Irish Railway Walks

West Limerick
Rathkeale to Templeglantine - [Continued]

The second half of the journey to Ardagh is more open, both because the track itself is wider and clearer, and because the hedges are not quite so dense. Eventually the long ridge of hills beyond Newcastle West comes into view. From the of the last road overbridge, 2.5km before Ardagh, there is beautiful view over the Golden Vale, especially glorious on a hazy summer evening.

Shortly after this bridge the going becomes very tough and it is advisable to take the parallel road for 500m. The track can be rejoined, via a field, as it curves away from the road. The track soon runs into Ardagh station on a ballast-laden farm way. The station is in excellent condition: the station house is still inhabited and there is a parcels office and long platform. Ardagh is a short distance away and is the very model of an Irish village, with an arrangement Of pubs and shops strung along the road.

After Ardagh station the track goes under a road-bridge, and then curves sharply southwards for the home straight to Newcastle West. This section was apparently cleared some years back by the Southern Trail Group and is quite easy going. The path runs between bramble and willow hedges, narrow in parts, but without any obstacles. It is noticeable that, as the track moves through the less fertile ground at the base of the west Limerick hills, the quality of the neighbouring fields deteriorates. A road is crossed at the level, though there is no sign of any gate lodge, and then the River Daar is crossed by a metal girder and timber beam bridge.

Presently the distinctive twin water towers of Newcastle Welt hospital protrude on the skyline and the trail passes under a twin-arched road-bridge on the final approach to the station. The incoming line from Rathkeale meets the outgoing line to Tralee at this point. The station area is large, and the station buildings, water tower, signal-box, platforms and sidings remain, though they are in poor condition. There is talk that they may he restored, though many such restorations have been discussed around the country without any real action ensuing. There is a new housing development under construction just behind the station and this provides access to Bishop Street in the town. Newcastle West was the capital of the Geraldine earldom and the Desmond Castle in the centre of the town is being restored. There is a very pleasing river walk near the castle and more sociable ramblers will enjoy the lively pubs in the town.

back to part 1.

From the Appletree Press title: Off The Beaten Track.