Knocklong combines a 2.7-kilometre walk with tangible traces of local, railway and castle history. The Knocklong Slí na Sláinte walking trail starts and finishes at Knocklong Community Centre. An Irish Heart Foundation initiative, it was developed for health-focused recreational walking. Together, the route, viewpoints and historic landmarks create a clear focus for a stay: you can get to know Knocklong both through a compact route and through its local history.
The Slí na Sláinte in the village
From Knocklong Community Centre, the route follows Church Road to the left and passes St Joseph’s Church. Other waypoints include the old schoolhouse, a quarry, the old cemetery and castle ruins. The church, schoolhouse, quarry, cemetery and ruins provide different local points of reference; the route can therefore be explored not only by its length, but also through the landmarks along the way.
Trail conditions and information about the starting point may change. So check the current route and starting point before setting off.
Views and nature
The walk on Knocklong Hill offers views of the Galtees, Slievereagh and the surrounding countryside. The Knocklong Slí na Sláinte also opens up expansive views across County Limerick. From Mitchelstowndown Road, the view of the Galtees and Slievereagh is unobstructed; conditions along the road may change.
The river in Knocklong is the Drumcamoge. Birds found on the Knocklong Hill walk include jays, sparrows and finches. These landscape and nature details offer a distinct focus alongside the village’s historic buildings.
Railway station, castles and cemetery
Knocklong’s railway station was the site of Seán Hogan’s rescue during the Irish War of Independence. The station has been closed since 1977. The rescue and the later year of closure mark two distinct chapters in local railway history.
The castle on Knocklong Hill was the O’Hurleys’ stronghold in the 16th century. O’Hurley’s Castle in Knocklong East is listed as a medieval site in Limerick’s 2016 Record of Protected Structures. The record also lists Knocklong Railway Bridge as industrial railway heritage. It also records a Roman Catholic church in Knocklong West as a protected structure.
A survey of The Hill of Knocklong cemetery counted 153 graves. Local history therefore encompasses both architectural evidence and a specific indication of the cemetery’s size.
More perspectives in the wider Limerick destination
In the wider Limerick destination, the Limerick Greenway offers a different scale from Knocklong’s 2.7-kilometre trail: the traffic-free route is 40 kilometres long and suitable for walking and cycling. It connects the landscapes of West Limerick with Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale, and can be reached via several access points. As the access arrangements may change, check which access point is suitable before planning. The comparison in scale helps distinguish a short local walk from a longer walking or cycling option in the wider destination.
Lough Gur offers another perspective in the wider Limerick destination and is internationally significant for its archaeology and environment. Lough Gur Lakeshore Park offers guided or self-guided tours of the exhibition, as well as individually tailored tours of the archaeological monuments. If you plan to take a tour, check the current options in advance, as tour arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Kilfinane, Reens, Adare, Pallasgreen, Tuogh, Rathkeale, Clarina, Caherconlish.
For the wider travel overview: Limerick.
