The best cycling routes around Curraghchase Forest Park

Opened in 1867, it served as a station along the Limerick to Tralee railway line for the next 155 years. It was eventually closed to passenger trains in 1963 and laid derelict until the station house was restored in 2021 as part of the Greenway project.

The Augustinian friary is situated to the east of Adare, on the banks of the river Maigue opposite the castle. The friary, also known as Black Abbey, was founded by John Fitzthomas Fitzgerald (c.1256-1316). This church became the Church of Ireland parish church and schoolhouse (now a private residence) and although restored in the nineteenth century, a fifteenth-century tower and charming small cloister are among the medieval features to survive.

It has winding tree lined paths to go for a pleasant walk or you can choose to lounge on one of the many benches and savour the verdant and peaceful location. The park is very well maintained with trimmed green spaces and colourful flower beds dotted all around. One feature of the park is the lovely thatched gazebo, which plays a part in village events and is a popular photographic background for the many weddings that take place in Adare all year round. Another feature is The Washing Pool. https://www.adarevillage.com/activities/adare-village-park/

This is a large square tower, close to the main road and bridge over the River Maigue. It is surrounded by a strong battlemented rampart with semicircular bastions. A gate to the south has a drawbridge. Adare is regarded as a fine example of the medieval fortified castle in Ireland and is one of a number of outstanding castles situated in County Limerick. It is sited on the north bank of the River Maigue in a strategic position on a substantial earlier ringwork where it was able to control traffic on the river. It was an important stronghold of the Earls of Desmond. A strong, square keep forms the defensive core of the castle that stands within a walled ward surrounded by a moat. Beside the river is the great hall, with early 13th century windows looking out on to the river, and nearby is a kitchen and a bakery. A major programme of conservation and restoration works has been completed and access to the site is available by Guided tour Access to Adare Castle is managed in partnership with the Adare Heritage Centre located at Main Street, Adare. Guided tours to Adare Castle operate from the Adare Heritage Centre by means of a shuttle bus service to and from the castle. Location: Adare Castle is situated close to the main road-bridge over the River Maigue on the N21 approach to Adare Village from Limerick. (Please note however that visitor access to the castle is through the Adare Heritage Centre in Adare Village). Guided Tours: Access to Adare Castle is by guided tour only from the Adare Heritage Centre. https://www.adareheritagecentre.ie/

Set within over 300 hectares of forest park are many looping and interconnecting trails, making Curragh Chase the ideal playground for your mountain bike adventure. Managed park with plenty of facilities.

Forest trails passing by the Celtic Cross stone monument

The Limerick Greenway is a wonderful, traffic-free pathway that once served as a railway line. On this section you'll encounter a number of exquisitely crafted overhead bridges, meticulously hewn from locally sourced stone. Once in Ardagh, don't miss the opportunity to explore The Old Station House, situated in close proximity to the historic site where the iconic Ardagh Chalice was discovered in 1868. Alternatively, take a moment to pause and make a wish at the renowned St. Kieran’s Holy Well.

At the heart of the pretty town of Adare you will find the Trinitarian Abbey. It encompasses both the old abbey and a medieval church after 19th century restoration work brought the two together. It is the only church of the Trinitarian Order in Ireland and is believed to have been founded in the early 13th century.