[2] It is an off-road trail intended for use by cyclists and walkers along the route of the Limerick-Tralee line, formerly operated by the Great Southern and Western Railway, which opened between 1867 and 1880 and was closed in 1977.

[7] Car parking, children's playground, 'crazy golf', bathrooms, bike hire, and a small restaurant are all available in the Barnagh Greenway Hub.

[23] Limerick City and County Council assumed responsibility for the management and maintenance of the Great Southern Trail in November 2015.

[25] Development of the trail ran into several difficulties, including questions of public land ownership, and the expectations of some other local landowners and householders.

[28] From 2016,[29] CIÉ transferred ownership of the line to Kerry County Council for further development of the trail towards Listowel, pending future funding becoming available.