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Rathkeale
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Rathkeale is a town
in mid west of County Limerick. It is located 30 km southwest of
Limerick city on the N21 road to Tralee. The town lies on the banks
of the River Deel.
After Newcastle-West, Rathkeale is the second largest town in County
Limerick. The long main street has some good examples of Doric and
Lonic doorways, some with fanlights. The courthouse dates from the
early 19th century. A 13th century Augustinian abbey, now in ruins,
can be seen in the centre of the town.
Rathkeale was an important Geraldine town. In 1709, around 200
families, refugees from Germany, were settled in the Rathkeale area.
The were known as the Palantines. Today, the names of their
descendants are still in evidence - such as Teskey, Ruttle, Switzer
and Shier. Rathkeale's former railway station has been converted
into the Irish Palatine Museum. The museum houses an exhibition that
seeks to represent in detail the Irish Palatine experience ranging
from their German places of origin, to their colonisation and
settlement in Ireland, and their subsequent scattering all over the
English speaking world.
On the south-western edge of the town stands the 15th century tower
house of Castle Matrix, formerly a property of an Earl of Desmond,
which contains a display or art objects and holds historical
records.
Bleach Loch is a fishing location on the River Deel close to
Rathkeale. |
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Rathkeale Holiday Homes - County Limerick, Ireland