A Quick Guide to Limerick

Limerick is a busy and lively city set on the the banks of the wide River Shannon and is Ireland's fourth most populous city. Its proximity to Shannon Airport means that many visitors arrive in Limerick on their first day in Ireland, and far too many of them just pass though.

Although it doesn't always enjoy uniformly good press (of which more below), Limerick has a lot to offer and its main attractions are within easy reach of each other in the city centre. You cannot miss King John's Castle, an early 13th century Norman castle build as a defensive bastion in a prominent position on the river bank - it dominates the city. The best view of the castle is from the other side of the river but it is also worth climbing the castle ramparts for the views.

The Hunt Museum is a fine Palladian building, also on the river, which contains the wonderful and eclectic collection of artifacts amassed by John & Gertrude Hunt during a lifetime of careful collection. It's a true treasure trove, with everything from stone age and bronze age artifacts to 20th century art, with works by among many others Picasso, Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats and Henry Moore. There is jewellery, enamels, ivories, ceramics and crystal, over 2000 items in all.

The Treaty Stone is a treasured possession of the city, though visitors can be forgiven for wondering what is so special about this unadorned lump of rock. It was the stone on which the famous Treaty of Limerick was signed, an agreement which ended the Williamite war in Ireland between the Catholic Jacobites and the Protestant supporters of William of Orange, and which remarkably allowed the local Jacobite soldiers (the losing side) the option of escape to France, to the dismay of many of William's followers.

You are almost certain during your time in Ireland to hear Limerick referred to as Stab City, an unfortunate sobriquet it has earned due to ongoing feuds between rival gangs which have led to a high number of stabbings, shootings and other violent incidents. Don't be put off for even a second. These incidents are confined to a small number of people who live in huge housing estates at the outer edges of the city - the central parts are utterly unaffected and perfectly safe.

Another thorn in the side of Limerick people is the success of Frank McCourt's book Angela's Ashes, which portrays the city in a very poor light and is deeply resented. It is possible to do an Angela's Ashes walk, but honestly not worth it - that Limerick no longer exists either physically or mentally and the current city is a forward looking and open minded one very different to the place where McCourt grew up.

It is impossible to mention Limerick without paying tribute to its glorious tradition in Rugby. The game is akin to a religion around these parts. Thomand Park is home to the mighty Munster team, a dominating force in European rugby who are supported with a passion that goes well beyond fanatical. If you are fortunate enough to get the opportunity to go to a game it will, I promise you, be the experience of a lifetime.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Limerick or that can be visited while using Limerick as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

The Hunt Museum
Remarkable collection of Irish and European art, ceramics, enamels and other artifacts collected by John and Gertrude Hunt

Ailwee Cave
Ireland's largest cave system beneath the Burren in Co Clare are partially explored during a guided tour at Ailwee Caves.

Ennis Friary
Home to Franciscan Monks for almost 800 years, the town of Ennis in Ireland grew up around Ennis Friary which was once home to over 1000 monks and their followers.

Loop Head
Avoid the crowds and go to the secret places most tourists never see.

The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland's most visited places, with the recently opened visitor center, is it still worth visiting?

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Reconstructed rural and village homes surrounding Bunratty castle which give a glimpse into how our ancestors lived in Ireland.

The Burren
The Burren is a unique landscape, a vast limestone plateau with many megalithic remains where many rare plants and flowers grow.

Festival and Events

Shannon International Music Festival Music: Classical | Date: July 9th - 13th

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Limerick:

Fishing Tour of Ireland
A three-center suggested fishing tour of Ireland, with great variety and lots of touring potential along the way for non-fishers.