Steeped in history and folklore, Limerick is a city and county in Ireland. Inhabited by people from almost every major period of human history, Limerick is the site of many settlements including the Vikings, Normans, etc. The famous River Shannon passes through Limerick City on its way to meet the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to Limerick can view landmarks of immense historical significance like King John’s Castle, Georgian Custom House (now known as The Hunt Museum), St. Mary’s Cathedral, The Treaty Stone, and more. The natural beauty of Limerick is quite arresting too and can be admired in Lough Gur and Ballyhoura Mountains. The Milk Market, People’s Park, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Coolwater Garden and many such other interesting attractions will surely liven up your stay in Limerick. To make the most of your time here, take a look at our suggestions for all the things to do in Limerick, Ireland.
1. Explore the historic paintings at The Hunt Museum
Lavery's early successes culminated in a work being accepted for exhibition by the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts in...
Posted by The Hunt Museum on Tuesday, 28 May 2019
Situated in the historic 18th-century former Customs House in Limerick is the magnificent Hunt Museum. The museum preserves and displays the vast art and antique collection of John and Gertrude Hunt. The museum has the paintings of world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore. It also showcases visiting exhibitions of local, national and international significance. Visitors to the museum can check out the paintings on their own or take a guided tour.
The Hunt Museum
Address: The Custom House, Rutland St, Limerick, V94 EV8A, Ireland
Website: The Hunt Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm
Price: 9 USD
2. Tour the magnificent Frank McCourt Museum
Posted by Frank McCourt Museum on Saturday, 5 July 2014
Housed in a magnificent Tudor-style building, the Frank McCourt Museum is dedicated to showcasing the life and times of Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Frank McCourt. The museum is the site of the former Leamy’s School that is mentioned in the author’s famous book, Angela’s Ashes. Visitors can view various wall murals, collection of interesting memorabilia like old photographs, school books, etc., a recreated 1930s classroom where McCourt and his siblings studied in real life, and a recreation of the McCourts home in Limerick.
Frank McCourt Museum
Address: Leamy House, Hartstonge St., Limerick Ireland
Website: Frank McCourt Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 4pm
Price: 6 USD
3. Admire Georgian architecture at Newtown Pery
Known as the main city centre of Limerick, Newton Pery is also renowned for being the core of Limerick’s Georgian Quarter. Built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Newton Pery has the largest collection of Georgian townhouses in Ireland outside of Dublin. Visitors to Newton Pery can glimpse beautiful Georgian architecture at Pery Square and the Crescent area. The Customs House (now known as The Hunt Museum) is also a fine example of Georgian architecture in this area.
4. Take in the delightful vibe at People’s Park
Opened in 1877, People’s Park is a well-kept and landscaped park in Limerick. The beautiful garden has a lot of facilities for visitors, including several walking paths, two shelter areas, a children’s playground, plenty of seating areas, a bandstand and many green spaces to enjoy a picnic. The lush park also features many mature, deciduous and evergreen trees like beech, elm, ash, birch, hawthorn, holly, oak, poplar, walnut, etc. and an array of gorgeous flowers in the summer.
People’s Park
Address: People’s Park, Pery’s Square, Limerick, Ireland
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
5. Look for fairy statues at Terra Nova Fairy Garden
Posted by Terra Nova Gardens on Saturday, 14 September 2019
Situated on a beautifully landscaped half-acre (0.2 hectares) of land is the magical Terra Nova Fairy Garden. The award-winning garden has many blossoming plants, weaving pathways, and several imaginative features. Located just behind the main garden is a fairy fort that has existed for thousands of years and visitors to this garden have often felt a strong presence of fairies working their magic. Terra Nova Fairy Garden also has a fairy gift shop that stocks fairy garden accessories, fairy houses, doors, etc.
Terra Nova Fairy Garden
Address: Terra Nova, Raymondstown, Dromin, Co. Limerick, V35 V389, Ireland
Website: Terra Nova Fairy Garden
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 7 USD
6. Shop fresh produce at The Milk Market
What Saturdays are made for #LimerickMilkMarket Food Family Friends #BiaLunmni
Posted by LimerickMilkMarket on Friday, 31 May 2019
Operational since 1892, The Milk Market is a weekend market that specialises in providing fresh produce, meats, cheeses and other items to shoppers in Limerick. This amazing food market is hosted in an all-weather, all-year-round market space in the heart of Limerick. Visitors can browse through the numerous fresh produce stalls that are brought straight from the farms, along with a host of other stalls selling everything from cakes, bread, meats, confectionery, cheese, coffee, chocolate, crêpes, handcrafts, and more! There is live music, food stalls and ample seating space too.
