Limerick Travel Guide

Discover the top tourist attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodations, and cultural insights, and plan your visit to Limerick, Ireland.


A Comprehensive Guide to Limerick, Ireland

Limerick is a charming city in the Shannon region of Ireland, known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Limerick has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit to Limerick and explore its top attractions, local culture, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.

Introduction to Limerick

Limerick is located in County Limerick, in the Shannon region of Ireland. The city has a rich history, which dates back to the Viking era. Over the centuries, Limerick has witnessed many battles, invasions, and rebellions, which have shaped its cultural heritage and identity. Today, Limerick is a vibrant city, known for its bustling streets, historic landmarks, thriving arts and music scene, and warm hospitality.

List of Places to Visit in Limerick

Limerick offers a plethora of tourist attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, outdoor adventures, or shopping, there’s something for everyone in Limerick. Here are some of the top places to visit in Limerick:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • King John’s Castle: One of the most iconic landmarks of Limerick, King John’s Castle dates back to the 13th century and offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

  • The Hunt Museum: Located in the historic Customs House, the Hunt Museum showcases an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

  • Limerick City Gallery of Art: This contemporary art gallery showcases collections from Irish and international artists from different time periods.

  • St. Mary’s Cathedral: Built in 1168, St. Mary’s Cathedral is the oldest building in Limerick and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate artwork.

Natural Attractions of Limerick: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Burren: Located in the northwest of Limerick, the Burren is a unique landscape of limestone pavements, cliffs, and caves, which make for a great hiking experience.

  • River Shannon: The longest river in Ireland, River Shannon offers visitors the chance to go on a boat tour and explore the scenic beauty of Limerick.

  • Curraghchase Forest Park: This park offers visitors with scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife species.

  • The Cliffs of Moher: Located an hour from Limerick City, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Limerick

Limerick offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails, which take visitors through some of the city’s most scenic spots. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Limerick:

  • The Great Southern Trail: This 96-km trail is perfect for avid hikers and bikers, and takes visitors through some of the most scenic spots in Limerick.

  • The Limerick Greenway: This 39-km route takes visitors through Limerick’s beautiful countryside, offering stunning views of the River Shannon and the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Limerick: Activities and Tours

Limerick offers a plethora of activities and tours for visitors to choose from. Here are some of the best things to do in Limerick:

  • Explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage by taking a walking tour of the city center.

  • Visit the Limerick Milk Market, one of the oldest markets in Ireland, and sample some of the local produce.

  • Go on a boat tour of the River Shannon and explore the city’s scenic beauty from a different perspective.

  • Attend one of Limerick’s many festivals, such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Limerick Pride Festival, or the Riverfest.

Week-Long Itinerary for Limerick

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Limerick, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city center and visit King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral
Day 2 Go on a boat tour of the River Shannon and visit the Hunt Museum
Day 3 Visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Day 4 Go on a tour of the Limerick Greenway and visit Curraghchase Forest Park
Day 5 Sample some of the local cuisine and beverages at the Limerick Milk Market
Day 6 Take a day trip to the nearby town of Adare and explore its historic landmarks
Day 7 Attend one of Limerick’s many festivals or events

Food and Drink Scene of Limerick

Limerick offers a vibrant food and drink scene, which showcases the city’s rich culinary heritage and local produce. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Limerick:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Limerick Ham: This cured ham is a local specialty and is often served with cabbage and potatoes.

  • Irish Stew: Made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables, Irish stew is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for cold winter days.

  • Seafood Chowder: Limerick is known for its fresh seafood, and the seafood chowder is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Local Beverages

  • Irish Whiskey: Ireland is known for its whiskey, and Limerick has plenty of options for whiskey lovers.

  • Limerick Craft Beers: Limerick has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering unique and flavorful beers.

  • Irish Coffee: Made with coffee, whiskey, and cream, Irish coffee is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

Where to Stay in Limerick: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Limerick offers a wide range of accommodations for visitors, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best options for accommodation in Limerick:

  • Limerick Strand Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers luxurious accommodation with stunning views of the River Shannon.

