Great Southern Trail
Visit the Great Southern Trail.
Pairc Cois Feile was opened in 1999; it is a much used amenity for the people of Abbeyfeale and its surrounding area. The Park envelopes 28 acres of land and is located on the Killarney Road. The award winning Park contains, a junior playground, a basketball court, an all weather floodlit playing pitch, a car-park, a duck pond, forested areas, an administration building, a store house and in excess of one mile of tarmac walkways. Recently a picnic area has been further developed within the grounds and also a Fairy Village.
Our Hotel is located within close proximity of the renowned Limerick Greenway. This unique 85km stretch, which was once a well-travelled railway line, has, since 1977, been considered a hidden local treasure. The route begins in the heart of the Limerick County, taking you along the expansive Limerick Countryside, right through into the vast greenery of Kerry. The continuous refurbishment of the trail has made it the ideal location for walking, running or cycling; the peaceful nature of the location an excellent break from the everyday hustle and bustle.
The GST is suitable for off road walking and cycling along 36km of the Co. Limerick section of the route between Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale. In Co. Kerry a short stretch has been developed near the Lartigue Museum in Listowel and work has commenced on the Tralee-Fenit section.
The Southern Trail is generally a Class 2 walking and cycling trail. While this trail can be cycled - it is necessary to dismount to open gates along the route. See our local activities for bike hire.
When taking a trip to The Limerick Greenway, why not visit The Barnagh Greenway Hub? The Barnagh Greenway Hub offers amazing amenities such as bike hire, crazy golf, playground, garden centre and kennels for the dog friendly visitors. Finish your visit with a spot of lunch and enjoy the finest coffee in The Platform 22 Café.
Newcastle West, the largest town in County Limerick, is only ten minutes away from The Devon Inn Hotel. The ever expanding area grew up around the beautiful Desmond Castle, which is located just off the town square and to this day remains the most notable historical feature of the town; having been recently restored, the castle is open to the public for guided tours May to September. The Castle grounds also sport almost 100 acres of gardens along with all-weather sporting grounds and a children's play area. The town is well known for their incredible boutiques: stocking designer labels and many speciality Ladies, Mens and Childrens brands.
Our Hotel is only 40 minutes from Killarney, the Heart of Kerry; an internationally renowned town ranking within the top ten tourist destinations of the world. Set to the backdrop of the MacGillycuddy Reek Mountains and the Lakes of Killarney, the vibrant town breeds culture. Whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with many, there are so many experiences to offer. For the unseasoned and seasoned climber, the Reeks host many an adventure. Torc Mountain being a favourite for many a local, the tip of the mountain towering over the Killarney Lakes, offering an incredible breath-taking view. For those seeking to get their
Purt Castle, Caisleán Phort Trí Namhad is a Geraldine castle situated in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Ireland.
The castle is situated about 2.5 km northwest of the town of Abbeyfeale, on the north bank of the Feale.
The town has its roots in the twelfth century when Brien O’Brien founded a Cistercian abbey in 1188 on the banks of the river Feale, hence the name ‘Abbeyfeale’. The abbey became a cell of Monasternanagh in the barony of Pubblebrien in 1209.
The main feature of the square in Abbeyfeale is the statue of Fr William Casey. Fr Casey was the parish priest from 1883 to 1907 who helped the tenants farmers fight against their landlords. He also became a good friend of Michael Davitt and formed the first Land League group outside of Mayo. The fight was about the “Three F’s” – Fair rent, Fixity of tenure and Freedom of the tenant to sell his interest in his holding.
If you are interested in horse & pony racing, this is definitely one to go to see. It takes place in the nearby village of Duagh. Many locals have their horses take part in this weekend & is always a great weekend well spent. They usually host the races on the last weekend of June or first weekend in July.
We have an annual Traditional Music festival in Abbeyfeale on the May Bank Holiday weekend every year with the past 23 years. This brings many people to our lovely town.
We have sessions in the bar over the weekend as well as a busking competition on the Friday night. It always brings a great buzz to the town & is something everyone will enjoy.
A singing weekend that is not to be missed if you love Irish songs & story telling. A great weekend organised by the local West Limerick Singing Club in remembrance of Gary McMahon. ‘Craic agus Ceol’ is definitely on the agenda for this weekend; Most enjoyable to sit back, relax and enjoy the songs & story telling from locals & visitors.
Mount Marian Abbeyfeale
Mail: fitzfarmhouse@eircom.net (5 minute drive)
Fitzgerald’s Farmhouse and Equestrian Centre have a wide range of horses suiting both the beginner and advanced rider. They cater for every age. Learn all the formalities of riding in a fun relaxed manner.
