34 Fun Things To Do In Limerick, Ireland (For 2024)

There are lots of things to do in Limerick, Ireland. It is known for its charming old towns from medieval-era, Georgian townhouses, hidden gardens, museums, pubs, and castles. Limerick is a county in the Republic of Ireland and its biggest city is also called Limerick.

READ MORE: Best Hotels In Limerick City.

Limerick City is the center of the culture and history of this county and it’s only around 2 hours away from Dublin.

This guide consists of the best things to do in Limerick City and the rest of Limerick county.

34 Fun Things To Do In Limerick, Ireland (For 2024)

Check out the museums in Limerick

1. The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum houses one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century. These collections are owned by the Hunts Family who are well-known art collectors in Ireland. This collection includes works by world-renowned artists such as Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, Giacometti, and Yeats.

The museum holds about 2500 different artifacts from Ireland and abroad and some of them even came from stone-age Ireland.

Operation Hours

Monday to Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sundays 2 pm-5 pm

Admission Fee

Hunt Museum
Adult:  €7.50
Adult Group: €5.50
Senior: €5.50
Student (16+)  €5.50
Child (Under 16) Free

Lavery & Osborne Exhibition
Adult:  €10.00
Adult Group: €5.50
Senior: €5.50
Student (16+)  €3.50
Child (Under 16) Free

Combi Ticket

Adult:  €12.50
Adult Group: €10.00
Senior:€10.00
Student (16+)  €7.00
Child (Under 16) Free

Contact Information

Address: The Custom House | Rutland St., Limerick, Ireland

Phone:+353 (0) 61 312 833

Email:info@huntmuseum.com

2. Limerick City Gallery of Art

Limerick City Gallery of Art is one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Ireland. The gallery also holds regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary works and home to an important collection of Irish 18th – 21st century art in all media.

It is also one of the primary venues for EVA International, the Irish biennial of contemporary art.

Operation Hours

Monday-Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10:00-17:30
Thursday 10:00-20:00
Sunday 12:00-17:30

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: Carnegie Building, Pery Square, Limerick, Ireland

Phone:+353 61 310633

Email: artgallery@limerick.ie

3. Limerick City Museum

The Limerick Museum is another city museum in Limerick and was founded in 1907 on Pery Square. It has moved to several locations since then and is currently located in the old Franciscans Friary on Henry Street.

The museum has a collection of 60,000 objects gathered through donations, purchase and long-term loan. Among the more unusual items include Ireton’s Cat, a mummified cat found on Nicholas Street in the 1890’s; a fragment of the largest meteorite that ever falls in Ireland in 1813 and two World War II gas-masks, that fortunately never had to be used.

Operation Hours

Weekdays 10am-5pm (closed for lunch 1pm-2pm)

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: The Old Franciscan Friary, Henry Street, Limerick

Phone: +353 61 557740

Email:museum@limerick.ie

4. Frank McCourt Museum

The Frank McCourt Museum, in Limerick City, is a museum dedicated to the Pulitzer winner writer, Frank McCourt. It houses the memorabilia from the life and time of Frank McCourt, as depicted in Angela’s Ashes. The first of his autobiographic memoirs and one that was rewarded with the Pulitzer Prize.

Operation Hours

Monday -Friday- 11 am to 4.30 pm
Saturday – 2 pm –4 pm

Admission Fee

€4 (Student/ senior citizen: €3)

Contact Information

Address: Hartstonge Street, Limerick

Phone:+353 (61)319710

Email: frankmccmuseum@gmail.com 

5. Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum

Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum is the world’s only flying boat museum and the home of Irish coffee. It holds several aviation artifacts from the ’30s and ’40s.

Operation Hours

daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee

Adults: €12.00
Seniors/Students: €10.00
Children under 14: €6.00
Children under 5: FREE
Family Ticket: €30.00 (2 adults and up to 4 children)

Contact Information

Address: Ballynacragga North, County Limerick, Ireland

Phone: 00353 69 65416

Email:info@flyingboatmuseum.com 

6. Old Irish Ways

Old Irish Ways is a folk heritage museum located near the east Limerick town of Bruff. The museum was started back in 2008, with an idea of preserving the past for future generations.

The exhibits in Old Irish Ways recapture what life was like over 100 years ago, giving people a sense of what past generations grew up with.

Operation Hours

11 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee

€5 for adults with free entry for children

Contact Information

Address: Caherguillamore, Bruff, Ireland

Phone:+353 86 154 1078

Be amazed by the Castles in Limerick

 

7. King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King’s Island in Limerick and next to the River Shannon. The castle overlooks the river and the panoramic view of Limerick City.

