Abbeyfeale

The town Square, the River Feale and the town centre with its traditional streetscapes are important elements in the make-up of the town’s physical appearance. The town provides important civic amenities for the surrounding rural area including schools, a library and a church.

The streets of Abbeyfeale are lined with two and three-storey buildings and the Town Square forms the focal point of the town. The majority of the town’s building stock is of nineteenth and early twentieth century origin and includes a number of notable buildings, including: Leen’s Hotel, the old convent and old cinema buildings.

The Town owes its name to a Cistercian Abbey founded in Abbeyfeale in 1188 and the adjoining River Feale. The settlement subsequently developed as an important market town, administrative civic centre and logistics centre for coaches and rail transport in the 1800’s. The railway line opened in 1880 and associated business and trade, such as pubs, a hotel, financial services, and agri-business operated in the town serving its agricultural hinterland.

From the early 19th century, Abbeyfeale grew in importance and expanded as a market town and commercial centre. The vibrant economy contributed to the unique Stucco architectural detail by Pat McAuliffe (local Listowel plasterer and builder) found on many of Abbeyfeale’ s buildings.

By the 20th century, the town continued to expand, with businesses, such as the Mart and Kostal Manufacturing Plant, locating on the edge of the town. By the mid to late 20th century, housing estates developed in the town to accommodate a growing population. In the last twenty years the local community developed a substantial community park on the edge of the town. The development of the Limerick Greenway to the north of Abbeyfeale also offers many opportunities for the town to grow a tourism base in West Limerick.

Abbeyfeale’s people are its greatest asset, the strong sense of belonging and community are very important to the people of the town. The Town Team in Abbeyfeale has been fundamental in the formulation of this Town Centre First Plan. The Town Team is representative of a diverse cross section of the community and is dedicated to delivering the high-quality projects identified in the plan, that will make Abbeyfeale, a great place to work, live and visit.