1. King John’s Castle
Step inside the walls of one of Limerick’s most iconic landmarks, King John’s Castle. A visit to this medieval fortress is a must when visiting Limerick City; set in the heart of the city's medieval quarter, visitors have the unique opportunity to discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives. Experience 800 years of dramatic local history come to life through 21st century touch-screen technology, 3D models, discovery drawers, and more.
In King John's Castle's spacious outdoor courtyard, visitors can try their hand at a series of medieval courtyard games including medieval archery, hopscotch, noughts and crosses, horseshoe throwing and tug of war. Meet some of King John's Castle medieval characters and climb the ancient towers for spectacular surrounding views across the River Shannon and the rooftops of Limerick City.
2. The Hunt Museum
Visit The Hunt Museum in Limerick City and see an internationally important collection of 2,000 original works of art and antiquity, one of Ireland's greatest private collections which spans from the neolithic period to the 20th century.
The diverse collection of antiquities and fine and decorative art at the Hunt Museum in Limerick City reflects the interests of the founders, John and Gertrude Hunt, with artefacts from Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Olmec civilisation, 18th and 19th century decorative arts, and the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore.
3. Arthurs Quay Park
Arthur's Quay Park is in the beating heart of Limerick City, with excellent views of the River Shannon and the Clare Hills. The city's riverside walk passes through Arthur's Quay Park, and King John’s Castle can also be seen up the river. The trees seen here are lime trees, great for some shade on a sunny day.
The park is in use for events throughout the year, like the renowned Riverfest, and is a popular spot locally at lunchtime to have a picnic, with plenty of seating and more peace and quiet than you could hope for in the centre of a bustling city.
4. Thomond Park Museum
Take a look behind the scenes at the historic Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick City. Thomond Park Stadium is the iconic home ground of Munster rugby.
The full stadium tour consists of a museum visit and film, plus visits to pitch side, the Munster dugout, the home and away dressing rooms, and the post-match interview area, taking you to places that are only accessible to players and officials on match days. The stadium's spectacular interactive museum showcases the proud history and heritage of Munster rugby, including an impressive range of memorabilia. The museum also contains fantastic interactive displays and touch screens suitable for all ages.
5. Limerick Greenway
If you’re looking for a family friendly adventure, the Limerick Greenway is not to be missed. Carving a 40km path through the local countryside, the Limerick Greenway offers an authentic experience of rural Ireland to cyclists, runners, and walkers of all ages and abilities. Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, the Greenway links West Limerick’s towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale with some fantastic heritage sites in between.
Along the route, visitors can pass through the 115m Barnagh Train Tunnel and cross the cast iron Ferguson’s Viaduct, both restored relics of the 19th century trainline. Visitors can also tour Desmond Castle in Newcastle West, visit the village of Ardagh where the iconic Ardagh Chalice was discovered, and explore the unique musical tradition of the Sliabh Luachra region in Abbeyfeale and Templeglantine.
6. Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum
Discover Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum at the original terminal building in Foynes, Co. Limerick. It recalls the nostalgic era of 1939 to 1945, when Foynes was the centre of the aviation world.
Explore the museum and learn how Foynes was once one of the great aviation hubs. Follow in the footsteps of Maureen O'Hara, John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the dignitaries, movie stars and refugees who landed here during World War II. See how this unique story is told by an original film in a 1940s style cinema. Check out the World War II exhibits and take the chance to board a life-size replica of the Boeing 314 Flying Boat. Spend some time exploring the maritime collection in the reinstated control tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the River Shannon.
7. Treaty City Brewery
Treaty City Brewery in Limerick's medieval quarter is an artisanal craft micro-brewery that makes some of the best beers in the country. Visit Treaty City Brewery in two renovated 18th-century buildings with links to Limerick's historical brewing industry and enjoy a fantastic craft beer experience. See antiques from across Limerick, including a seat from the Pery Hotel and a fireplace from King John's Castle.
Craft beer fans love the tours of Treaty City Brewery. Discover the brewery's hands-on approach to brewing and how the city of Limerick is championed through their beers and brewery. Enjoy a tasting session of the latest seasonal beers as well as the brewery's much loved pale ales and IPAs. Treaty City Brewery also uses the microbrewery as an experiment and innovation hub to develop new and unique beer recipes.
Where to Stay:
No. 1 Pery Square Co. Limerick
Overlooking the handsome, tree-lined Peoples Park in Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter, No.1 Pery Square is a luxurious and intimate boutique townhouse, situated just 5 minutes walk from the city centre & train/bus station. The house comprises of 20 bedrooms all individually named and styled.
Alongside the delicious food & wine served at Sash and the Park room lounge, No 1 also houses an organic VOYA spa tucked away in the basement vaults, its own kitchen garden, rooms full of personality and style throughout, and a boutique wine shop.
The Mustard Seed Co. Limerick
Nestled in the heart of the Golden Vale, overlooking the rustic village of Ballingarry, this restaurant is legendary for its superb food and warm hospitality. Sitting on acres of manicured lawns, orchard and a working kitchen garden, this eclectic heritage hideaway is the perfect house for your vacation stopover, romantic nights, lazy days, special occasions, family weddings, civil ceremonies, intimate celebrations, or exclusive hire.
Glin Castle
Glin Castle has been in the Fitzgerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin for over 700 years. The Castle with its superb interiors and decorative plasterwork stands proudly on the banks of the River Shannon surrounded by romantic gardens in 400 acres of woodland and dairy farm.
The castle is comprised of 15 luxurious en-suite bedrooms, a grand entrance hall, dining room, comfortable library and elegant light drawing-room, all with open fires. The kitchen offers the best in Irish country house cooking. Behind the house lie romantic pleasure grounds and a vibrant walled garden which supplies flowers, vegetables and fruit for the kitchen. Activities such as clay pigeon shooting, yoga and archery as well as evening whiskey tastings with Irish music & dancing can be arranged on-site.
Glin Castle is just under an hour's drive from Shannon airport and Ballybunion, Lahinch, Doonbeg and Adare golf courses, and is the perfect gateway to the southwest and the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a wonderful base for exploring The Burren, The Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, and the Dingle Peninsula, It comes fully staffed and offers the best in Irish Country House cooking, using fresh vegetables and fruit from the working walled garden and locally produced meat and fish.
Glin Castle is ideal for golfing groups, family celebrations and gatherings or intimate weddings.
