County Limerick, in Ireland’s southwest, offers a delightful blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural attractions for travellers seeking a rewarding getaway. With its rolling green hills, scenic riverbanks, and welcoming towns, this county provides a diverse range of experiences. From medieval castles to tranquil gardens and vibrant city streets, Limerick invites visitors to discover its rich offerings at their own pace.
King John’s Castle, a 13th-century fortress on the River Shannon in Limerick city, stands as a proud symbol of the county’s past. Visitors can explore its stone towers and battlements, with interactive exhibits bringing medieval life to life through touchscreens and costumed guides. The castle’s courtyard and river views offer a perfect spot for photos, blending history with a scenic setting.
Limerick city, a cultural hub, buzzes with historic sites and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can stroll the Georgian quarter, admire St Mary’s Cathedral with its 12th-century stonework, or wander along the Shannon riverside. The Hunt Museum, housed in a former custom house, showcases art and antiques, from Bronze Age tools to Picasso sketches, providing an engaging experience for history and art enthusiasts.
Adare, often called Ireland’s prettiest village, offers a picturesque experience with its thatched cottages and historic charm. Visitors can explore Adare Castle, a 13th-century ruin, through guided tours, or wander the manicured gardens of Adare Manor, a luxurious estate open for public walks. The village’s cosy tearooms and craft shops create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Curraghchase Forest Park, near Kilcornan, spans 313 hectares of woodlands, lakes, and trails. Visitors can walk or cycle paths through ancient trees, spotting deer and birds, or enjoy a picnic by the lake. The ruins of Curraghchase House, once home to poet Aubrey de Vere, add a touch of history to this tranquil retreat for families and nature lovers.
Foynes Flying Boat Museum, on the Shannon Estuary, celebrates Limerick’s role in aviation history. Housed in the original 1940s terminal, the museum features a replica Boeing 314 Clipper and exhibits on transatlantic flights. Visitors can board the replica, explore vintage equipment, and enjoy a coffee in the themed café, making it a unique stop for aviation buffs.
The Milk Market, located in Limerick city, is a historic covered market offering a taste of local culture. Visitors can browse stalls selling artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and handmade crafts, with the market’s courtyard providing a relaxed space to enjoy a coffee or pastry. The lively yet laid-back vibe makes it a perfect spot to soak up Limerick’s community spirit.
Ballyhoura Mountains, straddling Limerick and Cork, offer a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking wind through forests and hills, with viewpoints like Seefin offering sweeping vistas. Visitors can explore independently or join guided tours, enjoying the area’s fresh air and peaceful landscapes.
Desmond Castle, in Newcastle West, is a 13th-century stronghold with a turbulent history. Guided tours take visitors through its restored banqueting hall and stone chambers, sharing tales of the Desmond earls. The surrounding town offers riverside walks and a museum on local history, creating a rewarding stop for those keen on medieval heritage.
Terra Nova Garden, near Croom, is a four-acre fairy-themed garden blending horticulture with whimsy. Visitors can wander through rose arches, a hobbit-like house, and a fairy fort, with sculptures adding playful touches. The garden’s tearoom and guided tours make it a delightful destination for families and garden enthusiasts seeking a unique experience.
The Lough Gur Visitor Centre, near Bruff, unlocks the secrets of a 6,000-year-old archaeological site. Visitors can explore a lakeside trail with Stone Age ruins, a wedge tomb, and a crannog, with the centre’s exhibits explaining the area’s ancient past. Guided walks and the serene lake setting appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike.
County Limerick’s mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural hubs creates a rewarding destination. Whether exploring medieval castles, strolling through fairy gardens, or savouring local markets, travellers will find plenty to enjoy in this inviting corner of Ireland.
County Limerick:
Ireland’s county Limerick combines historic landmarks with riverside charm, with Limerick City’s King John’s Castle offering insights into medieval history along the Shannon. The Hunt Museum showcases an eclectic art collection, while Adare’s thatched cottages and historic manor add picturesque appeal. Other attractions include the nearby Ballyhoura Mountains’ cycling trails. Limerick is Ireland’s tenth largest county by size (2,686 sq km), and ninth largest by population (209,536). Population peaked at 330,029 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 133,339 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Limerick is Ireland’s seventh most visited tourist county with around 420,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Things to do
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
