Best Places to See in Limerick: Top Sights & Highlights

Top Places to See in Limerick: Culture, Castles & Scenic Walks

To fully experience Limerick, you have to explore the contrast between its Norman strongholds and its serene nature.  

King John’s Castle

And what better place to start than at King John’s Castle. Sitting right on the banks of the River Shannon, this 13th-century fortress is one of the best of the Limerick tourist attractions. It’s a fantastic place to spend a morning, especially if you head up the tower for the best views across the water and the city streets. Inside, the museum uses modern technology and 3D models to show you what life was like for people who lived here centuries ago. It is an easy, fun way to get your bearings in Limerick while soaking up some local heritage.

St Mary’s Cathedral

As the oldest building in the city still used for its original purpose, this cathedral is a peaceful escape from the busy streets. It was built back in 1168 on land that once held a palace donated by the King of Munster, Donal Mor O’Brien. This beautiful building has stood the test of time. You can still see fascinating marks of that history today, like the scars on the walls from 17th-century cannonballs. Inside, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming, featuring beautiful stained glass and woodcarvings. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet stroll, and if you time your visit right, you might even catch a free concert in the main hall.

The Hunt Museum

Located in a historic building that used to be the city’s Custom House, this museum is home to a massive mix of treasures. The display is based on the private collection of John and Gertrude Hunt, a couple who spent their lives gathering unique objects from across the world. It feels less like a gallery and more like a personal cabinet of curiosities, featuring everything from prehistoric Irish tools to sketches by Picasso and Jack B. Yeats. You can wander through rooms filled with beautiful jewellery and ancient statues. Once you’ve finished browsing, the cafe is a great spot to grab a coffee and look out over the River Shannon.

Limerick City Gallery of Art & The People’s Park

For a mix of fresh air and inspiration, a visit to this corner of the city is a must. The Limerick City Gallery of Art is located in the Carnegie Building and hosts a range of modern Irish art that is free for everyone to enjoy. It’s a quiet space that makes for a great break from the high street. Just outside the doors lies the People’s Park, a beautiful Victorian garden filled with colourful flowerbeds. Whether you want to explore the latest exhibition or find a sunny bench for a picnic with family or friends, it’s one of the most pleasant spots in Limerick to spend an hour or two for both locals and tourists alike.

Limerick Greenway

If you’re looking to swap the city streets for the fresh air of the countryside, this 40km trail is a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors. Following the path of a disused Victorian railway line, the route is completely off-road, making it a safe and relaxing choice for a long walk or a leisurely cycle. You’ll pass through historic market towns and discover hidden gems like the impressive Barnagh Tunnel, along with several stone viaducts along the way. Whether you want to tackle a small section for a quick stretch of the legs or hire a bike to see the whole trail, it’s a brilliant way to see the lush landscapes of West Limerick.

Adare Village

Often described as a living postcard, this location among Limerick's tourist attractions is a charming heritage town just a short hop from the city, and it’s one of the coolest places to see in Limerick. It’s famous for its iconic rows of thatched-roof cottages, which look like something straight out of a fairy tale and now house lovely little boutiques and cafes. You can spend a relaxed afternoon wandering past the historic buildings or take a stroll along the quiet banks of the River Maigue. It’s a fantastic spot to slow down, grab a bit of lunch, and see why it is consistently tucked away on lists of Ireland's most beautiful places.

Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum

For a day trip with a bit of a twist, head out to Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum to discover a time when the world’s most glamorous travellers arrived by water. Better yet? It is also home to the Irish Coffee Lounge, the supposed birthplace of the world-famous Irish Coffee, where you can watch a clever hologram re-enactment of how the drink was invented on a cold night in 1943. After that, all that’s left to do is to sample an authentic one with your friends in the lounge. Delicious!  

Limerick Milk Market  

If you happen to be in town over the weekend, this flagship market is one of the best places to see in Limerick. Tucked under its iconic all-weather canopy, one of Ireland’s oldest markets is a showcase of everything from antiques to food and locally produced arts and crafts. The Friday market has some surprises and vintage gems, while the Saturday market is the big day for food lovers, where you can grab a gourmet coffee and wander between stalls selling everything from farmhouse cheeses to handmade chocolates. With live music often drifting through the air and a truly friendly community vibe, it’s the best place in the city to rub shoulders with the locals and sample the real taste of Limerick. It’s also a great starting point for exploring restaurants in Limerick or easing into the city’s renowned live music in Limerick scene nearby.

Ballyhoura Walks

For those who love to get off the beaten track, the Ballyhoura region is an outdoor adventure hub offering some of the most scenic trekking in the country. This area, spanning across Limerick, north-east Cork and west Tipperary, is a mix of rolling hills and deep woodlands where you can choose from over 450km of waymarked paths, ranging from the family-friendly Nature Trail and the leafy Greenwood Trail to the more challenging Blackrock Loop and the long-distance Ballyhoura Way. It isn't just for hikers, though; the landscape is perfect for a huge range of activities to do with family and friends, including mountain biking on world-class trails, horse riding, clay bird shooting and orienteering, to name a few. Whether you’re climbing Seefin Mountain for a view across the Munster counties or enjoying a gentle stroll through the forest, it is a breath of fresh air for anyone wanting to experience the rugged beauty of the Irish countryside.

Lough Gur

Just a short 30-minute drive from the city, this lakeside setting offers a fascinating look at the distant past. It is one of the few places where you can find physical evidence of human life stretching across almost every major era, from the Neolithic and Bronze Age through to the Iron Age, Early Christian, and Medieval periods, right up to the Early Modern and Modern times. The landscape is dotted with remarkable monuments, including the Grange Stone Circle, which is the largest in Ireland. You can spend a relaxing morning wandering the shoreline or exploring the crannóg-shaped visitor centre to hear stories of the people who have called this area home for over 6,000 years. It is an enchanting spot that captures the ancient spirit of the Irish landscape.

Where to Stay in Limerick

For a modern and comfortable base, Clayton Hotel Limerick places you right in the heart of the city. As Ireland’s tallest hotel, it offers stunning panoramic views over the River Shannon and the city skyline. It’s located within walking distance of the medieval quarter and the high-street shopping districts, making it convenient for sightseeing.

The facilities are designed for ultimate relaxation after a busy day of exploring. You can take a dip in the 12-metre indoor heated swimming pool, unwind in the sauna and steam room, or keep up your routine in the fully equipped gym. When it comes to dining, the Grill Bar & Restaurant serves up gorgeous local dishes in a bright, riverside setting. Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend getaway or a longer family holiday, the hotel provides a welcoming, high-end atmosphere right in the heart of the action.