Best of Limerick

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Limerick
Near the headwaters of the Shannon Estuary, Limerick has gone through a remarkable renaissance since the early 2000s. You’ll find a rejuvenated waterfront, a thriving food scene and an increasingly cosmopolitan air in this city of 95,000 (Ireland’s third largest). It’s easy to spend a full day exploring the historic attractions, browsing local markets and indulging in Limerick’s nightlife. Limerick is also a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, the 1553-mile (2500-km) route that follows Ireland’s west coast. 

The best way to understand Limerick is to take a tour that explores the city’s complicated past. You’ll learn about the long sieges over the centuries, visit one of Ireland’s most imposing fortresses and see the astonishingly well-preserved St Mary’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. Wandering through King’s Island - the oldest part of Limerick - you’ll see medieval monuments and some of the city’s most impressive architecture. Southwest of Limerick, you can see another impressive piece of Ireland’s piece at Desmond Castle. Built in the 13th century on the edge of the River Ara, the stone citadel showcased the might and wealth of the Fitzgeralds, one of Ireland’s most powerful families.
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A young family explores beautiful Killarney National Park
Map of Family Adventure in Ireland - 7 Days
Family Adventure in Ireland - 7 Days

Uncover Ireland's unmatched natural beauty with this week-long, family-centered trip to the Emerald Isle. Enjoy a swashbuckling adventure as you venture from colorful Kinsale to Limerick, playing pirates atop a 17th-century fort and learning the art of falconry at Adare Manor. Sail across the waves to the remote Aran Irelands and explore the famous Cliffs of Moher as you and the kids receive the warmest of welcomes on this charming tour.

Make memories with the family in Killarney National Park
Map of Family Adventure in Ireland - 10 Days
Family Adventure in Ireland - 10 Days

Take a 10-day family-friendly tour through some of the highlights of Ireland with travelers of all ages on this itinerary. Start in Dublin before heading down the coast to County Cork, where you'll bike through a medieval city and hear the haunted and natural history of Killarney. Experience a classical manor in Limerick, followed by the landscapes of the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and Aran Islands, before you and the family return to Dublin for one more full day of urban exploring.

Outside Temple Bar, Dublin
Map of Highlights of Irish Cities - 7 Days
Highlights of Irish Cities - 7 Days

Experience the unique character of Irish cities on this self-drive tour around the county's urban centers. This weeklong trip takes you to the capital city of Dublin as well as colorful Cork, Limerick, and Galway. You'll dine in corner pubs, explore farmer's markets, tour medieval castles, and even escape to Blarney Castle—a short side trip from Cork—to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Other popular travel destinations in Ireland
Dublin · County Kerry · Killarney · Galway · Dingle Peninsula · Doolin · Dingle Town · Killarney National Park · Northern Ireland · Belfast · Kenmare · Cork · Kinsale · Donegal · Westport · County Cork · Birr · Letterkenny · Ballycastle · Tralee · Laragh · Clifden, Co Galway · Sligo · Aran Islands · Kilkenny · Waterford · Donegal town · Portmagee