King John's Castle reflected in the waters of Shannon river, Limerick

Things to do in  Limerick

Stories etched in stone

Founded by Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, quirky Limerick sits right where the famous River Shannon meets the Wild Atlantic Way. With a population of around 100,000 residents, Ireland’s fourth largest city holds its own, with ancient castles, great pubs, and plentiful museums, and it also offers access to Ireland’s rugged western coast. There’s plenty of room to be surprised when it comes to things to do in Limerick, named the country’s first national City of Culture in 2014.

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Top 5 attractions in Limerick

#1

The Burren

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Covering an area of more than 115 square miles (300 square kilometers), the Burren is a vast, otherworldly expanse of scarred and fissured limestone rock, naturally sculpted through acidic erosion. Though it may look barren from afar, this rocky plateau is anything but lifeless. In spring and summer, wildflowers and rare plants thrive here.More
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#2

Bishop's Palace

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Set inside an elegant Georgian mansion, Bishop’s Palace covers the history of Waterford from 1700-1970. Its collections include many rare and precious objects, including the only surviving mourning cross of the 12 commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother, and the Penrose Decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Treaty Stone

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It was upon this chunk of limestone—set on a pedestal by the banks of the River Shannon—that a peace treaty was signed in 1691, putting an end to the Williamite War and supposedly securing freedom for Ireland’s Catholics. The terms of the treaty were, however, ultimately ignored, earning Limerick the name “the City of the Broken Treaty.”More
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#4

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

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Set on the banks of the River Ratty, this imposing 15th-century castle has been immaculately restored and is filled with period furnishings. The estate encompasses a re-created 19th-century village where visitors can explore typical rural dwellings and businesses, as well as observing demonstrations of traditional jobs and crafts.More
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#5

Rock of Cashel

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The fifth-century home of the kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel—or St. Patrick’s Rock, as it’s also known—is now home to a collection of religious monuments, including a roofless medieval cathedral and a 12th-century chapel. Set atop an elevated knoll, the site commands excellent views over the green, grassy Irish countryside.More
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Explore Limerick by interest

Top activities in Limerick

Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Limerick: Including The Wild Altanic Way

Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Limerick: Including The Wild Altanic Way

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236
From
$47.64
Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Limerick: Including The Wild Altanic Way

Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Limerick: Including The Wild Altanic Way

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38
From
$58.22
Adare To Cliffs of Moher Co Clare Private Car Tour

Adare To Cliffs of Moher Co Clare Private Car Tour

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1
From
$1,005.64
per group
Adare Manor to Dublin Airport Premium Car Service

Adare Manor to Dublin Airport Premium Car Service

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1
From
$688.07
per group
Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Limerick: Including Killarney National Park

Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Limerick: Including Killarney National Park

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65
From
$58.22
Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket

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177
From
$20.06
Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour

Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour

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17
From
$158.79
Private Transfer between DUBLIN & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between DUBLIN & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles

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2
From
$555.75
per group
Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles

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7
From
$132.32
per group
Cliffs of Moher from Adare Manor Private Tour

Cliffs of Moher from Adare Manor Private Tour

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1
From
$688.07
per group
Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles

From
$206.42
per group
Private Walking Tour of Limerick City

Private Walking Tour of Limerick City

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6
From
$264.64
per group
Transfer - Limerick City to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan

Transfer - Limerick City to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan

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1
From
$449.89
per group
Private Transfer between DUBLIN & ADARE | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between DUBLIN & ADARE | Premium Vehicles

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2
From
$661.61
per group
Transfer - Limerick City to Dublin (or reverse) - Premium Sedan

Transfer - Limerick City to Dublin (or reverse) - Premium Sedan

From
$741.00
per group
Transfer - Limerick City to Cork City (or reverse) -Premium Sedan

Transfer - Limerick City to Cork City (or reverse) -Premium Sedan

From
$476.36
per group
Private Transfer between CORK & ADARE | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between CORK & ADARE | Premium Vehicles

From
$301.69
per group
Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket

Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket

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19
From
$13.23
Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles

From
$291.11
per group
Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon

Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon

From
$196.89
per group
See all Limerick tours

All about Limerick

When to visit

Limerick’s high season is summer, aka June–August. If you’re looking for warm temperatures and water adventures, this is the time to visit. But if you enjoy smaller crowds and are into deals, consider late spring and early fall (roughly May and September). You’ll get the joys of summer with more elbow room, and you’ll only need to pack an extra jacket.

Getting around

Limerick is fairly compact. If you nab lodging in the city’s center, you could walk, bike, or take the bus to nearly every attraction, including King John’s Castle and King’s Island, the city’s historic core. Of course, most visitors want to explore outside the city and into the countryside, which requires having your own vehicle or taking a tour with included transportation.

Traveler tips

Once you’ve wandered spots like the historic Milk Market and Georgian Quarter, enjoyed a pint of Guinness, and explored King John’s Castle, you’ll probably want to discover Ireland beyond the city. Limerick is a great home base for day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and the Burren. If you don’t have a rental car, tours with included transportation abound.

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People Also Ask

How do you spend a day in Limerick?

Start in Limerick with a classic Irish breakfast—try Story Cafe, near the must-visit Milk Market. From the market, head to King John's Castle, a medieval fortress in the city's heart. After a local pub lunch, explore the Georgian Quarter and St. Mary's Cathedral. End with a River Shannon cruise.

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Is Limerick Ireland worth visiting?

Yes, Limerick, Ireland, is worth visiting. Its history spans from the Vikings to medieval castles to present day, and it’s one of the country’s buzziest cities with markets, galleries, museums, and pubs galore. It’s also a good basecamp for trips into western Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and Cliffs of Moher.

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What is Limerick best known for?

Limerick is perhaps best known for King John’s Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, it was commissioned by King John, the brother of Richard the Lionheart. Limerick is also Ireland’s first City of Culture—home to famous folks including author Frank McCourt and the rock band, The Cranberries.

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Is Limerick and Cork better to visit?

Whether Limerick or Cork is better to visit depends on the experience you’re looking for—and where you want to explore. Cork is larger, more metropolitan, and offers better access to the country’s southern reaches. Limerick is slower-paced and more laid-back, and just near the Shannon Airport.

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What are the best things to do in Limerick?

The best things to do in Limerick include visiting King John’s Castle, a medieval fortress dating to 1200; cruising or kayaking the River Shannon; shopping along O’Connell Street; admiring the architecture of the Georgian Quarter; and perusing the goods at Milk Market, in operation for more than 170 years.

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What are good scenic places to visit in Limerick?

Great views can be had from King John’s Castle, on the River Shannon, and on King’s Island, the city's historic core. You can walk along the River Shannon, too. The Georgian Quarter is scenic, with its elegant avenues lined with Georgian homes. St. Mary’s Cathedral steals the show, as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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