48 hours in Limerick

Housing over 2,000 works of art and antiquities from the estate of John and Gertrude Hunt, the private collection at the Hunt Museum is the largest in Ireland. It’s also home to one of the finest collections of Celtic and medieval treasures outside Dublin.

Book a tour and enjoy an array of ancient artefacts, alongside paintings by Picasso, Renoir and Jack B Yeats. There’s also a children’s treasure trail, a gift shop, and a wonderful café.

Get a taste of what Limerick has to offer at the Milk Market, where spices, cheeses, antiques and art provide a feast for the senses. The market has been in operation since 1852, and now runs from Friday to Sunday.

Saturday morning is the best time to rub shoulders with the locals, taste great produce, and enjoy live music in this old stone building that was once a corn market. With its grand canopy, it’s a hive of activity that attracts traders from all over the region.

Wrap up your day of sightseeing with a visit to the Limerick City Gallery of Art and enjoy gorgeous works of art from Jack B Yeats, Sean Keating, Paul Henry and many more of Ireland’s famous artists.

It’s the perfect spot to while away a couple of hours and immerse yourself in Ireland’s artistic legacy. And did we mention it’s free? After your visit, stop by the on-site eatery, Zest!, for pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads.

Where better to round off your day than at one of the oldest pubs in Limerick? The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins – a Limerick man by birth – has recited his poetry in The White House, a long-time haunt of poets, writers and friendly local characters. If you’re lucky, you may even hear a “Limerick” (a short, witty poem) being delivered. If you’ve got a writer’s soul, this is the place to be…

Other gems include Dolans on Dock Road, which is home to a pub, restaurant and no less than five music venues, so you’re sure to enjoy a live set while here. And for a fabulous outdoor beer garden with lovely views of the River Shannon, stop by The Locke Bar at George’s Quay.

Overlooking the leafy expanse of the People’s Park in Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter, No 1 Pery Square is a luxurious and intimate boutique townhouse. Bespoke-style bedrooms, a restaurant and a relaxing spa are all in store to help you feel rested and rejuvenated for the day ahead.

With its huge stone walls and round towers, King John's Castle dominates the medieval heart of Limerick city.

Its location was first chosen by Vikings in 922, before King John, brother of Richard the Lionheart (and well-known villain from many a Robin Hood tale), had another castle built in 1197. Inside, multimedia exhibitions detail tales of castle life, devastating sieges and a fascinating cast of characters.

It was later in 1691 that Limerick got its nickname of the “Treaty City” when the Treaty of Limerick was signed, signalling the end to Ireland’s Williamite War. In fact, the very block of limestone upon which the treaty was reportedly signed remains in Limerick city today, displayed on a pedestal on the opposite side of the River Shannon to the castle.

No visit to Limerick is complete without stopping by Thomond Park. This iconic stadium is beloved by locals and the atmosphere is second to none on a match day.

A tour of the hallowed ground is a great way to get a feel for Limerick’s sporting culture. Take a guided tour, see the dugout, visit the Munster Experience Museum and soak up the history. This is where the Munster rugby team beat the All Blacks 12-0 in 1978 – you can just imagine the euphoria on the stands that day!

Tucked away in the city’s Medieval Quarter, a visit to Treaty City Brewery is a treat for the senses, offering up unique sights, smells and tastes in a historic setting.

A guided tour will bring you through Limerick’s brewing history and a master brewer will demonstrate the brewing process from hops to bottle, along with a guided tasting. Keep an eye out for seasonal events and workshops (like “Slow Sundays”) for creative activities with a side of drinks.

Looking for delicious seasonal dishes and a warm atmosphere? We've got you covered. Freddy’s Restaurant is recommended as one of the Best in Ireland restaurants for 2022 in John & Sally McKenna’s Guide.

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century coach house, the restaurants boasts stone walls, wooden ceiling beams and candle-lit tables. Menu highlights include pan-fried hake with lemon pea risotto, confit duck leg with sautéed potatoes and orange sauce and vegan oven-baked nut roast with basil pesto.