Saturday 18 June 2011 saw a big celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Great Southern Trail Action Group and the recent extension of the route between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale. Some 37 km of the old Limerick to Tralee railway line have now been converted into a greenway so that walkers and cyclists can explore this beautiful area of south west Ireland in peace and safety.
The extended route passes the old Ardagh Station House, built in 1867 and now privately owned (pictured). One kilometre from the station is the place where the historic Ardagh Chalice, one of Ireland's greatest treasures, was found. www.museum.ie
In addition, the Great Southern Trail has been awarded the Jury’s Special Prize at the 5th European Greenways Awards – a great present in its 20th anniversary year. The prize has been given in recognition of the tremendous work done by the Great Southern Trail volunteers. www.southerntrail.net
