Where to base yourself
- Limerick city centre: around O’Connell Street, the riverside and the Georgian quarter — walkable and well connected.
- Adare: village inns and a world-famous manor hotel, 20 minutes from the city.
- Bunratty: a cluster of hotels and B&Bs by the castle, ideal for Shannon Airport.
- Ennis: a lively, music-loving county town 25 minutes north of the airport, closer to the Cliffs of Moher.
Food, drink and sport
Limerick was long known for its bacon and ham, and the Milk Market on Saturday is the best place to taste the region. The city’s restaurant scene has grown quickly, particularly around Thomas Street and the riverside. Traditional pubs include Nancy Blake’s, the Locke Bar by the river, which has music nightly, and Dolan’s, the city’s main live-music venue. Limerick is the home of Munster Rugby: a match night at Thomond Park is an experience, and the stadium runs tours and a museum.
Saving money
- The Limerick City Gallery of Art, the People’s Park, the Georgian streets and the riverside walks are free.
- Book King John’s Castle and Bunratty online for lower prices; combined tickets are sometimes offered.
- Coaches to Dublin are generally cheaper than the train.
- Flying into Shannon can cost less in time and car-hire days than Dublin if your trip is mostly in the west.
Practicalities
Limerick’s rough reputation is decades out of date; the centre is as safe as any Irish city, with the usual late-night caution. The Shannon is tidal and fast here — admire it from the quays and the boardwalk. Shops close early on Sundays. If you are flying out of Shannon, allow extra time for US preclearance.
Sample plans
One day
King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral in the morning; walk the riverside to the Hunt Museum; lunch at the Milk Market or nearby; afternoon at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, staying for the banquet or returning to the city for music.
Two days
Add Adare for a stroll and lunch, then Lough Gur’s stone circle — or head west along the estuary to Foynes.