The Milk Market
Address: The Milk Market, Limerick, Ireland
Website: The Milk Market
Opening hours: Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
7. Drop by the lush Curraghchase Forest Park
In the lush green Curraghchase Forest Park spanning 313 hectares (773 acres), visitors can explore areas of mixed woodlands, parkland and lakes. This family-friendly park has a number of amenities that visitors of all ages can enjoy. Several looped waymarked trails are suitable for multiple uses. The Curragh Trail and Glenisca Trail can be used for walking as well as cycling; Lake Trail allows visitors to walk alongside the beautiful lake or feed the ducks, and the Arboretum Trail affords visitors an opportunity to glimpse the trees in the old arboretum of Curragh Chase.
Curraghchase Forest Park
Address: Kilcornan, Toreen, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Website: Curraghchase Forest Park
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
8. Appreciate the artwork at Limerick City Gallery of Art
Posted by Limerick City Gallery Of Art on Friday, 2 October 2015
As one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Ireland, Limerick City Gallery of Art showcases the best contemporary artwork by way of various exhibition programmes. Founded in 1936, this art gallery has an extensive collection of Irish art in its permanent collection, including the works of Jack B. Yeats, Donald Teskey, Paul Henry, Sean Keating, and many more. Besides a rotation exhibition of its permanent collection, Limerick City Gallery of Art also holds exhibitions of artworks by many national and international artists.
Limerick City Gallery of Art
Address: Carnegie Building, Pery Square, Limerick, Ireland
Website: Limerick City Gallery of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5:30pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 5:30pm
Price: Free
9. Visit the iconic St. John’s Cathedral
Posted by Salvo Ganci on Saturday, 17 August 2019
The iconic St. John’s Cathedral is dedicated to St. John The Baptist and is a well-known landmark of Limerick city. Opened in 1882, the cathedral is renowned for its spire, which one of the highest spires in Ireland at 265.9 feet (81 metres) tall from the base of the tower to the top of the cross. The interior of the cathedral is magnificent with fine carvings, a beautiful labyrinth, an altar made of Limerick marble and alabaster, Bishop’s Throne, cathedral chapter stalls, and more. Also, noteworthy is the fact that six bishops of Limerick are buried in the cathedral. The presbytery building is also worth a visit for its Gothic style of architecture.
St. John’s Cathedral
Address: St John’s Cathedral, Cathedral Place, Limerick, Ireland
Website: St. John’s Cathedral
10. Walk through Ballyhoura Woods
Posted by Ballyhoura Country on Wednesday, 3 July 2019
When in Limerick, take some time to explore the wonderful natural beauty of Ballyhoura Country in Ballyhoura Woods. The vast tracts of natural woodlands are suitable for all sorts of outdoor activities like cycling, walking, horseriding and more. Take in the amazing terrain of Ballyhoura Woods by way of a range of walks to suit all abilities, like Ballyroagan Loop, Greenwood loop, and more.
Ballyhoura Woods
Address: Glenanair West, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Website: Ballyhoura Woods
11. Watch a game at Thomond Park
Game time!! #SUAF
Posted by Thomond Park Stadium on Saturday, 20 October 2018
Founded in 1934, Thomond Park is a massive stadium and entertainment venue that is the best place to catch a game in Limerick. It is the home ground of Munster Rugby, one of the most successful rugby clubs in the world. With a seating capacity of 25,600 people, you can catch a game of rugby or football at Thomond Park. It also hosts concerts and performances and has an interactive museum filled with memorabilia that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
Thomond Park
Address: Cratloe Rd, Limerick, Ireland
Website: Thomond Park
12. Stroll past The Treaty Stone
The Treaty Stone is a block of limestone that is raised on a pedestal and situated at the end of Thomond Bridge over River Shannon. The pedestal of the Treaty Stone is decorated with an image of the King John’s Castle that can be seen across from the bridge. Legend has it that the stone is where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691, signifying the surrender of the city to William of Orange. Visitors can take a pleasant stroll past The Treaty Stone and admire the beautiful view on the opposite side.
