Planning a hen weekend or girlie getaway with a difference? Make a break for some serious fun in Limerick with incredible value in city-centre hotels, mouth-watering food in cool restaurants and pubs buzzing with atmosphere.
Friday
Stay Central
With enough funky, affordable properties in the heart of the Treaty City, even high heels or stiff trainers won’t put a kibosh on an energetic itinerary for any member of an incoming entourage.
For cutting edge chic and bold style, The George Hotel is bang central and The Old Quarter Townhouse has brand new digs close to the Milk Market. Limerick City Hotel is beside one stop makeover hub, Bellissimo – while Limerick Strand Hotel offers panoramic city views.
Evening
Check it out now
No point in wasting valuable time – hit the decks in style on Friday Night with any of our Cocktail Bar suggestions. With old reliables, non-alcoholic and creative mixes on the menu – everyone can get the party going with a splash of flavour.
Limerick’s diverse dining options cater to every whimsical taste – try sushi at Taikichi or Kyoto Sushi & Noodle on the ambient, riverside George’s Quay. Afterwards, linger on in the lamp lit fresh air at The Locke Bar to sample Limerick’s craft beer scene.
Saturday Morning
Market Research
Start the day with a visit to the famous Milk Market to find fresh food or kitschy keepsakes, and then get down to business – shopping in Limerick City is convenient and comprehensive with Limerick City's largest department store, Brown Thomas, featuring some of the world’s leading brands, and high street chains along Cruise’s Street and Bedford Row.
Time for brunch?
Try Canteen for artisan produce or The Buttery for a hearty refuel. Brown’s Restaurant in Brown Thomas provides sustenance before exploring the four floors of designer, up to the minute style.
Head back in time for vintage clothing and paraphernalia at Lucky Lane and The Edge Clothing Company which is near the Milk Market, both offering unique fashion statements. Portabello Antiques on Ellen Street and Hamptons on Roches Street are an Aladdin’s Cave of vintage jewellery and collectables.
Linger along The Fashion Quarter for a selection of fine fashion boutiques like Be Fabulous, Cinderella Boutique, Dani’s Closet, Gretta Gibbs, Irish Handcrafts, O’Donnell Boutique and White Feather Boutique.
Afternoon
And then to Lunch
Limerick has the finest produce from farm to plate. Hook and Ladder has a crowd pleasing menu while Bella Italia offers the best of Italian food at sensible prices. Milano Limerick on the Quays proffers good food and wonderful, riverside views.
Or afternoon tea – anyone?
For something sweeter, head to MM Café on Thomas Street or Bean a Tí Bakery and Café on pretty Little Catherine Street. No 1 Pery Square, The Savoy or Miss Marples Tea Rooms might be your cup of tea, for a flavour of sophistication – or head out of town to the spectacular Adare Manor for the ultimate afternoon tea experience.
Get on your bike
Take time to retreat to the hotel to deposit the spoils from all of that retail hunter gathering, before trying something more energetic. A walk around Limerick’s Three Bridges that span across Ireland’s largest river or hiring a bike to see the city on two wheels are refreshing ways to take in this city of architectural contrast. For a completely different experience, explore Limerick City from the perspective of the river that shaped it with a Nevsail Limerick City Kayak Tour.
Or maybe not!
Of course, not everyone wants to take to the river or road – some visitors want to chill down – and that’s another Limerick speciality. Check out our best Spa days that will leave you ready for a night on the town.
Limerick City also comes up trumps in the pampering department, with some of the most talented professionals in the country who can sculpt, groom and style - like award winning Niall Colgan’s Salon or busy Bellissimo Studio – the cure for a blustery afternoon on a bike or kayak.
Evening
Stepping out
Pre drinks and a glitzy meal is the way to put the best foot forward – Treaty City Brewery is Limerick’s craft beer of choice, while cocktails overflow at House, 101 O’Connell Street and The Old Quarter - places that will launch an epic night. Top dining tables to be seen at include Maggie Choo’s at 101, Hampton’s Grill or The River Restaurant at The Strand. For more casual dining, Curragower Bar and Restaurant is uniquely situated on the banks of the River Shannon in the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Quarter. As well as delicious pizza, Cobblestone Joe's offers a selection of craft beers on tap in a warm friendly atmosphere. Finish off the night at Dolan’s Warehouse for live entertainment, Nancy Blake’s for great atmosphere, 1314 late night speakeasy, cocktail and gin bar, or let the DJ at Amber Nightclub spin the soundtrack to your weekend.
Sunday
Discover the past – the morning after…
Explore Limerick’s medieval quarter with a visit to the impressive King John’s Castle, a place with interactive storytelling that gives Limerick’s incredible 1,000 year backstory throughout the ages, with a stunning Shannon River backdrop for some Instagram magic. Splendid Gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral and The Hunt Museum (opened from 2pm) are a stone’s throw away.
Before leaving the Treaty City, stop by Crescent Shopping Centre for a last blast at shopping before lunch at any of the delicious food outlets there.
