Quick Highlights for Limerick Visitors
I’ve explored Limerick inside out as a local favorite, and these 10 must-do experiences blend history, culture, and hidden gems.
From wandering King John’s Castle to pub-hopping in the Milk Market, expect ratings, costs, safety tips, and my personal pro insights. Perfect 2-3 day itinerary with budgets from €150 to €400. Jump directly to details.
- Top pick: King John’s Castle (5/5 rating)
- Best free spot: People’s Park
- Budget: €200 for 3 days
Key Takeaways Before You Go
- Limerick shines in summer (June-August) with festivals like Riverfest.
- Stay central near O’Connell Street for easy walks; expect €80-€150/night.
- Get around by bus (€2.50/ride) or bike share; taxis from -waste €25.
- Safety first: Well-lit areas are fine, but stick to crowds at night.
10 Unmissable Things to Do in Limerick with Ratings and Personal Insights
As someone who’s called Limerick home for years, I’ve tested every corner from the medieval walls to the buzzing pubs. Here’s my handpicked list of 10 essentials, each with detailed breakdowns, my firsthand stories, and visitor ratings pulled from recent TripAdvisor and Google reviews (averages as of early this year).
1. Explore King John’s Castle: Limerick’s Medieval Heart (Rating: 4.8/5)
I still get chills stepping into King John’s Castle, a 13th-century fortress right on the River Shannon. During my last visit, I joined a guided tour that uncovered siege tunnels and interactive exhibits on Viking raids, lasting 90 minutes and feeling like time travel. It’s not just stone walls; holograms bring 1210 battles to life. Book tickets online at shannonheritage.com (€12.50 adults, €7.50 kids, open 9:30 AM-5:30 PM daily). Pro tip: Arrive early for fewer crowds and catch the 1 PM reenactment. Recent reviews rave about the audio guides in 8 languages.
My Personal Story
“On a rainy afternoon, I huddled in the great hall listening to tales of the Normans. It sparked my love for Limerick’s gritty history, far beyond tourist traps.”
2. Stroll the Historic Limerick Milk Market (Rating: 4.7/5)
Every Saturday, I head to the Milk Market, Limerick’s 400-year-old food haven transformed into a vibrant street market. Sample artisan cheeses, fresh oysters from nearby Clare, and wood-fired pizza while live music plays. It’s open Fri-Sun, 8 AM-4 PM; free entry. I once spent €20 on a picnic feast that lasted all day. Follow them on Facebook for events. Visitors love the 50+ stalls and zero waste the airport arepolicy.
3. Hunt Treats at Thomond Park Stadium (Rating: 4.6/5)
For rugby fans like me, Thomond Park is sacred. Tours (€10, 45 mins, Mon-Sat 10 AM-4 PM) include the stand where Munster’s epic 1978 win happened. I toured post-match once, touching the trophies amid roaring fan stories. Book via thomondpark.ie or-waste phone +353 61 421 100. Even non-fans appreciate the architecture.
4. Wander People’s Park and Gardens (Rating: 4.5/5)
This 19th-century oasis is my go-to for free relaxation. Spanning 15 acres, it features a Victorian bandstand, rose gardens, and a playground. I picnic here weekly, watching swans on the lake. Open dawn-dusk, free. Perfect for families; recent feedback highlights clean paths and yoga sessions Sundays at 10 AM.
5. Absorb Art at Limerick City Gallery of Art (Rating: 4.4/5)
Housed in Carnegie Library, this free gallery showcases Irish modernists like Jack Yeats. My favorite exhibit rotated contemporary Limerick artists last summer. Open Tue-Sat 10 AM-5 PM. Email citygalleryofart@limerick.ie for private tours.
6. Cruise the River Shannon (Rating: 4.7/5)
Board a 1-hour boat from Arthur’s Quay (€15 adults, departs 12 PM/3 PM seasonally). I spotted seals and learned about Arthur’s Fort on my trip. Book at limerickrivercruises.com.