The stunning new exhibition brings to life over 800 years of King John’s Castle and Limerick City’s dramatic history all through Touch-screen technology which will connect visitors to tales of siege and warfare.

And if you are staying in neighboring cities, it is one of the best day trips that you can do from Dublin, Cork or Galway.

Operation Hours

09.30am -5pm

Admission Fee

€10 for adult, €5 for children and €22 for family (2 adults + 2 children)

Contact Information

Address: Nicholas St, Limerick, Ireland

Phone:353 (0) 61 -711222

Email:reservations@shannonheritage.com

8. Adare Desmond Castle

The Desmond Castle is located on the edge of the village of Adare, just off the N21 on the main Limerick to Kerry road. The castle was erected with an ancient ring-fort around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years.

It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the rebellion in 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond who gave the castle its present name.

Operation Hours

daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Admission Fee

€5 per adult and €3.5 per child

Contact Information

Address: Limerick Road, Adare, Co. Limerick

Phone:+353 (0) 61 396666

Email:reception@adareheritagecentre.ie

9. Bishop’s Palace

The Bishops’ Palace is adjacent to King John’s Castle, it 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 house is currently occupied by Limerick Civic Trust and visitors are welcome.

Operation Hours

Monday to Friday 9 am -4 pm

Admission Fee

Donations are accepted

Contact Information

Address: Church Street Kings Island, Limerick

Visiting the churches is one of the best things to do in Limerick

 

10. St Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral is an 850-year old cathedral and the oldest building in Limerick. This cathedral was originally a royal palace for the Kings of Thomond but it was given to the church in 1168. This had been the center the government for early Medieval Vikings.

Operation Hours

9 am to 4 pm

Admission Fee

€5

Contact Information

Address: Bridge Street, Limerick, Ireland V94 E068

Phone:(061) 310 293

Email: info@SaintMarysCathedral.ie

11. St John’s Cathedral

St John’s Cathedral is another old historical church in Limerick. It was built in 1861 and it has the tallest spire in Ireland. The bell tower is so tall that you can see it from just about every building in Limerick defining its skyline.

Operation Hours

daily between 10 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee

None

Contact Information

Address: St John’s Cathedral, Cathedral Place, Limerick

Learn from the historical sites in Limerick

 

12. Lough Gur Visitor Centre

Lough Gur Heritage Centre is a community-run tourist and one of the must-see attractions in Limerick. The center tells the story of 6,000 years of habitation in the Lough Gur area. From Neolithic house sites to medieval castles, Lough Gur has monuments from every era.

The exhibition provides an overview of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. It is the only area in the country where you can see visible evidence of every age since Neolithic times and one of the best things to see in Limerick.

Operation Hours

Monday to Friday from- 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday-12.00pm to 6.00pm

Admission Fee

Adult: €5
Child: €3
OAP/Student: €3.30
Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children): €14

Contact Information

Address: Near Bruff, Lough Gur, Limerick

Phone: +353 (0)87 285 2022

Email: info@loughgur.com

13. The Treaty Stone

The Treaty Stone is a rough-hewn limestone block raised on a pedestal standing across the river Shannon from King John’s Castle in Limerick City. It commemorates the Treaty of Limerick signed in 1691 which ended the conflict between the Protestant and the Catholic Church.

Contact Information

Address: Clancys Strand, Limerick

14. The Toll House

The Toll House is crenelated Gothic-style folly next to Thomond Bridge, dating back to the 1840s.  Many of Limerick’s numerous bridges were paid for by tolls prior to 1900 and some of these houses still exist to the present day.

Contact Information

Address: 1, Castle Street Castle St, Limerick, V94 WR86

Relax at the gardens in Limerick

 

 

 

 

 

 

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15. Terra Nova Fairy Garden

Terra Nova is one of Ireland’s best known small, privately owned gardens and is a firm favorite with garden visitors of all ages. It is a winner of the “best garden in Ireland” award due to its beautiful gardens setting and landscape and the fairies and gnomes scattered around the garden.

This is one of the best things to do with kids in Limerick as they will enjoy the fairies hunt.

Operation Hours

daily from 11 am to 6 pm

Admission Fee

€6 per adult and €4 per child (under 2 is free of charge)

Contact Information

Address: Raymondstown, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Phone: 063 90744

Email: terranovafairygarden@gmail.com

16. Coolwater Garden

Coolwater is a wonderfully, artistically designed hidden garden in Limerick. Despite the water ponds and the aquatic plants being the main focal points, the garden houses several collections of plants, succulents, and trees from all over the world.

