7 Reasons to Visit Limerick in 2020

Consider yourself a history buff? You're in luck! You can take a journey through time and discover the long and eventful history of the 12th century St. Mary’s Cathedral, take in the remarkable archaeology and 21st century technology at the 13th century King John’s Castle! The Norman town of Kilmallock in County Limerick has a history that is evident through the rich architectural heritage.

Culture vultures are spoilt for choice in Limerick! Art galleries are sprawled throughout the city and county, while Limerick’s museums are interesting, exciting and enticing! 

The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities including works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats; the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum captures the story of how Foynes became one of the great aviation hubs of the world from 1937 to 1945! The free Limerick Museum illustrates the history of Limerick and its people.

Limerick’s vast and appealing landscape will thrill your inner adventurer! The city can be seen from the mighty River Shannon on a kayak tour with Nevsail.

The hugely popular Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail in County Limerick has 98km of trails surrounded by rolling green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains.

For those who like to take in the fresh air in a more laid back setting, the new scenic riverbank walkway takes you from the City Centre to the University of Limerick, while the Limerick Greenway is a unique 39km stretch of countryside just waiting to be discovered!

Limerick is rightly famed as the sporting capital of Ireland thanks to the support and passion of the locals.

Limerick's love of rugby is world renowned and a visit isn’t complete until you’ve seen Munster Rugby play at their home in the iconic Thomond Park Stadium.

Visit the Gaelic Grounds to take in an exciting game of hurling, the state of the art Limerick Greyhound Stadium promises a night of entertainment and the unique atmosphere at Limerick Racecourse is the perfect excuse to get your gladrags out! 

Limerick FC soccer team have recently returned to their spiritual home in the Markets Field and just returned to top flight football! 

Limerick’s diverse festivals listing is a feast for all the senses with music, fashion, athletics and family fun creating a year-round programme of entertainment! 

Limerick’s St. Patrick’s Festival brings performers and marching bands to the city’s streets every March; Limerick’s favourite festival, Riverfest, kick starts the summer in May; and the city hosts the World BBQ Championships this October!

Limerick is the retail capital of the Mid West, offering a memorable shopping experience with a fabulous selection of stylish boutiques, high street favourites and the largest shopping centre outside Dublin.

Taking an amble around the bustling Milk Market's 50 stalls and 21 shops, with the smell of fresh flowers and even fresher produce in the air is a must on a Saturday morning.

Visit the Made in Limerick store to find unique products made in Limerick, by Limerick residents. The artists and their products are diverse, ranging from knitwear to sculptures and everything in between.

Limerick’s food scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with a variety of award-winning restaurants, quirky cafes and tasty street food!

Providing a genuine taste of the best that contemporary Irish cuisine has to offer, The Oak Room restaurant in Adare Manor has just won a prestigious Michelin award while Canteen, Limerick Strand Hotel, Copper and Spice and No. 1 Pery Square in Limerick City and Adare's The Mustard Seed, The Wild Geese, The Green Apron and The Good Room all feature in McKenna’s Guides Best in Ireland 2019. 

Looking for food inspiration? Check out our extensive restaurant listing here.