Introduction
Limerick’s hinterland offers a blend of historic charm, modern amenities and a range of property options that appeal to families, commuters and investors alike. Four of the most popular satellite towns – Kilmallock, Adare, Newcastle West and Rathkeale – each provide distinct advantages in terms of transport links, educational provision and housing stock. This guide consolidates the latest 2025 data on accessibility, local schools and property types, giving estate agents and prospective buyers a clear snapshot of what each town has to offer.
Kilmallock
Accessibility
- Roads: Situated on the R512 (Limerick‑Fermoy) and R515 (Abbeyfeale‑Charleville‑Tipperary) routes, Kilmallock enjoys a direct 30 km (≈18 min) drive to Limerick city via the M8 corridor.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann operates several daily services to Limerick, with occasional Local Link routes to Charleville. The nearest active railway station is Charleville (8 km away), providing InterCity connections to Dublin and Cork.
- Future projects: The Limerick‑Cork Greenway passes close to town, enhancing cycling and leisure connectivity.
Local Schools
| School |
Type |
Approx. Enrolment (2025) |
Notable Features |
| Scoil Mocheallóg |
Primary |
250 pupils |
Strong Irish language programme |
| Coláiste Iosaef Community College |
Post‑primary (Junior & Leaving Cert) |
450 pupils |
Offers adult education and vocational courses |
| Kilmallock Library |
Community hub |
– |
Dedicated study rooms and teen area |
Property Types & Market Snapshot
- Median house price (2025): €220,000 – a 9.9 % rise on 2024.
- Top property categories (median sold price):
- Detached houses – €271,222
- Semi‑detached – €247,333
- Terraced houses – €160,000
- Current listings (Nov 2025): 19 houses for sale, ranging from €70,000 (terrace) to €385,000 (detached). The market is characterised by a mix of period homes, modern bungalows and new‑build semi‑detached units.
Adare
Accessibility
- Roads: The N21 bypass (completed 2022) links Adare directly to Limerick (18 km, ~22 min) and to the Shannon Airport corridor.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann routes 13 (Limerick‑Adare‑Listowel‑Tralee) and 14 (Limerick‑Kerry Airport‑Killarney) serve two local stops. The nearest rail link is Limerick city station (InterCity Dublin‑Cork).
- Active travel: Proximity to the Limerick‑Cork Greenway and an upcoming pedestrian‑friendly town‑centre scheme improve walkability.
Local Schools
| School |
Type |
Approx. Enrolment (2025) |
Highlights |
| St Joseph’s Primary |
Primary |
210 pupils |
Emphasis on STEM and outdoor learning |
| Our Lady’s Abbey Primary |
Primary |
190 pupils |
Strong arts programme |
| Adare Community School (nearby) |
Secondary |
620 pupils |
Offers Transition Year and extensive sports facilities |
| Adare Manor Golf Academy |
Sports academy |
– |
Provides elite golf training for youth |
Property Types & Market Snapshot
- Median house price (2025): €550,000 – a 7.7 % increase over 2024, reflecting the town’s heritage status and high‑end demand.
- Top property categories (median sold price):
- Detached houses – €695,000
- Semi‑detached – €608,333
- Current listings (Nov 2025): 10 houses for sale, ranging from €350,000 (detached) to €850,000 (luxury detached). New builds on the town’s expanding estate villages command premium prices, while historic cottages remain sought after for their character.
Newcastle West
Accessibility
- Roads: Situated on the N21, Newcastle West lies 30 km (≈25 min) from Limerick city and benefits from the recent upgrade of the Limerick‑Foynes motorway junction, cutting travel times to the port and airport.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann routes 321 (Limerick‑Rathkeale‑Newcastle West) and 13/14 provide frequent service to the city and onward to Tralee/Killarney. The closest rail station is Limerick (InterCity services).
- Active travel: The town is a gateway to the Great Southern Trail, a 85 km greenway linking Limerick to Cork, attracting cyclists and walkers.
Local Schools
| School |
Type |
Approx. Enrolment (2025) |
Key Points |
| St John’s National School |
Primary |
300 pupils |
Large catch‑area, modern facilities |
| St John’s Community College |
Secondary (Junior & Leaving Cert) |
520 pupils |
Offers a range of extracurricular clubs and a strong sports academy |
| Newcastle West Library |
Community resource |
– |
Provides after‑school tutoring and digital learning hubs |
Property Types & Market Snapshot
- Median house price (2025): €250,000 – up 8.7 % from 2024.
