County Limerick is located on the West coast of Ireland and borders counties Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Kerry. The county is rich in archaeological and historical attractions, as well as having a number of pretty towns, forests, rivers, valleys and the Ballyhoura Mountains that are worth visiting.

Limerick City sits on the River Shannon Estuary and is the fifth largest city in Ireland. Limerick is a modern and vibrant city with all the hustle and bustle that goes with being a University town, including a great selection of Limerick hotels and Limerick guesthouses. The University of Limerick is based on the banks of the River Shannon. 

However, the city also has a rich historical past with the medieval heart of the city centred on King John’s Castle. The castle was built in the early part of the 13th century and is an impressive example of an Anglo-Norman fort; you can view more of the medieval part of the city on the Limerick Medieval Heritage Precinct trail.

Limerick Attractions

The city also has a number of excellent visitor attractions such as the Hunt Museum, the Limerick Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Limerick City Art Gallery. The Hunt Museum has a wide collection of antiquities from Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt to pre-Christian Ireland; it also has a collection of works from Picasso, Jack B. Yates, Renoir and Henry Moore. Or why not walk in the footsteps of Frank McCourt the famous Irish author with the Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour, based on his well-known autobiography.

Limerick City is also well known for its strong sporting tradition with the famous Thomond Park – home to Munster Rugby and it was on these grounds that Munster has their historic win over the All Blacks in 1978. You can book short stay Limerick Hotel Breaks and take in the atmosphere.

Other attractions in County Limerick includes Lough Gur Visitor Centre in Bruff, which tells the story of pre-Celtic Ireland dating back to 3000 B.C. Desmond Hall in Newcastlewest is a fine example of a 15th century banqueting hall which was built for the Earls of Desmond. Also worth a visit if the Foynes Flying Boat Museum which looks back to the 1930’s and 1940’s when Foynes was at the heart of trans-Atlantic aviation in Ireland.

Limerick Activities

Limerick is a popular spot for anglers. With fishing available on the many rivers and lakes in the county for both trout and salmon/ Popular spots include Castleconnell Salmon Fishery, River Deel and Lakes, River Maigue and River Mulcair and of course the River Shannon.

There are plenty of facilities and attractive for walking in Limerick, such as the Ballyhoura Way, Curraghchase Forest Park and Doneraile Court and Wildlife Park. Each year the Ballyhoura International Walking Festival takes place in Kilfinane. Or enjoy a day out at the races, with horse racing at Limerick Racecourse at Patrickswell throughout the year. Or for the golfing enthusiast there are some great golf courses in Limerick, including Dromoland Castle, Limerick County, Limerick Golf Club and the Adare Manor Golf Resort.

The Ireland Hotels website features a number of Limerick hotels and Limerick guesthouses throughout the county. To book Hotel Breaks in Limerick use the accommodation search box on this page.