Hugging the banks of the River Shannon, Limerick is a storied city in Ireland’s west. It was originally founded by Vikings in the 9th century and developed into a thriving port, with its grid-like streets home to a fine collection of Georgian townhouses. Today, Limerick is one of Ireland’s most-visited cities thanks to its excellent museums, revitalized wharves, and enticing foodie scene.
Discover everything you need to know about traveling to Limerick in this compact guide, including the best time to visit and how to get around. You can easily find accommodation at findallrentals.com, whether you want to stay in the heart of the Newton Pery quarter or the surrounding suburbs. Take a step back in time as you follow in the footsteps of Frank McCourt in the city of his childhood while discovering the drastic changes that have taken place here since the 1930s.
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Best time to visit Limerick
May to September is generally considered the best time to visit Limerick, with mild temperatures that are ideal for being out and about sightseeing. The summer months of July and August are usually the warmest (with highs up to around 25°C (77°F)) but also see the majority of tourists visiting the city. November to February is best avoided, with lots of rainy days and temperatures dropping as low as 4–7°C (39–45°F).
Getting to and around Limerick
Shannon Airport is around 30 minutes’ drive from the center of Limerick and has flights to destinations across Europe and the United States. Railway services connect to Limerick from Dublin, Cork, and Galway while long-distance buses also serve the city. Many of Limerick’s attractions can easily be accessed on foot or you can rent a bicycle to take advantage of the city’s newly constructed bike paths.
Things to see and do in Limerick
Explore King John’s Castle
Dominating Limerick’s riverfront is this 13th-century castle, which is considered one of Europe’s best-preserved Norman fortifications. Following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, it boasts an interactive visitor center with hands-on displays and exhibits about the Viking settlement that was uncovered here during excavations. In addition to touring its impressive walls and towers, there are traditional craftspeople demonstrating blacksmithing and stonemasonry in the summer months.
Discover the diverse collection of the Hunt Museum
Occupying a former customs house is one of Ireland’s most impressive private collections of art and antiquities at the Hunt Museum. It houses more than 2,500 objects that range from Neolithic artifacts and Ancient Egyptian treasures to paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Jack Butler Yeats. See fashions designed by Sybil Connolly and marvel at the Antrim Cross, which was constructed from bronze and enamel in the 9th century.
Marvel at St Mary’s Cathedral
One of Limerick’s most important religious landmarks is St Mary’s Cathedral, which was established in 1168 on the site of a Viking meeting place. It is topped by a 36-meter-high tower that was added in the 14th century and is the burial place of the Irish physician Samuel Crumpe. Coincide your visit with a service to experience St Mary’s Cathedral in all its glory and observe the marks in the stonework from soldiers sharpening their swords.
Visit the Frank McCourt Museum
Housed within the historic Leamy School, the Frank McCourt Museum brings to life the living conditions of 1930s Limerick, as described in the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Angela’s Ashes”. Wander through the period-furnished classroom and the re-creation of McCourt’s childhood home, then admire the murals depicting life in Limerick’s working-class “lanes”. Outside the museum is a bust of Frank McCourt while some of his ashes are housed within.
Get your retail fix at the Milk Market
With a history dating back to 1852, Limerick’s Milk Market is one of Ireland’s best markets, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handicrafts and baked goods. Topped by a large canopy, it’s a great place to pick up artisan cheese, locally caught fish, and homemade chutneys while listening to live music entertainment. The Milk Market is open from Friday to Sunday.
Relax in People’s Park
On the doorstep of Limerick’s railway station is People’s Park, a sprawling green space that opened to the public in 1877. It is traversed by leafy walking trails lined with mature ash, birch, and hawthorn trees and is home to a 19th-century bandstand where concerts occasionally take place. Kids will love a run around in the children’s playground while parents relax on one of the nearby benches.
Admire the Limerick City Gallery of Art collection
In the north of People’s Park is the Limerick City Gallery of Art, which occupies a Romanesque Revival building that was originally established as a Carnegie library. It boasts an impressive collection of Irish paintings dating from the 18th to 20th centuries, as well as hosting changing exhibitions by contemporary masters. Picturesque views across People’s Park are on offer from the gallery cafe.