  • No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa: This boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and a relaxing spa, perfect for those looking for a luxurious retreat.

  • Courtbrack Accommodation: This budget-friendly hostel offers clean and comfortable rooms and is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Limerick: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Limerick is known for its local produce and artisanal crafts, which make for great souvenirs and gifts. Here are some of the best things to buy in Limerick:

  • Handmade crafts: Limerick has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with many local artisans offering unique and handmade crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

  • Local food products: Limerick is known for its fresh and delicious local produce, such as cheese, smoked salmon, and cider.

Local Culture and Customs of Limerick

Limerick has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals. Here are some of the local customs and traditions in Limerick:

  • Greetings: Irish people are known for their warm and friendly greetings, and it’s common to say “hello” or “hi” to strangers.

  • Pub culture: Pubs are an important part of Irish culture, and Limerick has plenty of traditional pubs, where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness or listen to live music.

  • Religion: Ireland is a predominantly Catholic country, and religion plays an important role in Irish culture.

Best Time to Visit Limerick

The best time to visit Limerick is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and many outdoor festivals and events take place. However, Limerick is a year-round destination, and each season offers a different experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Limerick

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Limerick:

Do:

  • Do visit the local pubs and listen to traditional Irish music.

  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.

  • Do be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.

  • Don’t talk loudly or be rude to locals.

  • Don’t underestimate the importance of religion in Irish culture.

Safety and Health

Limerick is a safe city, with low levels of crime and violence. However, as with any travel destination, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some safety and health tips for visitors to Limerick:

Safety in Limerick

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in unfamiliar areas.

  • Keep your belongings safe and secure, and be cautious of pickpockets and other thieves.

  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.

Health in Limerick

  • Ireland has a universal healthcare system, and visitors are entitled to emergency medical treatment.

  • Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.

  • Tap water in Limerick is safe to drink.

Getting to Limerick: Transportation Options and Logistics

Limerick is easily accessible by air, road, and rail, and there are several transportation options available for visitors. Here’s a quick guide to getting to Limerick:

Airports Near Limerick

  • Shannon Airport: Located just 25 km from Limerick City, Shannon Airport offers flights to and from several domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Limerick

  • Bus Eireann: This is the national bus service in Ireland and operates several routes to and from Limerick.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Car rental is a popular option for visitors who wish to explore Limerick and its surroundings at their own pace.

  • Taxi Services: Taxi services are readily available in Limerick and are a convenient way to get around the city.

How to Get Around in Limerick

Limerick is a compact city, and most of the tourist attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, there are several transportation options available for visitors, such as buses, taxis, and bicycles.

  • Bus: The Bus Eireann operates several routes in and around Limerick.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Limerick and are a convenient way to get around the city.

  • Bicycle: Limerick offers several bicycle rental options for visitors, which is a great way to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Limerick: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Limerick is surrounded by many charming towns and natural attractions, which make for great day trips and excursions. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Limerick:

  • Adare: Located just 20 km from Limerick, Adare is a charming town with historic landmarks, such as the Adare Castle and the Augustinian Friary.

  • Killarney: Located about 90 km from Limerick, Killarney is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures.

  • Cork: Located about 100 km from Limerick, Cork is a vibrant city, known for its food and drink scene, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Limerick is a charming city, which offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or outdoor adventures, Limerick has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit to Limerick and explore its top attractions, local culture, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.

The Treaty was supposedly signed on this stone, now perched on Thomond Bridge The Treaty was supposedly signed on this stone, now perched on Thomond Bridge King John's Castle on the River Shannon King John's Castle on the River Shannon St John's Cathedral has the tallest spire in Ireland St John's Cathedral has the tallest spire in Ireland University of Limerick University of Limerick Frank McCourt raises a glass to Limerick life Frank McCourt raises a glass to Limerick life Hunt Museum Hunt Museum Ardnacrusha power station Ardnacrusha power station