Limerick: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on Limerick in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on what to expect, where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Limerick, the third largest town in the Republic of Ireland, is a captivating place to visit.
It's situated in County Limerick, on the crossroad of important roads, and has a rich and fascinating history.
It was founded on the shores of the majestic River Shannon in the 9th century CE during the Viking Age, but earlier settlements were found in this area.
Thanks to its location and history, there are plenty of attractions and exciting things to do in Limerick for all types of travelers.
On top of that, Limerick is also a gateway to Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.
Or, as it was in our case, a welcome stop along the way.
And after several days of driving along remote coastal regions, we were excited to explore one of the biggest cities in Ireland.
So here's everything you should know about Limerick before you go.
What to See and Do
One of the best things about the city is that many of the top things to do in Limerick are within walking distance.
Most of the attractions, sights, restaurants, and hotels are within a 30-minute walk radius, making it extremely easy to see the best Limerick has to offer, even in a short amount of time.
Thanks to this, the best way to get around Limerick is on foot, especially if the weather is pleasant.
By the way, if you want to really see all major attractions, consider purchasing Discover Limerick PASS - an Official Sightseeing pass for the city and region of Limerick.
And what is there to see and do in Limerick?
King John's Castle
Without any doubt, King John's Castle is the most impressive structure you can find in Limerick.
And not just in Limerick. This is one of the most stunning castles in Ireland.
This massive Norman fortress overlooking the River Shannon is situated in the heart of Limerick's Medieval Quarter, so it's easily accessible on foot from the city center within a matter of minutes.
King John's Castle offers a great insight into the history not just of the castle itself but also of the city of Limerick and its people.
It was built during 1200-1212 CE on an existing fortification and named after John, Lord of Ireland.
The castle was extended and repaired in the following centuries. Allow yourself about two hours for the castle and the museum.
The entry fee to King John's Castle is €13 per adult, and they also offer family tickets and student/senior discounts.
It's recommended to make your reservation online.
King John's Castle is open every day from 9:30 AM until 6 PM (last admission is at 5 PM).
The Hunt Museum
Situated on Rutland Street in Limerick's city center, the Hunt Museum exhibits a private collection of antiquities and arts donated by the Hunt Family.
The variety of exhibits is quite eclectic.
It ranges from artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, medieval materials, including ceramics, jewelry, and stone statues, to artists' works from Jack B. Yeats, Pierre Auguste Renoir, and Pablo Picasso.
Even though the museum is relatively small, there is plenty to see for lovers of history, culture, and art.
And unlike some huge museums, you won't definitely feel overwhelmed on your first visit.
Therefore, it's one of the best museums in Limerick.
The entry fee to Hunt Museum is €10, and the museum is open every day except for Mondays.
By the way, if you're looking for inspiration on what to do in Limerick on a rainy day, this museum should not fly under your radar.
The Three Bridges Walking Route
If you asked us what is one of the best things to do in Limerick, we would say it's the Three Bridges Walk.
This 3.5-kilometer circular trail follows the shores of the River Shannon and features some of the best views and most iconic landmarks, such as King John's Castle, Hunt Museum, Treaty Stone, and St. Mary's Cathedral.
The path is flat and easy, so it's suitable for most ages and abilities.
There are over 20 points of interest to explore along the way, and you can download a free brochure on the official Limerick website to get the most out of this walk.
Arthur's Quay Park is considered the official starting point of this trail.
As this is a looped walk, starting at Thomond Bridge or Shannon Bridge will work as well.
Simply put, this trail is perfect for everyone, but especially for those pressed for time, as it helps you maximize your time in the city.
Limerick City Gallery of Art
If you're tired of medieval history, head to Limerick City Gallery of Art, which holds the largest and best contemporary art in the Mid-Western Region.
The museum is quite small and located in the historic Carnegie Building in the People's Park.
There is no admission, so it's a good place to visit, especially if traveling around Ireland on a budget.
The art gallery is open every day, usually from 10 AM to 5 PM.