The Treaty Stone
Address: Thomond Bridge, Limerick, Ireland
Website: The Treaty Stone
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Pray at the ancient St. Mary’s Cathedral
Be sure to check out Heritage Island's piece on Limerick's Medieval Quarter! https://bit.ly/2RZzhEc. We feature, described as "a treasure of Irish religious art". Limerick.ie Medieval Quarter Limerick
Posted by Saint Mary's Cathedral, Limerick on Saturday, 6 July 2019
Founded in 1168, the 850-year-old St. Mary’s Cathedral is located on the banks of River Shannon. This ancient structure is said to be built on the site of a Viking meeting place and has survived wars, famines, invasions, battles, and more. It also houses a lot of Irish religious art that visitors can view while touring the cathedral. Prominent features of the cathedral are its six chapels, original altar in the Lady Chapel, carved misericords, stained glass windows, 12th-century arcaded arches, the wooden interior roof, etc.
St Mary’s Cathedral
Address: Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick, Ireland V94 E068
Website: St Mary’s Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 4pm
Price: 6 USD
14. Get inspired by the ancient archaeological finds at Limerick City Museum
Established in 1916, Limerick City Museum is a museum dedicated to educating the general public about the history of Limerick. The museum has about 60,000 objects including historical and archaeological artefacts like Stone Age axes, medieval coins, historic swords, medals, a mummified cat, meteorite fragments, Limerick silver, Limerick lace, etc. A visit to this beautiful museum will surely delight you!
Limerick City Museum
Address: The Old Franciscan Friary, Henry Street, Limerick
Website: Limerick City Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free entry
15. Enjoy live music at Dolan’s
Posted by Dolans Presents on Sunday, 11 August 2019
When in Limerick, a visit to the award-winning Dolan’s is a must! This traditional Irish pub comprises a restaurant and three live music venues where guests can enjoy traditional Irish live music from local artists. The music at Dolan’s incorporates various genres like traditional, indie, folk, electronic, roots to country music. Dolan’s has a changing schedule of live music events that guests can enjoy alongside their delicious food and drink offerings.
Dolan’s
Address: 3-4 Dock Rd, Limerick, V94 VH4X, Ireland
Website: Dolan’s
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 11:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 12am
16. Marvel at the magnificent Ballyhoura Mountains
One of the most magnificent natural areas in Limerick, Ballyhoura Mountains are a spectacular way to spend a fun day out with family or friends. The majestic mountains are covered in conifers, heathland and blanket bog, and present an amazing terrain that can be explored in many ways like looped trail walks, mountain biking, etc. The mountains are also home to the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Park, which is considered to be the largest trail network of its kind in Ireland.
Ballyhoura Mountains
Address: Ballyhoura Mountains, Limerick, Munster, Ireland
Website: Ballyhoura Mountains
17. Get fascinated by the architecture at King John’s Castle
Posted by King John's Castle on Saturday, 13 April 2019
Discover over 800 years of history at the marvellous King John’s Castle in Limerick. On a tour of the castle, learn about the history of the castle and its various inhabitants through history by way of interactive exhibits, touch-screen technology, animations and 3D models. The architecture of the castle is quite impressive too, with its corner towers, massive gatehouse, battlements and armoury. In the courtyard of the castle, visitors can witness scenes from a medieval siege.
King John’s Castle
Address: Nicholas St, Limerick, Ireland
Website: King John’s Castle
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD
18. Go to see the stunning Adare Desmond Castle
Our Guided Desmond Castle tours will be commencing this Saturday June 1st and running till September 30th ,we would be...
Posted by Adare Heritage Centre on Wednesday, 29 May 2019
Amidst the natural wooded settings of Adare, visit the stunning 13th-century Adare Desmond Castle. This ancient castle is one of the last few surviving Norman castles in Ireland. On a guided tour of the castle, visitors can view the architecture, including a strong battlemented rampart with semicircular bastions, a large square tower, a gate with a drawbridge, and more. Visitors can also learn about the history of the place at the heritage centre.