They have a two kilometre trek bordering the land on which you can walk, trot or canter while taking in the beautiful views. For the more experienced rider there is a challenging cross-country course which includes banks and ditches.
At Fitzgerald's they specialize in catering for families, for those parents who are not as “horse-mad” as their children. They run pony-camps every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the summer where parents can relax for the day in the knowledge that their children are having a lot of fun and being well looked after. Fitzgerald's is only a thirty- minute drive from the beach they also offer days at the beach. After an amazing trek along the beach, you can go swimming with the horses. This is a truly special and unique experience.
Mail: pedalpursuitsbikehire@gmail.com
Hiring bikes in order to cycle the Great Southern trail greenway or any of the looped trails is both convenient and affordable. Pedal Pursuit Bike Hire supply the bikes and equipment at whatever point you wish to start from. If you want to be collected simply phone or text us where you are on the trail and we will collect you and bring you back to where you started.
Mail: info@cragcave.com (15 minute drive)
Crag Cave (Castle Island, Co. Kerry) is the tenth longest cave system on the island of Ireland, with a total surveyed length of 3.82Km (12,532 feet). The existence of the cave was known locally for many years, but only discovered by the cavers in the 1980’s. Exploration and survey took place between 1981 and 1984. The development of the present show-cave was undertaken from 1987 to 1989 by a local family with the assistance of speleologists and caving engineers. 350 meters of show-cave were opened to the public in May 1989. At the bosom of the Glannaruddery Mountains, nestling near Castle island town in Co. Kerry, nature has fashioned her story. Wild with imagination, but with the patience of an angel, nature has orchestrated a majestic and fairy world in these dark and silent depths. Millions of years of stone masonry have culminated in Crag Cave
The Crazy Cave Activity Centre is Co. Kerry’s number 1 house of fun. Located in the world famous Crag Cave Visitor Centre, Crazy Cave covers 2 floors and has a wide range of fun filled areas. An all-weather location Crazy Cave is ideal for children up to 12 years of age and is fun and healthy!
Kids of all ages enjoy the Mega Slide, indoor sports court, climbing frames, ball guns, Crazy Maze, Rope Bridge, spiral slide, ball juggler and ball pools. Suitable for children from 0 – 12, there is something fun for the whole family!
Take advantage of the array of local golf courses situated near our hotel.
Castleisland Golf Course – 16 minute drive - (066) 714 1709
Ballybunion Golf Course – 40 minute drive - (068) 27146
Tralee Golf Course – 47 minute drive - (066) 713 6379
Mail: info@aquadome.ie (31 minute drive)
For the past 21 years, over 4 million happy satisfied customers have experienced a splashing good time at the Aqua Dome. They have enjoyed the splash of the waves, the speed of the rapids, chilling in our whirlpool spas, and keeping fit in the gym and relaxing in the adult only sauna health suite. Experience for yourself all the fun and laughter the Aqua Dome has to offer!
Mail: bookings@theplaydium.ie (28 minute drive)
The Playdium is the latest addition to Co. Kerry’s family & child friendly all weather facilities. It is the largest & most modern facility of its kind in the county and is at least on par with anything operating in Ireland today. Soft Play Facilities provide children from birth to 12 years with a safe, supervised & comfortable facility for play, exercise & socialization in a warm, dry and comfortable environment.
Mail: info@cliffsofmoher.ie (1 hr 58minute drive)
The Cliffs of Moher are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare. They rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and, eight kilometres to the north, reach their maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, which is a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs that was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien. From the cliffs, and from atop the tower, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north in County Galway, and Loop Head to the south. The cliffs rank amongst the most visited tourist sites in Ireland and receive approximately one million visitors a year. The closest settlements are Liscannor (6 km south) and Doolin (7 km north).
The Listowel Racecourse is located adjacent to the town and is within easy walking distance of the town centre. They have meetings in June & September.
Widely renowned as the most scenic racecourse in the world Killarney Racecourse offers the best in racing, great entertainment and a wonderful atmosphere making it a great day out. Races are held every May, July and September.
Grade-one race track hosting 18 yearly fixtures, with a panoramic restaurant and private suites.
Races are held all through the year, visit their website for more details http://www.limerickraces.ie/
Heart racing 'Cardiac Hill' offers exactly that. Whether you are seeking a heart racing adventure or a day or pure pampering, the town offers it all and more.