well as enviable clubs and societies. With a low crime rate, Rathkeale is one of the most affordable towns in the county with proposed zoning to add 28% more houses.
Visitors to Rathkeale can enjoy some interesting places:
-
Augustinian Abbey (St. Mary's Priory)
Founded for the Augustinian Canons of the Order of Arosia in the year 1280 the ruin have been preserved and the surrounding grounds landscaped as a town park. More>>
-
Carnegie Library
Besides a library with its civil war exhibit, this building is home to the Local Area Offices for Limerick County Council and is next door to the Art Centre's modern multi-purpose room.
-
Community Centre
Formerly a courthouse and bridewell, built c. 1830, the Community Centre now consists of a Failte Ireland Tourist Point, a theatre, meeting rooms, and the office of the Rathkeale Community Council.
-
Limerick Greenway
The Great Southern Greenway starts in Rathkeale and stretches for 85 kilometres through the beautiful countryside of West Limerick and North Kerry. Now paved, this trail is ideal for walking, cycling and hiking. More>>
-
Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Church
Built in 1831, this church forms a well-executed and notable feature along a main access street to the town of Rathkeale. More>>
-
Former Railway Station Building
The former railway station that formed part of the North Kerry railway line from Limerick to Tralee has been converted into the Irish Palatine Association's headquarters.
-
Paupers Graveyard
A small park on the site of the 1841 workhouse where those who died as a result of the genocide known as the Great Famine are remembered.
-
Playground
This well-appointed children’s’ playground is situated in St. Mary's Park across from the Palatine Museum and St. Mary’s Church. More>>
-
River Deel
The Deel offers a enjoyable walk between the Limerick Greenway and the Christopher Lynch Bridge. It also offers anglers a change to catch the “big one.” More>>
-
Sports Stadiums
Rathkeale helped shape some of Ireland’s top athletes and is the home to some excellent sporting facilities including: Mick Neville Park (regional GAA games), soccer pitches and all-weather mini pitches.
-
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Completed in 1881, this large Gothic Revival church makes a very imposing and notable feature within the town. It is situated at a height along the main route into the town from the N21. More>>
-
Rathkeale House Hotel
Located between the Limerick Greenway and Main St., the refurbished hotel has a welcoming bar, great restaurant, and comfortable accommodation.
Welcome Centre and Visitor Services
The Welcome Centre in Rathkeale houses the region’s Failte Ireland Tourist Point. The friendly staff help visitors with information about West Limerick attractions, events, and businesses. It is located next to the Augustine Abbey ruin at the Community Centre (historic courthouse and borstal) at The Square (upper Main. St.) Rathkeale, Co. Limerick.
You can also find attractions, bars, restaurants, hotels and all kinds of other products and services. Just type what you want into the Directory search box.