Details for Limerick
County Limerick blends historic landmarks with riverside scenery and rural charm. Limerick City offers medieval attractions like King John’s Castle, while the countryside reveals rolling farmland and heritage villages. The Shannon River shapes much of the county’s character, offering scenic walks and water activities. With a growing food and arts scene, County Limerick is an emerging destination that balances history, culture, and modern energy.
Limerick in the midwest of Ireland is a bustling city nestled between areas of outstanding natural beauty from the Burren in Co. Clare in the north to the stunning Ring of Kerry in the south. Its past is etched from Viking and Norman, to Medieval and Georgian, to modern times. It is also the spiritual home of Irish rugby. A compact city with a colourful past, you won't find much of the Limerick portrayed in Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes, but you can retrace his childhood footsteps. Visit King John's Castle in the heart of Limerick's Medieval Heritage precinct on Kings Island. Other landmarks to spot are Thingmount (a Viking counsel chamber and court of justice), the former Bishop's Lady's Palace, the City Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone, and Thomand bridge. Culture: Fancy seeing an art collection with some Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, O'Conor and Yeats? Then head for the Hunt Museum, set in the former 18th Century Custom House. Limerick City Gallery of Art is home to an important collection of Irish Paintings, while Limerick Museum is a Gulbenkian award winner filled with much earlier antiquities. Time out: Take a breather in the People's Park or Arthur's Quay Park to recharge your batteries. Walk along the river or take a boat trip down the Shannon Estuary to do a spot of whale watching.
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Discover Thomond Park's place in the world of rugby
Discover Thomond Park's place in the world of rugby
A tour of Thomond Park stadium where Munster beat the All Blacks 12-0 in 1978 is a great place to visit if you're either a rugby fan or just want to experience the city's sporting culture. Tours that go through areas that can be seen only by players and a museum are also available.
Enjoy the finest art by the likes of Jack B. Yeats and Seán Keating
Enjoy the finest art by the likes of Jack B. Yeats and Seán Keating
Make your way into the Limerick City Gallery to find a superb collection of Irish painting. The selection is quite vast, but among the works that should not be missed are "Chairoplanes", Jack B. Yeats’s portrayal of an amusement ride, and Seán Keating's "Simple Folk".
Excite all your senses at The Milk Market
Excite all your senses at The Milk Market
In an old stone building that was once a corn market, Saturday mornings become the best time to capture the fusion of flavours, music and nice banter. With its grand new canopy, it’s a place buzzing with activity that gives the opportunity to savour the best pastries of the city and to buy the local artisan's works.
Recite or listen to poetry at the White House
Recite or listen to poetry at the White House
In the White House, the city’s oldest pub,The Irish President Michael D. Higgins has recited his poetry. Nowadays everyone can do the same with their own works, while free snacks are served for those who listen.
Sit at the same school desk as Limerick’s most famous writer's
Sit at the same school desk as Limerick’s most famous writer's
Even though he was born in Brooklyn, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt was educated in Limerick and wrote the book "Angela’s Ashes", which is about his childhood in both cities. His old school is now a museum, and a classroom from the 1930s is stored inside.
Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour
Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour
This guided tour presents the Limerick City locations described in the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Angela’s Ashes,” by Frank McCourt. Tours depart from the Limerick Tourist Office in Arthur's Quay.
Belltable Arts Centre
Belltable Arts Centre
Belltable is the centre of performance and visual arts for the mid-west region. It has a programme filled with theatre, dance, film, music and visual art running throughout the year. The annual Spring festival of Fringe theatre, Unfringed, brings together all manner of performances.
Bishops Palace - Limerick Civic Trust
Bishops Palace - Limerick Civic Trust
Adjacent to King's John's Castle, this is the restored home of former Protestant Bishops of Limerick. The Palace has a classical facade and is related to the English Palladian style. The General Tour showcases the military memorabilia and artefacts gathered by the Carol family through the generations.
Canon Sheehan Loop
Canon Sheehan Loop
A journey through mythic, Hobbit-esque landscapes, the Canon Sheehan Loop is a verdant green trail on the border with Cork. Wander impish woodlands in a haze of wildflowers and natural forestry. Stop to admire the "mass rock" - used as an altar for outdoor Catholic masses in the 17th century. The trail is 7.6km and suitable for all skill levels.
Desmond Castle Adare
Desmond Castle Adare
This 13th-century castle was erected with an ancient ring fort by the Earls of Kildare. In the rebellion of 1536, it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond who gave the castle its present name. The guided tours start from Adare Heritage Centre, where a shuttle bus will take you to the castle.
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
Intrepid adventurers will delight in these stories about the brave world of transatlantic air travel. Learn the history of the flying boats in an authentic 1940's cinema featuring the award winning film 'Atlantic Conquest,' or marvel at the only Boeing B314 replica in the world. The museum also showcases the original terminal building, radio and weather room, compete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment.