Adare Desmond Castle
Address: Limerick Road, Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Website: Adare Desmond Castle
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 11 USD
19. Go kayaking with Nevsail Watersports Limerick Kayaking Tours
Posted by Nevsail Watersports on Monday, 1 April 2019
Participate in an adventure activity and go kayaking on the beautiful River Shannon during your time in Limerick. Though there are many kayaking operators on the River Shannon, choose Nevsail Watersports Limerick Kayaking Tours for a safe and fun kayaking experience. They have kayaking trips of different durations and even night kayaking tours. The instructors are qualified and knowledgeable and will inform you about the history of Limerick along the way. You can just kayak or observe the abundant local wildlife of River Shannon on your kayaking trip. The company also offers boating, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, archery, and such adventure activities. But a kayaking trip on the River Shannon is definitely a unique way to see the popular sights of Limerick.
Nevsail Watersports Limerick Kayaking Tours
Address: At the Hunt Museum, Rutland St, Limerick, Ireland
Website: Nevsail Watersports Limerick Kayaking Tours
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 27 USD onwards
20. Drink and enjoy Irish music at The Locke Bar
Great weather for the long weekend means 1 thing ? #pintbottle #lockeweather #longweekend #limerick
Posted by The Locke Bar on Thursday, 18 April 2019
Located in Limerick City’s Medieval Quarter, The Locke Bar is an award-winning gastropub that is renowned for its food and music. The establishment has beautiful riverside settings, ample outdoor seating and a popular entertainment area. The pub is famous for its Ocean Fresh Seafood menu and fresh daily specials. They also serve a range of drinks, like craft beer from Irish micro-breweries, premium whiskeys, premium gins and tonics, wines, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. The establishment also plays live traditional Irish music that guests can dance to every night of the week.
The Locke Bar
Address: 3 George’s Quay, Limerick, Ireland
Website: The Locke Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11:30pm; Fri: 9am - 12:30am; Sat: 10am - 12:30am; Sun: 10am - 11pm
21. Head to the exceptional Kilrush Church
Also known as Old Church, St. Munchin’s or St. Mainchin’s Church, Kilrush Church is a medieval-era church located in a quiet area of Limerick. The church is believed to be from the tenth century. It is a rectangular stone building with all the main walls and gables intact. Visitors to Kilrush Church can also admire a rectangular window inscribed with Gothic lettering, said to have been taken from the Franciscan Chapel in Limerick. The building was restored in the early 1900s but the huge stones used in constructing the church are said to be typical of pre-Norman era churches.
22. Take a scenic walk through Glenstal Abbey
Posted by Glenstal Abbey on Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Visit the historic Glenstal Abbey during your time in Limerick. Visitors to this beautiful abbey can stroll through the grounds, shop at the small shop and even attend the liturgy at the church. Both the front and back avenues of the abbey are open to visitors for a scenic walk through lands that have a host of magnificent trees and flowers. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the remains of a primitive oak forest that lies along the edge of the abbey’s front grounds.
Glenstal Abbey
Address: Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick, V94 A725 Ireland
Website: Glenstal Abbey
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
23. Take pictures of the pretty Adare village
Posted by Adare village on Friday, 20 January 2017
Well-known as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns, Adare is a picturesque village that is a must-visit in Limerick. The village is said to have been founded in the 13th century and is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. The charm of Adare village lies in its historic monuments like Desmond Castle, Franciscan Friary, etc., and its gorgeous thatched cottages, quaint streets and ancient stone walls.
Adare village
Address: Adare village, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Website: Adare village
24. Delve into history at Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum
Nice pic of the B314 shared by a recent visitor on a sunny day. It's been a great season so far this year, our busiest ever :)
Posted by Foynes Flying Boat Museum on Wednesday, 23 August 2017
Take a step back in time to the 1930s and 40s to the era of transatlantic passenger flights at Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum. The museum’s pièce de résistance is the world’s only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat and visitors can explore its various areas, like a spacious flight deck,14-seat dining room, deck quarters for the crew, sleeping berths for all passengers and the honeymoon suite. Visitors can learn about the history of Flying Boats through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. The museum also sheds light on the invention of Irish Coffee and the maritime history of River Shannon.
Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum
Address: Aras Ide, Main St, Ballynacragga North, Foynes, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Website: Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD
25. Gamble at Roma Casino
Pop in at the Roma Casino in Limerick and have a go at the slots! As one of the main casinos in Limerick, Roma Casino offers the best in electronic and traditional gaming to guests. They have several poker, slot and multi-gaming machines, and also run a daily spin wheel multiple times a day where you could win up to 100 EUR (110 USD). Guests are also provided with complimentary tea, coffee and refreshments while playing at the casino.