There is also a small People's Museum of Limerick on Pery Square, only a short walk from here, which you can visit if you're a museum lover.
The Treaty Stone
If you're interested in the history of Limerick, you should not miss the Treaty Stone by the Shannon River.
Sure, this stone monument is not the most spectacular attraction in Limerick, but it's about the historical importance rather than the wow factor.
As the name suggests, this is the stone that the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691.
Consequently, Limerick was known as the Treaty City. And what did the treaty do?
It finally ended the 1689 to 1691 Williamite War and marked the surrender of the William of Orange and his army.
By the way, this mounted limestone block is not small by any means, but it's still easy to miss when walking along the riverfront.
It's just opposite King John's Castle, right by the Thomond Bridge.
St. Mary's Cathedral
Founded in 1168 CE, St. Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Limerick.
It can be found near the Shannon River on the way to King John's Castle.
Today, it's still used as a place of worship.
You can enjoy walking around the grounds, see the old graveyard, admire the interesting architecture, and wooden carvings (misericords), read and browse the exhibits, and marvel at lots of beautiful, richly colored stained glass windows.
Unlike some other places, there is a small entry fee of €5 per adult.
Walking Tours
To get an overview and learn more about one of the oldest cities in Ireland, its rich history, and its people, consider taking a guided walking tour.
Here you can reserve Limerick Walking Tour.
Best Day Trips from Limerick
There are tons of amazing places within driving distance from Limerick.
If you decide to base yourself in the city, don't limit your plans by exploring just the County Limerick.
This option is great for those who prefer to enjoy the perks of the city but still want to see some of Ireland's highlights.
So here are a few tips to make your Limerick trip even more memorable.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
If you're looking for the best half-day trip from Limerick, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park might check all your boxes.
For starters, this well-preserved medieval castle is close to the city, only a short drive from Limerick.
The current structure was built in the 15th century, though its history spans over 1000 hundred years.
The 19th-century folk village is situated within the castle grounds and features about 30 traditional structures from this era.
Therefore, this is one of the best things to do in Limerick for families with kids.
If you're looking for more castles within driving distance from Limerick, check out Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, or Birr Castle.
Adare
Another great tip on a half-day trip from Limerick is the small village of Adare.
The village is located on N21, about 20 kilometers southwest of the city center, so it's easy to get there by car or bus.
And why should you want to visit Adare in the first place?
It's touted as the prettiest village in Ireland. And even though this is very subjective, there is no denying that Adare has its charm.
So what is there to see and do in Adare?
It's known for traditional thatched cottages, a few churches, a nice easy river walk, and a handful of great Irish pubs.
If you're looking for an Irish small-town experience (a village in this case), Adare is a great place to visit.
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
This museum is located on N69 along the Wild Atlantic Way, about 40 kilometers west of Limerick.
The little town of Foynes played a vital role in aviation during the late 1930s and early 1940s when regular planes didn't have enough flying range to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to its strategic location, Foynes was the last port of call for seaplanes, which dominated transatlantic traffic during this period.
During the early days of World War 2, it was one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe until 1942, when the Shannon Airport was built.
The museum tells the story of aviation, journeys of passengers across the North Atlantic, and the rich local maritime history of the River Shannon estuary and the port of Foynes.
By the way, Foynes is also one of the places claiming to develop the modern recipe for Irish coffee.
The entry fee is €12 per adult.
Lough Gur
Only 20 kilometers south of Limerick can be found Lough Gur, home to the largest stone circle in Ireland.
It's known as Grange Stone Circle and was built around 2000 BCE during the Bronze Age. Its internal diameter is 45.7 meters, while the bank is up to 1.5 meters high and 9 meters wide.
There are more archeological sites around Lough Gur, indicating that this used to be an area of great importance and sanctity until medieval times.
Furthermore, the lake itself is known for its beauty and tranquility, so it's popular with travelers looking for a relaxing getaway from their everyday life.
One of the best ways to explore the Lough Gur area is on foot.
There are two great trails, both of which start at the visitor center.