Hunt Museum
Hunt Museum
Housed in the Palladian Custom House, the Hunt Museum holds the finest collection of bronze age, celtic and medieval treasures outside Dublin. Ancient Irish metalwork, European works of art, and a selection of 20th-century European and Irish paintings, including works by Jack B. Yeats, are on view. If you would like to take a break there is a café overlooking the river.
King John’s Castle
King John’s Castle
This 13th century Castle is located on King’s Island, at the centre of what was once a medieval town. Admire panoramic views of the surrounding city and take a walk on the battlement to spot excavated pre-Norman houses and fortifications.
Bella Italia
Bella Italia
Located in the heart of Limerick city, Bella Italia's house-made pasta and sauces can be eaten in or taken out. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the Yogorino counter's selection of frozen yogurt, crepes and waffles.
Copper And Spice
Copper And Spice
This restaurant beside the Mulcair River offers Indian and Thai cuisine, as well as rotating monthly specials. A great choice for those preferring a meat-free meal. Take-away and delivery also available.
Freddy's Bistro
Freddy's Bistro
Irish and Italian cuisine, with options that include seafood and some vegetarian dishes. The chefs only use local products and organically grown vegetables. The interiors feature wood floors and furniture, as well as red brick walls.
French Table
French Table
Gaze on to the River Shannon as you enjoy fine French wines served by the glass, carafe or bottle. Lunch and dinner offerings, including take-away options, consist of signature dishes such as soups and seafood that change daily.
Hamptons Grill
Hamptons Grill
This New York style restaurant specialises mainly in grilled food: specials include BBQ ribs and chicken curry, as well as seafood options like local scallops. Pasta and rice dishes cater to vegetarians.
No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa
No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa
This hotel shines in summertime: the Georgian terrace opens to BBQs, cocktails parties, and events. For a local flavour, try Limerick's own Treaty City Brewing Selection and cider.
Porters Restaurant
Porters Restaurant
Managed by an award-winning chef, Porters Restaurant offers both á la carte and table d’hôte menus. Main events include the daily Radisson Super Buffet Breakfast, and the 4-course Sunday Buffet Lunch.
The Buttery
The Buttery
Owned by a brother and sister duo, The Buttery features a menu filled with courses that take inspiration from their travels, including frittatas and homemade soups for brunch, as well as à la carte offerings for dinner. They also offer catering services for any event.
Delish Cafes
Delish Cafes
With two locations in Limerick at Castletroy and Raheen, Delish Cafe offers savoury main courses for lunch as well as sweet cakes, brownies and tarts.
Hook & Ladder
Hook & Ladder
Hook & Ladder is more than your average cafe: it is also a cookery school and a furniture and home accessory shop. Savour delicious coffee, local produce, and original home design. Serving breakfast, snacks and evenings meals - as well as scrumptious baked goods.
Petit Paris Cafe
Petit Paris Cafe
Enjoy breakfast or lunch at this chic cafe. Salads, sandwiches and omelettes can be paired with delicious desserts including crepes and Belgian chocolate cookies. Saturday brunch is from 9am to 1:30pm.
The Buttery
The Buttery
Headed by a brother and sister duo, The Buttery's menu takes inspiration from the proprietor's travels - everything from frittatas and homemade soups to à la carte offerings for dinner. Take away is an option, and happy hour is every Friday from 3pm to 5pm.
The Drawing Room at Adare Manor
The Drawing Room at Adare Manor
Indulge in luxury at the Adare Manor Hotel. Enjoy coffee in the gilded Drawing Room, where natural light shines through the wide windows illuminating the luscious gardens. Its two fireplaces are adorned with carvings of Pegasus and decadent oak leaves.
Bobby Byrnes
Bobby Byrnes
A much-loved city centre bar since 1953, Bobby Byrnes offers food at the warmth of an open fireplace. Special events include the Twenty Thursday: order a meal for two for €20 between midday and 3pm, and Bobby's Summer Lunch: €18.95 for two courses, every Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Dolan's Pub and Restaurant
Dolan's Pub and Restaurant
This live music venue hosts events with national and international musicians, as well as comedy acts.
Michael Flannery’s Pub
Michael Flannery’s Pub
Since 1898, Flannery's has shared its love of Irish whiskey with visitors from near and far. Staff will suggest a drink from their "Whiskey Bible". Bar open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with breakfast and lunch served until 3pm from Monday to Saturday.
Nancy Blakes
Nancy Blakes
Lunch is served Monday to Friday, with a late bar 5 nights a week. Musical offerings includes traditional Irish music on Sunday, and enjoy live music on Wednesday and Thursday at "The Outback", a beer garden surrounded by a canopy.
The Glen Tavern
The Glen Tavern
Run by the Callanan family for generations, this tavern's menu features specials like The Glen Ploughman’s Lunch and Traditional Irish Stew. Watch sport events like rugby and soccer, enjoy weekly live music by local artists, and make good use of the pool table.
