Nov 2021 – Rathkeale to Kerry border, Republic of Ireland.

The Limerick & Kerry Greenway (Great Southern Trail) 25-mile section from Rathkeale to the Kerry border was officially opened on November 5, by Daniel Butler – Mayor of Limerick City & County. The ceremony took place at the beautifully restored Barnagh Railway Station, Templeglantine, in the presence of Ministers of State Niall Collins and Patrick O Donovan, plus other dignitaries. The Great Southern Trail Group (GST) were in attendance and were acknowledged by all speakers for their foresight in working as volunteers for over 25 years in realising the Great Southern Trail vision. Five years have elapsed since the GST handed it over to Limerick County Council who have since brought the section up to a world class standard. Work is progressing from the Limerick/Kerry border to Listowel which it is hoped, with great support from adjoining landowners, will be opened by May 2022, adding a further 6 miles to the trail. On the completed section, counters on the route have recorded 218,496 visitors since it was opened in July this year, which shows the huge potential of the route for West Limerick and North Kerry. (James Winstanley)