Operation Hours

Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm

Admission Fee

Adult: €6.00
Child: Under 16 free with an adult.
Senior / Student: €6.00 Family: €12.00

Contact Information

Address: Fedamore, Cloughadoolarty, Co. Limerick

Phone: 087 2584716

Email: info@coolwatergarden.com

Have a picnic in the parks

 

17. Curraghchase Forest Park

Curraghchase is a 774-acre forest park located in County Limerick. It is 20 km from the city of Limerick, between the towns of Adare and Askeaton. Curraghchase Forest Park is the woodland estate and lakes around the shell of the 18th century Curraghchase House. It is now open as a state forest and park.

There are 313 hectares of mixed woodland and 8km of multi-purpose way-marked trails. There are a number of looped waymarked trails in the park to suit all visitors.

Operation Hours

daily from 9 am to 9 pm

Admission Fee

€5 charge per car

Contact Information

Address: Kilcornan, Toreen, Co. Limerick

Phone: +353 61 337 322

18. People’s Park

The People’s Park, in Pery Square, is the principal park in Limerick City. It was formally opened in 1877, in memory of Richard Russell, a prominent local businessman.

The Park boasts a number of interesting items including a memorial upon a giant pillar to Thomas Spring Rice, a 19th-century Bandstand, an ornate drinking fountain, playground, and gazebos.

Operation Hours

8 am to dusk, and 8 am to 9 pm from the 3rd week in April to the 4th week in August

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: People’s Park, Pery’s Square, Limerick City

Explore the charming villages in Limerick

 

19. Adare

Adare is a small village in County Limerick. Renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns, Adare is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government.

An architectural wealth of scenic beauty, Adare’s main street is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries, ruins, and a picturesque village park. It is also one of the best day trips from Limerick City.

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: Adare, Limerick

20. Newtown Pery

Newtown Pery is an area of central Limerick and forms the main city center (or CBD) of the city. The district is known for its Georgian architectural heritage and is the core area of Limerick’s Georgian Quarter.

This Georgian Quarter gives Limerick it’s a unique historic character, which sets it apart from other towns and cities in Ireland.

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: Newtown Pery, Limerick

Other things to do in Limerick

 

21. Thomond Park Stadium

Thomond Park is a stadium in Limerick.  It is the home ground of Munster Rugby, one of the most successful and best supported rugby clubs in the world.  Follow in the footsteps of your Munster heroes by taking a look behind the scenes at the historic Thomond Park Stadium.

The full stadium tour consists of a museum visit and film, plus visits to the pitching side, the Munster dugout, the home and away dressing rooms and the post-match interview area.

Operation Hours

Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm

Admission Fee

Adult €10
children €8
Family package(2+2) €30

Contact Information

Address: Thomond Park Cratloe Road | Cratloe Road, Limerick V94

Phone: 061-421100

Email:  info@thomondpark.ie

22. Ballyhoura mountain bike trails

Ballyhoura is located south-east of Limerick. This mountain is famous for bike trails which is the largest in Ireland. It is 98-km of trails which includes forest road climbs, tight twisty singletrack with loads of ups and downs, board walk, tight turns, and technical rocky bits.

Admission Fee:

Free

Contact Information

Address: Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick

23. The Milk Market

The Milk Market is one of the oldest food markets in Ireland. Despite its name, it is selling a wide variety of foods which are produced locally.

You can sample the culinary delights of Ireland with Irish cheeses, fish, seaweeds, sausages, jams, chutneys, bread, and fresh-pressed apple juice. If you want something different to do, this is one of the fun things to do in Limerick

Operation Hours

Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday 8am-3pm
Sunday 11am -3pm

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Address: The Milk Market, Limerick, Ireland

Phone: 061 214782

Email: info@milkmarketlimerick.ie

Visiting Limerick and don’t know where to stay yet? Here’s our list of the best hotels in Limerick to help you get started. 

24. Visit the Treaty City Brewery

The Treaty City Brewery is located in the ancient medieval area of Limerick City. It operates as an artisanal craft microbrewery that produces some of the country’s greatest beers. Take a guided tour to find out more and take home your new favorite beer.

Enjoy a terrific craft beer experience at the Treaty City Brewery, which is housed in two refurbished 18th-century buildings with ties to Limerick’s history brewing sector.

See antiquities from all throughout Limerick, including a Pery Hotel bench and a fireplace from King John’s Castle.