The Locke Bar
The Locke Bar
This award-winning pub at the point of confluence between the Abbey River and River Shannon is one of Limerick´s oldest, dating back to 1724. Featuring an outdoor area, the Locke is known for its Ocean Fresh Seafood Menu and daily specials. Traditional Irish Music & Dance event daily from 9pm to 11pm.
Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre
Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre
Overlooking Arthur’s Quay Park and the River Shannon, this centre is home to over three dozen shops and services, from literature by Quay Books to local garments by Irish Handcrafts. It includes three restaurants and a food court, as well as ample space for parking.
Brown Thomas
Brown Thomas
The Brown Thomas store at O'Connell street stocks iconic brands for men, women, and children, as well as classy homewares. Stop for lunch at the chic Brown Thomas Restaurant.
Cruise's Street Shopping Centre
Cruise's Street Shopping Centre
An attractive old-world village-style mall developed from an original city street, this centre houses a large number of retail outlets offering clothing and homewares.
Irish Handcrafts
Irish Handcrafts
The oldest retail business on Patrick Street, Irish Handcrafts offers handmade gifts for all ages, budgets and tastes.
Limerick Animal Welfare Shop
Limerick Animal Welfare Shop
Dogs are welcome in this thrift store. Products range from bedroom sets and sofas to musical instruments and jewellery. All the proceeds go towards maintaining a local animal sanctuary.
Lucky Lane
Lucky Lane
Described as a "covered courtyard", the Lucky Lane warehouse stocks anything you can imagine: from second-hand clothing and furniture, to books, art, and Celtic themed jewellery. This is surely the perfect place to find a unique and lasting souvenir or gift.
Milk Market
Milk Market
Old-world magic is abound at this traditional market. From local arts, crafts and speciality food to unique health and beauty products, The Milk Market has it all. Taste freshly-baked cakes while visiting the farmer's market on Saturday, or listening to live music every Friday from 12.30pm to 2pm.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
The busiest time of year for Limerick's tourism is during the months of July and August, in which the weather is warm and appropriate for a bath. Always expect some rain however, as Limerick's weather is quick to change. Otherwise, the least expensive and crowded seasons for visiting are fall and winter, which are also characterised by a higher chance of rain and humidity, as well as lower temperatures.
Passport / Visa
Passport / Visa
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland can enter Ireland without a visa. Citizens of a further 56 countries, including many in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and more are also visa-exempt. A short-stay visa waiver programme allows visitors of certain nationalities to enter Ireland visa-free if they are in possession of a UK type "C" visa, and have gone through initial immigration clearance in the UK. Holders of a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen, or of a red United Nations laissez-passer also enjoy a visa exemption. For those who do need a visa, one should be applied for in advance via an Irish embassy or consulate closest to them. Some nationalities also require a transit visa, even if they do not plan to leave the airport en route to their final destination. Check whether you need a visa, and what prerequisites and fees may apply:
Airport
Airport
Shannon Airport is located approximately 28 km from Limerick City. There are direct year-round services to and from many destinations in the UK and Europe. There are also regular international flights from the USA and other worldwide destinations. Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus service, offers frequent services to and from Shannon Airport. The bus journey time between Shannon Airport and Limerick takes about 33 min. Check out Bus Eireann's timetables to plan how you can get to and from Shannon Airport: www.shannonairport.ie/passengers/to-from/bus/ Taxis are available at the 24-hour taxi desk in the Arrivals Hall or you can also book one in advance: www.shannonairport.ie/passengers/to-from/airport-taxis/ Vehicle Hire is readily available but advance reservation is recommended particularly during main holiday periods. If you are intending to hire a vehicle please ensure you have a current driving licence: www.shannonairport.ie/passengers/to-from/car-hire/
Public Transport
Public Transport
Buses are convenient and affordable to use in Limerick. For information on bus times, tickets and prices go to www.buseireann.ie For information on rail services go to www.irishrail.ie.
Taxi
Taxi
Taxis and Hackney Cabs are available in Limerick. Taxis can be hailed down in the street, but Hackney Cabs must be booked from offices. Costs are measured by distance, taxis have a metre. If you have to be somewhere at a particular time, it is wise to book in advance as offices can be quite busy. All hotels will have a local taxi number.
Currency, Bank Hours and Credit Cards
Currency, Bank Hours and Credit Cards
The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. One euro consists of 100 cents. notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm. Each bank has one later opening day per week. Bureau de Change facilities as well as ATM machines are available at most banks. Money transfers can be organised through Western Union Money Transfer. MasterCard, Visa and American Express credit cards are widely accepted in Ireland.
Driving
Driving
If you intend to rent a car when you’re in Ireland, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. In particular pay attention to the speed limits: 120km on motorways; 100km on national roads; 80km on regional and local roads; 50km in a built-up area.
Electricity
Electricity
The standard voltage in the Republic of Ireland is 220 volts. Plugs are 3-pin flat, therefore adapters are required for 2-pin appliances. En-suite bathroom shaving points normally have 110 and 240 volt outlets.
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