15 Things to Do in Limerick, Ireland

If you are planning a trip to Ireland, you should add Limerick to your itinerary. This city is steeped in history that laid the foundation for much of what you will see when visiting. Some of the things to do in Limerick include doing a walking tour to see important landmarks, visiting local museums, and walking through an ancient castle that was once home to King John of England.

In order to make the most of your time in Limerick, it helps to know a bit more about this Irish city.

Located on the River Shannon, Limerick was founded by the Vikings in 812 AD.

Remnants of the original city walls can still be seen today.

Throughout its history, Limerick has had its share of rulers, including King John I of England, who built the castle that bears his name.

Limerick is probably best known in Irish history as the place where the Williamite War ended due to the signing of the Treaty of Limerick.

The stone table where the treaty was supposedly signed still stands today.

Today, Limerick is a vibrant and picturesque city with numerous attractions to see.

1. Self-Guided Walking Tour

While you can pay to take a guided walking tour of Limerick, you can also do a self-guided walking tour that will take you to many of the most important historical sites in Limerick.

The tour starts at the Potato Market, which is also conveniently located in a car park.

2. Saint Mary’s Cathedral

Founded in 1168, this is the oldest standing building in Limerick that has been used continuously.

The Cathedral was built on King’s Hill, named because this is where the palace of the late King of Munster, Donal Mór O’Brien once stood.

Legend has it that the intricately carved door to the cathedral was once the entrance to King Donal Mor O’Brien’s Palace.

3. Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts that were donated by a pair of antique dealers.

Items range from ancient Greece to contemporary items.

You can find some impressive pieces here, including works by Picasso, Da Vinci, and Renoir.

There are also some artifacts from ancient Egypt and the Bronze Age, as well as jewelry worn by Mary, Queen of Scots.

Buy your skip the line tickets in advance to save money!

4. Limerick City Museum

Located in an old Franciscan Friary on Henry Street, this museum showcases the 9,500-year-old history of Limerick.

This museum has over 60,000 historical objects, including archaeological artifacts from the Stone Age, Medieval Coins, and oddities like a fragment from the largest meteorite ever to fall in the British Isles.

What People have to say about this museum on Trip Advisor:

We spent about an hour in the Limerick City Museum. Its small but comprehensive exhibits about the city’s industrial and social past in particular were very well done. It’s free to enter and provides an interesting background to Limerick.

5. People’s Park

The People’s Park is a peaceful place to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The park, which opened in 1877, features an 18th-century bandstand, a fully restored drinking fountain, and a playground, making it a perfect place for a family outing.

6. Milk Market

Limerick’s Milk Market is the perfect place to savor the locally produced cuisine and products.

You will find everything from locally grown mushrooms to artisan pastries and baked goods.

The market also offers a petting zoo for kids, where they can interact with some farm animals.

7. Treaty Stone

According to legend, this stone monument was said to be used in the signing of the 1691 Treaty of Limerick during the Williamite War in Ireland.

The treaty ended the second siege of Limerick& war between William III & King James II.

8. King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle is a must-visit attraction in Limerick as it dates back to the 13th century.

You will be able to admire the magnificent castle and learn about its rich history.

There are many interactive exhibitions, videos, and displays of artifacts.

You can even enjoy spectacular views of the River Shannon from the top of the castle.

9. Bishops Palace

Adjacent to King John’s Castle is the Bishops Palace that was once the home to the city’s Protestant Bishops and is now a government office.

This building was built centuries after the castle in the Palladian style of the 18th century.

10. Street Art

Limerick is full of wonderful street art and you certainly should take time to walk around an explore them on your own.

Many of the works of art on buildings and ESB boxes are sponsored by Draw Out, an art collective that brings artists to Limerick to showcase their talent.

You can easily do Limerick’s Street Art Trail which encompasses 17 murals spread throughout Limerick City.

11. Katie Dalys Heritage Pub & Kitchen

Located in the Medieval Quarter and right across from King John’s Castle, this pub focuses on traditional Irish food with a menu of Irish favorites like fish & chips, bangers & mash, along with cottage pie.

12. Kilmallock Abbey

Just a short drive south of Limerick City is Kilmallock Abbey, a Dominican friary that dates back to the 13th Century.

While much was destroyed during the Reformation, there are some intricate details in the stonework that survived.

13. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Located less than a 30-minute drive from Limerick is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

You can explore the 15th-century iconic Bunratty Castle, which happens to be the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland.

There is also a village made up of 30 different historic buildings that make you feel like you’ve walked back in time.

It is home to Ireland’s oldest and largest stone circle and a natural lake in South East Limerick where Neolithic artifacts were found.

15. Craggaunowen Castle & Crannog

Located in County Clare, Craggaunowen Castle is a Medieval Castle built in 1550.

You can walk through the castle, which was restored by John Hunt (of the Hunt Museum).

Along with being able to explore the castle, you can get a fascinating insight into how the Celts made their homes on a Crannog long before the castle stood.

This living museum takes you back in time to the Iron Age and early Christian periods. 

Also located here is The Brendan Boat, which is the hide boat Tim Severin sailed from Ireland to the United States to replicate the voyage done by St. Brendan the Navigator in the 9th century.

Legend has it that St. Brendan was the first man to discover the ‘Promised Land’ across the Atlantic.

Limerick is a town that captures the hearts of all who visit, with its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and diverse range of attractions.

You’ll find it pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate with its extensive signage.

From its historical sites to its museums, public parks, and street art, there is a lot to see, do, and experience.

This list provides just a few excellent options for visitors to Limerick, and we hope it will inspire you to explore all it has to offer.

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