A 2.5-kilometer Magical Lough Gur trail will take you around the lakeside on a journey back in time.
Alternatively, you can walk, cycle, or drive a 4.5-kilometer linear route to learn even more about the cultural heritage of this area.
For more information on Lough Gur, don't forget to drop by the local visitors center.
Cliffs of Moher
Whether you're visiting Ireland for the first time or not, the Cliffs of Moher are a highlight of every trip.
What's even better is that this natural landmark situated on the edge of the Burren region is only a bit over an hour's drive from Limerick.
The cliffs run for about 14 kilometers and rise more than 200 meters above the restless waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Without any doubt, Cliffs of Moher are pretty much on every Ireland bucket list.
So if you're looking for the best day trip from Limerick, Cliffs of Moher should be at the very top of the list.
County Kerry
If you're staying in Limerick for a few days, you should also consider visiting some of the best places in County Kerry.
Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park, and even the Ring of Kerry are highlights of every Ireland road trip, and they are still very accessible by car from Limerick.
There is just so much to see and do in County Kerry, and the local scenery is just beyond description.
How Much Time Do I Need
As usual, how much time you should spend in Limerick depends on many factors, such as your Ireland travel itinerary, travel style, length of your trip, etc.
In general, we believe that one day in Limerick is more than enough.
Despite the fact that this is one of the largest cities in Ireland, it's still fairly compact and easy to explore on foot.
It makes sense to arrive in Limerick in the afternoon.
Your room will be ready, and you will still have time to get a sense of the area and see some of its top sights.
In the evening, you can explore the local restaurant and bar scene.
The following morning, you can explore Limerick's remaining attractions or even leave early if you have seen it all.
As a bare minimum, we would recommend at least four to six hours for Limerick.
While your trip will definitely feel a bit rushed, you will still have enough time to experience some of Limerick's highlights.
On the other hand, it's easy to spend even two or three days in Limerick, especially if you base yourself in the city and incorporate some day trips into your travel itinerary.
When to Go
Even though you can visit Limerick any time of the year, some months are better than others, with the summer season offering longer days and nicer weather.
Arguably, summer is the best time to visit Ireland, especially if you plan to explore also places such as the Wicklow Mountains and Connemara National Park.
Not surprisingly, summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Limerick and its nearby attractions.
Spring and autumn are perfect seasons to visit Limerick for those who are looking for cheaper accommodations and fewer tourists.
Visiting Limerick in winter might not be a bad idea, but it mostly depends on what kind of holiday you want to have.
Once again, the short, wet, and cold days are much more bearable in the city.
But the weather situation will be less pleasant once you head out to the Gap of Dunloe or Cliffs of Moher.
What to Pack
If you're traveling to Limerick, you may be questioning what to expect from the local weather and what to pack for your trip.
Summers are warm, so you need just the essentials.
We usually try to travel as lightly as possible, so we bring clothes that we can also wear to explore the outdoors, such as functional T-shirts.
Don't forget that it often rains on Emerald Isle, even during this period.
A quality rain jacket should be on your Ireland packing list, regardless of the time of the year.
Comfortable shoes are another essential item, especially if you plan to get around the city on foot.
Winters are not as cold as you would expect due to the mild climate, but they're not warm by any means either. As usual, layers are the key to success.
Don't forget that a daypack can make or break your day trip, make sure it's comfortable and lightweight.
How to Get There
Visitors can get to and from Limerick by bus, train, taxi, and car. Some options are more convenient than others.
We visited Ireland on a road trip, and getting to Limerick by car was very easy.
However, Limerick is well-connected with the rest of Ireland, and it's also easy to get there by bus or train.
If you follow our suggestions, here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Car
In our opinion, driving is the best way to get to Limerick, regardless of your location.
From Dublin, follow M7 for about 200 kilometers. The journey takes about two and a half hours, depending on current traffic conditions.
Galway is about 100 kilometers north of Limerick, and the trip via M18 takes about an hour and a half.
Cork can be found about 100 kilometers south of Limerick, and the journey via N20 takes about an hour and a half as well.