25. Go to St Munchin’s Church

St Munchin’s Church is situated on King’s Island in the center of ancient Limerick. This parish church, which is still in operation today, has a main tower capped by four pinnacles.

You will be able to visit it, but you must be discreet because the church is frequently frequented during religious rituals. You may even be permitted to snap a few shots if you request permission on the spot.

Galleried transepts as well as a five-sided apsidal chancel grace the internal nave. Granite columns and colonnettes can be seen in arcades. A barrel vault serves as the ceiling. There are several memorial plaques and statues.

26. See the Sarsfield Bridge

The second River Shannon bridge is today known as Sarsfield Bridge, in honor of Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan, who is well-known in Limerick for his participation in the 1691 siege as well as the Treaty of Limerick.

The bridge itself is built up of five enormous and magnificent circular arches having an open balustrade that stretches from a man-made island designated Wellesley Pier but currently known as Shannon Island.

To allow smaller boats to pass, a lock mechanism has replaced the swivel portion. Aside from that, the bridge has stayed substantially intact since its construction and has its initial lamp standards.

27. Enjoy Indoor Activities at the National Kart Center

The National Kart Centre houses the World’s Largest Indoor Karting Arena, Europe’s First Indoor Drift Karting Establishment, and an enclosed Airsoft Facility.

Since its inception, the National Kart Centre has expanded from Ireland’s biggest indoor track to the World’s Largest Indoor Track. Many fast straights, multiple difficult turns with tunnels, and a bridge.

Pro Tip: Although it may not appear so, karting is a physically taxing sport. If you become unusually weary or ill, pull into the pits and notify us. You won’t get any awards for finishing the race at the expense of your health.

The same is true for ability; if you don’t feel entirely in control, slow down and ride at a safe pace; you’re here to have fun.

28. Explore Anne Fitzgerald Gallery

The diverse and varied works of globally known artist Anne FitzGerald are on show in a stunning historic building. Anne’s art encompasses stunning landscapes, coastlines, floral pieces, portraits, and still-lifes, along with Celtic patterns.

She is well known for her Dear God Kids the children’s characters. Anne Fitzgerald travels extensively as an internationally recognized artist. She lives in Limerick, Ireland, and creates from her gallery at Mungret College.

According to Anne’s philosophy, art is the gift of always producing from what you continue seeing and experiencing. Each day is an adventure with a hidden piece of art to be unearthed.

29. Indulge in Dreamland Fun Centre

Dreamland Limerick is a fantastic location, the type only seen in fairy tales or children’s imaginative play, where kids can be kids again and adults can be kids again.

Kids and parents can go down the magical slide together, purchase in the supermarket, fly on the flight of dreams, be a firefighter, get changed in the girl’s world, fix stuffed animals in the toy hospital, and enjoy a variety of other activities.

30. Have Fun at the Mungret Park and Playground

Mungret playground has been deliberately constructed to accommodate as many able-bodied youngsters as possible.

The play equipment is appropriate for both able-bodied as well as non-able-bodied children, and additionally, there is a sensory section for autistic children.

The playground and park are not only for kids. There are two kilometers of walking and cycling pathways, as well as breathtaking views from the summit of the property. Adult fitness equipment and seats are available along the park’s perimeter.

The region is rich in ancient relics, and Mungret College may be seen in the backdrop, adding to the total amenity value.

31. Observe the Tait Clock

The Tait Clock was erected in 1867 in commemoration of Limerick mayor Sir Peter Tait, who is most known for revitalizing the local economy by establishing the Limerick Clothing Factory. The clock is a magnificent Gothic building.

He spotted an opportunity for automated tailoring through his efforts. Fortunately, Singer had previously invented the sewing machine in the United States, and Tait founded the area’s first ready-made garment factory.

Tait’s Factory made military uniforms during both the Crimean War and the American Civil War. The clock is a historic monument that commemorates a time when manufacturing and industries were at the core of the city’s industrial environment, giving solid jobs for residents.

32. Head to Arthur’s Quay Park

Sit back and relax, or take a stroll in the park. View the magnificent Shannon River as it flows past the Treaty City.

Arthur’s Quay Park is located in the center of Limerick City and offers stunning views of the Shannon River and the Clare Hills.

The riverfront walk in the city leads past Arthur’s Quay Park, and King John’s Castle may be viewed farther up the river. The plants visible here are lime trees, which provide excellent shade on hot days.