Roma Casino
Address: 39 William St, Limerick, V94 E091, Ireland
Website: Roma Casino
Opening hours: 8:30am - 2pm (daily)
26. Sip on delicious cocktails at Nancy Blakes
Gin of the month ???? Gordons pink gin, served with Fevertree pink aromatic tonic and strawberries to garnish only €7!
Posted by Nancy Blakes on Friday, 15 June 2018
Step inside the buzzing and vibrant Nacy Blakes pub and enjoy a delicious cocktail. Nancy Blakes combines elements of a traditional Irish pub with a late bar and live music venue. Guests can enjoy yummy cocktails, craft beer, a variety of gins, and whiskey in a large beer garden with a canopy. The pub also serves lunch certain days of the week and their Sunday roast is popular too.
Nancy Blakes
Address: 19 Upper Denmark St, Limerick, Ireland
Website: Nancy Blakes
Opening hours: 10:10am - 2am (daily)
27. Stand in awe of the local architecture at Bishop’s Palace
Another historic building in Limerick is The Bishops’ Palace, bang opposite to King’s John’s Castle. Though the building currently houses the Limerick Civic Trust, the general public is welcome to visit and admire the architecture of the building. The building dates back to 1740 and has a classic facade related to the English Palladian style. It was once the home of former Protestant Bishops of Limerick and is now one of the oldest domestic buildings still in use in Limerick.
Bishop’s Palace
Address: 9 Castle St, Limerick, Ireland
Website: Bishop’s Palace
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free entry
28. Take a trip to Lough Gur Prehistoric Site
Dig 6000 years back in time at Lough Gur Prehistoric Site of Limerick. Visit the Heritage Centre of Lough Gur and learn about the remarkable archaeological artefacts found in the area from almost every notable era of human history in Ireland. By means of an interactive exhibition, visitors can explore the occupation of Lough Gur starting from the Neolithic to the Early Modern and Modern eras. The exhibitions are apt for all age groups and provide a fascinating insight into the heritage of Lough Gur.
Lough Gur Prehistoric Site
Address: Lough Gur, Bruff Co. Limerick, VD35ED96, Ireland
Website: Lough Gur Prehistoric Site
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 6 USD
29. Taste fine wines at The Copper Room
A bright and warm evening calls for a glass of sav and a bruschetta ??
Posted by The Copper Room on Thursday, 19 April 2018
At The Copper Room in Limerick, kick back and relax with a glass of premium wine in hand. As Limerick’s premier wine bar, The Copper Room serves wines, ports and other drinks in a scenic underground setting. They also have a selection of various local and international cheeses, cheese boards, patés and meats that can be paired with wines or your drink of choice. An evening at The Copper Room is perfect for a family gathering, meet-up with friends, after-work drinks with colleagues or just to hang out by yourself.
The Copper Room
Address: 100 O'Connell St, Limerick, Ireland
Website: The Copper Room
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1:30am
30. Spend some time at the spectacular Coolwater Garden
Posted by Coolwater Garden. on Tuesday, 1 January 2019
In Limerick, visit the artistically designed Coolwater Garden that is also described as one of the most photogenic smaller gardens in Ireland. Coolwater Garden sits on half an acre (0.2 hectares) of land and is overlooked on either side by Skule Hill and Rockstown Castle. Take a walk through the garden and admire the highlights, like a breathtaking water garden, several landscaped alpine troughs, fern dell, covered arid section, two ponds, Japanese Maple bed, the stunning West Garden, juniper escarpment, and more! There is also an abundance of aquatic wildlife in the ponds of Coolwater Garden.
Coolwater Garden
Address: Coolwater Garden, Fedamore, Co. Limerick, V35 YN29, Ireland
Website: Coolwater Garden
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 9 USD
Explore historic Limerick
The historic county of Limerick has innumerable attractions to wow every kind of visitor. From medieval castles to art galleries and everything else in between, a trip to Limerick will surely leave you spellbound! And to have the best time in this fascinating city, arm yourself with our list of the absolute best things to do in Limerick, Ireland.
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