Being the only city in the world that nautically connects the Atlantic Ocean to the heart of medieval Ireland, Limerick’s waterfront setting gives it the edge on other European destinations. The longest river in Britain and Ireland is our backbone and the Atlantic is just a heartbeat away, so just like early medieval settlers – todays’ urban visitors can enjoy the best Irish hospitality and still be within an hour of Ireland’s most magnificent castles, fortresses and coastal cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 1: Discover Limerick City's culture and cuisine
Follow our 24 hour itinerary to discover Limerick City’s fascinating past, sports and avant-garde arts and dining scene, which will whet the intrepid visitor’s appetite to discover our world class destination that satisfies outdoor enthusiasts and culture vultures alike.
Visitors can take advantage of TFI Bike Hire for a quick and easy way to discover the city – for a nominal fee and refundable deposit, guests can pick up and drop their bikes at dozens of cycle hubs throughout the city.
Days 2 - 3: Enjoy the beauty of County Limerick
In contrast to the buzz of Limerick City, County Limerick is a place of rural charm and great beauty. Explore the Treaty County with our 72 hour itinerary, packed full of not-to-be-missed locations.
Take the scenic spin along the Shannon Estuary Way to Curraghchase Forest Park and Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, before stepping back in time at pretty Glin Village, the home turf of the Knights of Glin and beautifully appointed Glin Castle. Venture into the rich heartland of West Limerick and discover the town of Newcastle West and the Limerick Greenway. Then head south-east towards exhilarating opportunities at Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail and the charming, medieval Killmallock Village - a place that has rested peacefully in a valley for centuries.
Day 4: Discover Limerick's Golfing Scene
Limerick boasts some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the country. From parklands suited to all levels, to challenging courses which will test the best, our region has long been a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. Whether you're teeing off for the first time or chasing your lowest scorecard, play, explore, and be inspired!
Day 5: A day on the Wild Atlantic Way
Limerick is an ideal, central, convenient and multi-faceted base from which you can explore the very best of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Wild dramatic coastline, unforgettable cliff walks and rolling hills - peppered with historical ruins, picturesque villages, bustling market towns and breathtaking views. From Malin Head to Kinsale Harbour, this is Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way - 2,500km of coastal road that takes you into the heart of a unique way of Irish life. It’s a journey of music and people, of hidden beaches, peaceful bays and epic cliff tops. Click here to check out our sample itinerary.
Day 6: Set the compass East – for a half day trip
A short drive away, the neighbouring twin towns of Killaloe-Ballina offer a unique opportunity to get to grips with Limerick’s mighty river, The Shannon. In the 19th Century, Limerick was at the hub of Ireland’s river travel as the largest city on River Shannon’s 360km waterway, with manmade canals linking it to the capital. Guinness and other important products arrived this way, as did famous author Charlotte Bronte who took the ferry from Limerick City Pier across the Shannon to County Clare. Rediscover life on the Shannon aboard the Spirit of Killaloe which tours Ireland’s pleasure lake. Starting in Killaloe-Ballina, the Lough Derg Drive loop, spanning counties Clare, Tipperary and Galway, offers stunning lakeside views and charming towns and villages.
Day 7: Take a trip to the Lakes of Killarney
For more ambitious travellers, the famous Lakes of Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula - the filming location of Star War’s Last Jedi (2017), where intergalactic battles were planned - are all within a two hour drive.