33. Venture into Fitzpatrick’s Casino Limerick

Limerick’s casino is rather tiny. Fitzpatrick’s Casino Limerick is the recognized name of the casino. It has a limited quantity of slot machines. The overall number of active game tables is rather low.

The casino Limerick includes traditional table games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as Poker Table Games. Poker enthusiasts will discover poker cash tables with Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker, as well as Poker Tournaments. Fitzpatrick’s Casino Limerick is a long-established club where you will have a terrific time.

34. Savor Food and Drink at Mother Macs Public House

Mother Macs Public House launched in 2015 and has since been known for its extensive craft beer selection.

Rotating craft taps, guest taps, promotions, and a huge range of capped beers are available. It has an amazing whiskey variety, and every visitor should inquire about the Whiskey of the Month deals.

The distinctive building with huge open windows provides an unobstructed view of the passing world, and people who happen upon it are not disappointed to spend an evening meeting up with loved ones.

Mother Macs’ distinctive lettering is the creation of local and globally known sign writer Tom Collins and the present owners believe in displaying the great talents and ability of local artists.

Where to Stay in Limerick City

Travelodge Limerick Castletroy

Location: Dublin Road, Castletroy, V94 Y83C Limerick, Ireland

The Travelodge Limerick Castletroy is a modern hotel in Castletroy, just a twenty-five-minute drive from Shannon Airport and 3 kilometers from Limerick city center.

The rooms are big, with comfy mattresses and modern en suite bathrooms. All rooms include a TV, and the hotel offers free WiFi with unlimited bandwidth for all devices. Some rooms provide spectacular views over Limerick.

Café Noir serves traditional French cuisine. There is a comprehensive supper menu as well as a cutting-edge open-plan kitchen.

Price per Night:

•  $109 – $129

Amenities:

•  Non-smoking rooms
•  Facilities for disabled guests
•  Free parking
•  Free WiFi
•  Family rooms

Double Room For 2 (1 night): $109 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

•  1 double bed
•  15 m²
•  Private bathroom
•  Flat-screen TV
•  Free WiFi

The Savoy Hotel

Location: Henry Street, Limerick, Ireland

The Savoy operates as a boutique hotel in Limerick’s downtown, between the ancient King John’s Castle and the renowned Thomond Park.

It has three restaurants and beautiful accommodations with free Wi-Fi overlooking the River Shannon. Limerick’s shops, galleries, and restaurants are all within walking distance.

The Savoy Limerick’s air-conditioned lodgings all offer satellite TVs, towels, and sandals. They additionally have laptop vaults as well as entry to the 7th-floor Executive Lounge for executive rooms and suites.

A sophisticated gym, spa bathing, and plunge pool are available at the Savoy Aqua and Fitness Club.

Price per Night:

•  $213 – $525

Amenities:

•  Indoor swimming pool
•  Non-smoking rooms
•  Fitness centre
•  Spa and wellness center
•  2 restaurants
•  Facilities for disabled guests
•  Room service
•  Bar
•  Very good breakfast

Junior Suite For 2 (1 night): $525 Price (Includes taxes and fees)

Notable Inclusions:

•  1 extra-large double bed
•  Private suite
•  44 m²
•  Air conditioning
•  Ensuite bathroom
•  Flat-screen TV

Limerick City Travel Tips

Visit Limerick during the Summer

Although Limerick may be visited at any time of year, certain times of year are more pleasant than others, with the summer season giving longer days and warmer temperatures.

Summer is perhaps the greatest time to visit Ireland. Summer is, unsurprisingly, the most preferred season throughout the year for touring Limerick and its surrounding attractions.

What to Wear and Pack in Limerick

If you’re planning a vacation to Limerick, you might be wondering what to anticipate from the weather and what to take.

Summers are hot, so you just need the necessities. Bring clothing that you can wear outside if you want to travel as lightly as possible. Another must-have item is comfortable shoes, especially if you intend to walk around the city.

There are lots of Parking Spaces

There are lots of parking places in Limerick’s downtown, however they are not free. Some of the huge parking areas are secure and centrally placed throughout Limerick.

You may park on the street, which is less expensive in Limerick but less safe than garages. Free parking in Limerick is mostly available in the suburbs, which is difficult for regular travelers.

Limerick is Safe

Limerick is considered to be one of Ireland’s safest cities to visit. Some locations may appear harder than others, so always exercise common sense and trust your senses.

Limerick formerly had a poor image, but that is no longer the case. Statistics show that Limerick is a highly safe city these days. If you’re driving a car, as always, utilize safe parking and don’t leave valuables inside.