Bustling Limerick City, the country’s third largest city has a pace and dynamism you’ll find nowhere else in Ireland. Put simply, Limerick is a place for getting out and about!
Where better to begin your Limerick itinerary, than in its city centre. Limerick is an ideal city to explore on foot or by the city’s very own Bike Rental Scheme. Limerick city, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is a Viking city dating back to the 9th century and is home to a multitude of historical and cultural treasures.
Its castles, ancient walls and museums are a testament to its dramatic and captivating past. Explore King’s Island - the Medieval Quarter of Limerick and, to bring your Limerick experience to life, why not take a walking tour or perhaps a kayaking tour of the city to see Limerick’s medieval gems from a completely different perspective. Celebrate our Street Art, Women of Limerick and our architectural heritage (Shannon River Treasure Trail) with one of these self guided trails on an open air walking tour around the City Centre and along the beautiful River Shannon.
Cover image: @kingjohnscastle
There is a mind boggling amount of history to absorb here, including the 13th Century King John’s Castle. Imagine a Norman soldier’s life in this ancient fortress and take in some of the very best views of the city from its medieval turrets.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is the oldest building in Limerick still in daily use and, if the walls could talk, what a story they would tell! Immerse yourself in Limerick’s fascinating history at the nearby Limerick Museum and at the Hunt Museum, which houses over 2,000 works of art and antiquity, including pieces by Renoir and Picasso. Get up close and personal with Limerick's past at The People's Museum which showcase the eclectic and fascinating collection of items in the care of Limerick Civic Trust. Make sure to also take in some sporting history at Limerick’s Thomond Park Stadium.
While you soak up Limerick’s amazing historic sights, don’t forget to also savour the here and now. Take in the eyecatching Limerick Street Art dotted around the city; check out its eclectic boutiques, its colourful and cosy cafés and the award-winning Milk Market.
If a moment of solitude is desired, the waterfront provides a picturesque and peaceful experience on the banks of the majestic River Shannon, as does the beautiful urban oasis that is People’s Park.
If you fancy indulging in some retail therapy, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Limerick. Limerick city centre is compact, easy to navigate and boasts a range of big brands and independent stores.
Limerick is a haven for foodies with a wide range of dining options serving up everything from contemporary cuisine to traditional fare.
Continue up the main street, O’Connell Street, toward the elegant Georgian streets of the Newtown Pery area of the city, Limerick’s Georgian Quarter. Explore one of the finest collections of Irish contemporary art at the Limerick City Gallery of Art and the area in which Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes) grew up can all be found here.
No visit to Limerick City would be complete without a visit to its legendary pubs and lively bars, or if you are looking for something a little different, Treaty City Brewery is a unique and authentic experience. Enjoy a tour of this artisan craft brewery located in a historical building dating back 250 years, in the heart of Limerick's medieval quarter,
Limerick has some great theatres, venues and performance spaces, both in the city and county, with a live music scene that is recognised nationally. Our handy what's on listing will help you find the best events to take in on your visit!
While Limerick is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, it is easy to find yourself drawn into conversation or debate by the warmth in the welcome of the locals. In fact, it has often been said that perhaps Limerick’s biggest attraction of all is the people themselves who are warm, witty and welcoming!