Killarney, a getaway to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park, is about 110 kilometers southwest of Limerick via N21, N23, and N22.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is plenty of parking spaces in the center of Limerick, but it's not free.
Some of the large parking lots, such as Q-Park Henry Street or Harveys Quay, are secure and located in the heart of Limerick.
If your hotel doesn't have parking, we would most likely leave our vehicle in one of those places.
The main downside is that it's fairly expensive, but not as much as in other Irish cities.
Alternatively, you can use on-street parking, which is relatively cheap in Limerick but less secure than garages.
Free parking in Limerick can be found mainly in the suburbs, which is highly inconvenient for regular tourists.
If you stay in one of the central hotels without on-site parking, ask the front desk staff whether they offer some discount for a nearby parking lot to save some money.
Train
Colbert Station is Limerick's main and only train station, so all train services depart or end there.
It's conveniently located on the edge of Limerick's city center, so it takes only a few minutes to reach some of Limerick's top attractions.
The main disadvantage is that you will most likely need to change the train at Limerick Junction.
For instance, not every train between Dublin and Limerick is direct.
Bus
Getting to and from Limerick by bus is probably your safest bet if you want to rely on public transport.
Bus 13 runs between Limerick and Tralee, while bus route 14 links Limerick with Killarney.
Bus 51 runs between Galway and Cork, with a stop at Limerick.
Air
In case you land at Shannon Airport, you can take bus 343 (Bus Eireann), which goes to Limerick.
Alternatively, you can rent a car at Shannon Airport if you want to explore Ireland by car.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation in Limerick, you'll find a good variety of options. From budget-friendly guesthouses and boutique hotels to welcoming B&Bs in the countryside outside the city, there is a good choice of places to stay and rooms in Limerick.
If you ask us for advice on where is the best area to stay in Limerick, we would unequivocally say it's the City Center.
It features main tourist sights and attractions, and consequently the best hotels. Without any doubt, this is the best area to stay to maximize your time in Limerick.
Another popular area is Castletroy, about four kilometers east of the city center, but we believe this location is not very convenient for most tourists.
Obviously, you can also stay in the countryside (for instance, in Bunratty). Still, this option is, in our opinion, suitable for travelers looking to spend only a few hours in the city.
In summer, making your reservations in advance is always recommended due to higher demand.
Here are the best hotels in Limerick.
Budget | The Old Quarter Townhouse - Situated in the heart of Limerick, this budget-friendly hotel features en-suite rooms, full Irish or vegetarian breakfast, an adjacent bar with live music on weekends, and cozy rooms.
Mid-range | George Limerick Hotel - With a central location, contemporary style, stunning rooms, and an excellent restaurant, this is one of the most popular hotels in Limerick. Great value for money.
Luxury | The Savoy Hotel - This beautiful boutique hotel in the center of Limerick has an excellent location, luxurious bedrooms, a spa bath, a plunge pool, a bar, and a fine dining restaurant.
Staying Safe
In general, Limerick is one of the safest cities to visit in Ireland. We covered a fairly large area of Limerick on foot and felt very safe, even at night.
Some areas might seem rougher, so always use your common sense and follow your instincts.
Limerick had a bad reputation in the past, but that's the past.
These days, statistics say Limerick is a very safe city.
As usual, if you have a car, use secure parking, and don't leave your valuables inside your vehicle.
Furthermore, this is not some remote peninsula such as Beara or Mizen.
So, watch out for pickpockets, and be careful anywhere that's crowded.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Limerick Worth Visiting?
Even though Limerick is often overshadowed by Galway, Cork, and Dublin, we believe it's worth visiting.
There are plenty of things to see and do, so you could easily spend a whole day exploring.
On the other hand, we believe it's worth seeing even when you're pressed for time.
Furthermore, Limerick has a fantastic location. It's roughly halfway between Galway and Cork, plus it's along the way from Dublin to Killarney.
It almost seems there is no way to skip Limerick, as you will most likely pass by the city at some point in your journey.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
