Rathkeale

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Rathkeale (Ráth Caola in Irish) is a town in County Limerick, Ireland, between Croagh and Newcastlewest. It is located near Limerick city, and lies on the River Deel.

[edit] Town

The town is of ancient origin, having a very large Roman Catholic parish church, Augustinian Abbey ruins and also Holy Trinity church, attended by descendants of the Palatine community among others, and attracting many visitors. The town also has a Museum and numerous shopping facilities and is noted for its Community College "Colaiste na Trocaire" where students from Adare, Croagh and Ballingarry come to school. The town has an industrial base with many factories located in the urban environs and is also noted for its successful entrepreneurs^{[citation needed]}. The town is well-known for its excellent tourist accommodation and friendly atmosphere^{[citation needed]}. Rathkeale also offers a fine dining experience in restaurants such as Bloomers and Cafe v. The town also has a fast food restaurant "Superbites" and a Chinese restaurant "Mandarin Palace". The town formerly had a railway station on the now defunct railway line from Limerick to Tralee and was located near the Irish Palatine Museum. Rathkeale is also known for the loch where many of the Rathkeale population and neighbouring towns go fishing.^{[citation needed]} The loch is also used for storing boats and for sporting activities. Rathkeale is located approx 18 miles southwest of Limerick city on the N21 road.

[edit] Tourism and attraction

Throughout the years, Rathkeale has been one of the most visited towns in Co. Limerick^{[citation needed]}. A new shopping mall is planned on the site of the local cattle where sales are held every Tuesday morning. This will help the town grow and expand new business and tourism. Also, on the southwestern edge of the town to the western side of the N21 highway, the venerable tower of Castle Matrix is located, containing a registered library of Irish heritage worldwide^{[citation needed]}, accessible by appointment to scholars. The town is also just 3 km from the park in Croagh, which is renowned for its beauty^{[citation needed]}.