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.
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.
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.
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.
