Limerick Greenway Debuts Ireland’s First VR Digital Tour
The Limerick Greenway has established itself as the inaugural trail in Ireland to implement virtual reality technology, producing a comprehensive, end-to-end immersive interactive tour of its entire length. This cutting-edge initiative, developed by Limerick City and County Council, allows users to experience the full 40-kilometre journey of the Limerick Greenway, from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale.
The digital route incorporates Ardagh, Newcastle West, and Templeglantine, and highlights key attractions throughout Limerick city and the wider county using interactive virtual reality technology. This digital experience is accessible via virtual reality headsets, mobile devices, and various web platforms, thereby opening the Limerick Greenway to international audiences and improving inclusive access for individuals who may be unable to physically travel the route.
The project was officially inaugurated on Thursday during the Limerick IT Summit 2026, held at the Dell Technologies Campus, representing an advancement toward more accessible tourism and digital innovation within the region.
This immersive tour captures the natural scenery, local heritage, and engineering landmarks situated along the Limerick Greenway, including the recently opened Limerick Greenway Hub at Rathkeale, the Ardagh Station House, Ferguson’s Viaduct, and Tullig Wood.
The project aims to position the region at the forefront of smart tourism and digital innovation in the Irish landscape. By integrating the natural environment and local heritage with contemporary virtual reality technology, the initiative aims to ensure the Greenway remains accessible and globally connected for individuals planning visits or learning about the area’s history from afar.
Over a period of eight months, Global Virtual Asset Management (VAM) Ltd, in a formal partnership with the Tourism Department of Limerick Council, conducted an extensive virtual reality mapping and 360-degree capture of the entire 40-kilometre route.
The scope of the project also extends to immersive activities at more than 20 prominent locations and attractions across Limerick city and county, including King John’s Castle, the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail, and the village of Adare. This funding in the Greenway is intended to support local communities by increasing visitor footfall, assisting local enterprises, and aiding the development of rural areas.
The use of virtual reality is intended to ensure that the heritage and vibrancy of these communities reach new international audiences while providing tangible opportunities for the local economy.
The launch of this full 40-kilometre virtual reality experience represents a move toward increasingly inclusive tourism in Limerick, permitting individuals of all abilities and potential visitors from anywhere in the world to experience the Greenway before physical travel. With the Ryder Cup scheduled for Adare in 2027, the region expects a significant increase in international attention.
This technology provides an innovative way for overseas spectators to explore the country in advance, discover the range of local offerings, and plan extended stays beyond the sporting event. The Greenway originally reopened in 2021 following a significant upgrade and connects Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine, and Abbeyfeale.
To date, the route has attracted 1.5 million visits from both domestic and international travellers. The Limerick Greenway Hub at Rathkeale, launched in September, is the first of several planned destination hubs supported by funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