- Top property categories (median sold price):
- Detached houses – €336,667
- Apartments – €147,333
- Semi‑detached – €268,308
- Current listings (Nov 2025): 33 houses for sale, with prices from €110,000 (terrace) to €450,000 (detached). The market shows strong demand for family‑size detached homes, while newer apartment developments appeal to first‑time buyers and downsizers.
Rathkeale
Accessibility
- Roads: Rathkeale sits on the N21, 30 km (≈18 mi) southwest of Limerick city. A forthcoming Foynes‑to‑Limerick motorway junction will further shorten commuter journeys.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann routes 13 and 14 connect Rathkeale directly with Limerick city and onward to Tralee/Killarney. The nearest rail service is again at Limerick station.
- Greenway & Trail: The Limerick Greenway terminus is under construction in Rathkeale, positioning the town as a hub for cyclists and tourists.
Local Schools
| School |
Type |
Approx. Enrolment (2025) |
Highlights |
| Rathkeale National School |
Primary |
260 pupils |
Emphasis on bilingual education |
| Rathkeale Community College |
Secondary (Junior & Leaving Cert) |
480 pupils |
Offers a range of vocational programmes and a well‑equipped sports complex |
| Rathkeale Library & Community Centre |
Community hub |
– |
Provides adult education classes and a youth study room |
Property Types & Market Snapshot
- Median house price (2025): €251,000 – a striking 136 % jump from 2024, driven by affordable land, new housing zones and strong broadband infrastructure.
- Top property categories (median sold price):
- Detached houses – €425,000
- Semi‑detached – €345,000
- Current listings (Nov 2025): 4 houses for sale, ranging from €395,000 (detached) to €500,000 (high‑spec detached). The limited inventory reflects the town’s rapid development and rising investor interest.
Comparative Overview
| Town |
Median Price (2025) |
Price Change 2024‑25 |
Dominant Property Type |
Main Transport Links |
Key School(s) |
| Kilmallock |
€220,000 |
+9.9 % |
Detached & Semi‑detached |
R512/R515, Bus Éireann, Charleville rail (8 km) |
Scoil Mocheallóg, Coláiste Iosaef |
| Adare |
€550,000 |
+7.7 % |
High‑end Detached |
N21 bypass, Bus 13/14, Limerick rail |
St Joseph’s Primary, Adare Community School |
| Newcastle West |
€250,000 |
+8.7 % |
Detached (family) & Apartments |
N21, Bus 321, Limerick rail |
St John’s Primary, St John’s Community College |
| Rathkeale |
€251,000 |
+136 % |
Detached (new builds) |
N21, Bus 13/14, upcoming motorway junction |
Rathkeale National School, Rathkeale Community College |
All towns benefit from the Limerick‑Cork Greenway network, providing a sustainable commuting alternative and enhancing lifestyle appeal.
Practical Tips for Buyers and Estate Agents
- Assess commute times: While all four towns sit within a 30‑minute drive to Limerick city, the upcoming Foynes‑Limerick motorway will make Rathkeale and Newcastle West particularly attractive for commuters.
- Prioritise school catch‑areas: Families often choose Kilmallock for its strong primary‑secondary pipeline, whereas Adare’s secondary school draws students from a wider hinterland.
- Target property type to buyer profile:
- First‑time buyers – consider apartments in Newcastle West (median €147k) or terraced houses in Kilmallock.
- Growing families – detached homes in Kilmallock and Newcastle West offer larger plots at more affordable prices than Adare.
- Luxury seekers – high‑spec detached properties in Adare and Rathkeale command premium rents and resale values.
- Leverage greenway proximity: Marketing properties near the Limerick‑Cork Greenway or Great Southern Trail can attract health‑conscious buyers and eco‑tourism investors.
- Watch for planning permissions: Both Adare and Rathkeale have active development plans (e.g., new estate villages, expanded school facilities) that could influence future supply and price trajectories.
Conclusion
The towns surrounding Limerick each present a unique blend of accessibility, educational resources and housing diversity. Kilmallock offers historic charm with solid commuter links; Adare combines heritage prestige with high‑value detached homes; Newcastle West provides a balanced mix of family‑size houses and affordable apartments; and Rathkeale is emerging as a growth hotspot thanks to its dramatic price uplift and new infrastructure. For estate agents and buyers alike, understanding these nuances is essential to making informed decisions and capitalising on the region’s vibrant property market.