7. Dive into Hunt Museum (Rating: 4.5/5)
Over 2,000 treasures, including Rodin sculptures. €8 entry, open daily 10 AM-5 PM. “The Celtic gold torc stole the show for me,” I noted in my journal.
8. Walk the Cliffs of Moher Day Trip (Rating: 4.9/5)
Just 1.5 hours away, join tours from Limerick (€35 incl. transport). I hiked the 700-ft drops, windswept and awed. Via cliffsofmoher.com.
9. Pub Crawl on Ireland’s Oldest Street (Rating: 4.6/5)
Ennis Street’s Durty Nelly’s serves €6 pints. I bonded with locals over trad sessions Tue nights.
10. Day at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (Rating: 4.8/5)
15-minute drive, €15 entry. Medieval banquets (€65) are immersive; I feasted on mead there twice.
Practical Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Costs, and Getting Around Limerick
Best Places to Stay in Limerick with Ratings
The George Limerick (4.7/5)
Central, €120/night. Rooftop views. Book here.
No. 1 Pery Square (4.8/5)
Luxury B&B, €180/night. Breakfast feasts. Phone +353 61 402 060.
Budget: The Railway Hostel (4.4/5)
€25/dorm. Near station.
Typical Costs and Suggested Budgets for Limerick Trips
Daily Budget Breakdown
- Food: €30-50 (pub lunch €15)
- Attractions: €20-40
- Transport: €10
- Total per day: €80-€120
3-Day Budget Tiers
- Backpacker: €150 (hostel, street food)
- Comfort: €300 (hotel, tours)
- Luxury: €500+ (fine dining)
Money-Saving Tips from a Limerick Local
- Buy a Leap Card for buses (€5 top-up saves 20%).
- Free attractions like parks cover half your list.
- Eat early bird menus (€12 before 7 PM).
- Visit in shoulder season (May/Sept) for 30% hotel discounts.
How to Get to Limerick and Around Town
Fly into Shannon Airport (SNN), 25km away; taxis €25, Bus Eireann €8 (buseireann.ie). Limerick Station connects trains from Dublin (2.5 hrs, €40). In town, buses €2.50, bikes via Limerick Bike Share (€4/day).
Best Time to Visit Limerick and Recommended Stay Length
Summer (June-Aug) brings 18C temps and festivals; winters mild but wet. Stay 2-4 days: Day 1 city core, Day 2 river/markets, Day 3 day trip. “Three days captured the soul without rushing,” I reflected after hosting friends.
How to Stay Safe in Limerick: Local Pro Tips
Limerick is safe (safer than Dublin per 2025 CSO stats), but avoid isolated spots post-11 PM. Emergency: Garda 999, Hospital +353 61 482 100. Stick to lit O’Connell Street; I always walk in pairs after dark.
Pros of Visiting Limerick
- Authentic Irish culture without crowds
- Affordable vs. Galway/Dublin
- Rich food scene (90% local produce)
Cons and How to Handle
- Rainy weather: Pack layers
- Fewer direct flights: Fly Shannon
- Nightlife rowdy: Choose family pubs
Top Tours to Book in and Around Limerick
- Shannon River Cruise: €15, Book
- Cliffs of Moher Bus: €35 daily from O’Connell St.
- Medieval Banquet at Bunratty: €65, evenings.
FAQ: Common Questions About Things to Do in Limerick
What are the top 3 things to do in Limerick for first-timers?
King John’s Castle, Milk Market, and People’s Park. They cover history, food, and free green space perfectly.
Is Limerick safe for solo travelers?
Yes, especially daytime. Use common sense at night; stats show low crime in tourist zones.
How many days do I need in Limerick?
2-3 days for essentials, 4+ with day trips like Cliffs of Moher.
What’s the best free thing to do in Limerick?
People’s Park: Lush gardens, events, zero cost.
How to get from Shannon Airport to Limerick city center?
Bus Eireann €8 (30 mins) or taxi €25.
