Things to do in Limerick

This small city on the banks of the mighty Shannon River lies at the heart of one of Ireland’s most important areas with regards to Irish and Anglo-Irish history. Within the city are some fine museums and galleries, nestled among the many restored Georgian houses, which can stand up to any in the country. Just outside Limerick are some haunting archeological sites and the charming medieval village of Adare.

Adare Heritage Centre (Adare)

If you are looking for a quintessential Irish village then you’ll want to spend an afternoon in Adare, just 16kms south of Limerick. This town of 1,000 souls, set along the Maigue River, is full of picturesque thatched roof houses and Tudor-style homes with lovely gardens and ivy-covered medieval churches. To learn more about the town’s colourful history, stop at the small, friendly heritage centre. A walkthrough exhibit of Adare’s past, along with a model of the town as it was in medieval times, puts it all in perspective. Phone: +353 61 396 666.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Anyone with an interest in aviation or history will enjoy a visit to the original Shannon Airport, restored as a museum. In 1939, Pan Am’s luxury aircraft, the Yankee Clipper, landed its first commercial passenger flight to Europe here. Foynes went on to become the departure point for the first non-stop flights between Europe and New York. The complex has a 1940s-style cinema and café alongside the original terminal building, complete with all its equipment. Phone: +353 69 65416.

Glin Castle

For the past 700 years, this gleaming white castle has been the home of the knights of Glin. The rambling 395 acre estate is full of gardens, forests and farmland, ready to be explored. The current knight of Glin is a keen historian and preservationist. His collection of 18th century Irish furniture and memorabilia is quite impressive. You can even stay the night at the castle in royal accommodation, for a king’s ransom. Phone: +353 68 34173.

Georgian House and Garden

To experience the splendour of a Georgian house, you should pay a visit to this place, which is one of Limerick’s finest treasures. The entire grand home has been restored to its original state, from the lofty bedrooms to the stark servants’ quarters. The surrounding gardens are also quite lovely.

Hunt Museum

Housed in the grand 18th century Palladian Custom House on the banks of the Shannon River, this amazing museum contains the finest collection of Bronze Age, Iron Age and medieval treasures outside of Dublin’s National Museum. Most of the museum’s 2,000 artefacts come from the private collection of John and Gertrude Hunt, passionate antique dealers. Free guided tours are available. Phone: +353 61 312833.

King Johns Castle

This royal fortress on the banks of the Shannon River is the centrepiece of Limerick’s historic area. Dating from 1210, when King John of England ordered a strong castle to be built here, the building is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Ireland. Inside are some interesting audiovisual commentaries about the castle’s history along with a handful of artefacts. The best view of the castle is from the west bank of the river, or you can walk along the battlements and climb the towers for a sweeping view of the structure. Phone: +353 61 411201.

Limerick City Gallery of Art

The city’s main art gallery features a permanent exhibition of art from the 18th to the 20th century. Its highlight is the collection of works by the celebrated Irish painter Jack B Yeats. The gallery also hosts visiting art exhibitions from around the world, often rather adventurous contemporary works, so you can be sure of seeing something interesting. Phone: +353 61 310633.

Limerick Museum

This small but award-winning museum provides an excellent insight into Limerick’s history. It contains exhibitions about the archeology, natural history, civic treasures and traditional arts and crafts of the city. Historical maps, prints and photographs round out the collection. Among the more interesting items on display here are the city’s original charter, signed by King Charles II and Oliver Cromwell, and the civic sword given to the city by Queen Elizabeth I. Phone: +353 61 417826.

Lough Gur Interpretive Centre

Limerick’s most impressive ancient sites are centred around this beautiful lake, about 18kms south of the city. Lough Gur was continually inhabited from the Neolithic period up to late medieval times. The oldest attraction is the 4,000-year-old Grange Stone Circle, a site of 113 standing stones which form the largest prehistoric stone circle in Ireland. There are so many other sites to explore that it’s best to stop by the visitor centre first and get a map and some information. Phone: +353 61 361511.

St Mary’s Cathedral
The present cathedral sits on the site of one of the palaces of the kings of Munster, dating back to 1172. Although the current building is much newer, it still contains a 12th century Romanesque doorway, a pre-Reformation stone altar and the coffin lid of the king of Munster. The church has an interesting historical feel to it and is worth a visit. Phone: +353 61 310293.