Limerick has a special energy – creative, grounded and full of soul. Here’s a local guide on where to go and what to see …
“The best way to get a sense of the city is to walk the three bridges, a 3.5km loop walk which sweeps around the Shannon river”, says Patricia Roberts, the proprietor of No 1 Pery Square boutique hotel which overlooks the beautiful tree-lined People’s Park. Soak up views of King John’s Castle, the historic boat clubs, the Clare hills and our impressive new riverside buildings.”
For shopping and designer finds, she recommends O’Donnell Boutique, Lily, Brown Thomas and Vito Vintage, or Portobello Antiques for antique jewellery. “Refuel at Canteen – a great independent foodie café. If you fancy a tea tasting, Limerick’s oldest shop, Cahill’s Tea, has lots to discover. There’s always a new tea to take home. I recommend The White House Bar or Souths for drinks, while the French Table is a proper bistro offering great food.
After a day exploring, retire to No 1 Pery Square for a Finnish sauna or steam in our heritage spa, tucked away in the original vaults. We’re also known for our natural organic and biodynamic wines, and host regular tastings on the last Thursday of the month with the Limerick and Clare wine club.”
Illustrator Nesta Fitzgerald, who was brought up in Glin Castle, says Limerick’s rich architectural heritage has influenced her career – she specialises in architectural illustration. “I recommend a visit to the 13th century castle in Newcastle West. Desmond Hall is inside the castle and has recently been restored. You can see its massive oak beamed roof, minstrels gallery and passage, along with its amazing renaissance limestone windows and hooded fireplace. Another must-do is Askeaton Franciscan Friary, one of the grandest friaries in northern Europe. Look out for the ornate, traceried windows and great east window with its sedilia bas relief sculptures of St Senan.
Have lunch in Foynes Flying Boat Museum before heading onward to Glin, where you can visit Glin Castle. It’s a great manor house which was built in the 1790s by John Bateman FitzGerald, the 23rd knight of Glin. The Castle incorporates an earlier 17th century T-shaped long house where the family has lived since the 1670s. After a tour, have a drink in O’Shaughnessy’s Pub, a late Georgian inn with original panelling and flooring still intact.”
“My perfect morning in Limerick always begins at Rift Coffee,” says Orla Daly, founder of Cayo knitwear. “There’s something about the hum of conversation, minimalist interiors and aroma of freshly ground beans that instantly centres me. The baristas here take their craft seriously and it’s the kind of place where you spot familiar faces. From there, I like to wander through the Georgian Quarter where I often have lunch at No 1 Pery Square. The décor is beautiful and everything there is satisfying. If time allows, I’ll take a short drive to the Nordic-style Serenity Sauna in Castleconnell. Afterwards, I’ll stroll along the riverbank.
I spend many an evening in The Carriage House at Adare Manor as I love its understated grandeur. The sushi and cocktails are exceptional! It’s always a thrill for me to see my designs stocked in the boutique, which champions local design talent such as Linen Shirt Company and Moon + Mellow. Back in the city, the perfect nightcap awaits at The Copper Room. Hidden beneath the old limestone arches, it’s intimate and atmospheric. I’ll order a glass of something red and a cheeseboard that includes the best of Irish artisan makers. I often stop by Limerick’s oldest pub JJ Bowles, perched beside the Shannon near Thomond Bridge. With its worn wood, open fires and views of King John’s Castle, it’s as authentic as it gets. You can feel the city’s history in the walls and music.”
Dr Sinead Ryan recommends staying at The Savoy as it’s very central. You can’t visit Limerick without experiencing the famous toasted sandwich at Treaty City Brewery or the East Room Restaurant at Plassey House in the grounds of the University of Limerick, especially for a special occasion meal. “Other firm favourites include Freddy’s Restaurant, La Piccola Italia and The Curragower. I love Gleeson’s White House for its atmosphere and live music.”
“For pampering, Melissa Ferguson, owner of the new Voza Skin & Laser Clinic, is well known for her expertise. For a manicure, I recommend Namaste Urban Day Spa. Take a spin out to Adare Village as the perfect countryside escape. Drop in to Marlene and Co, a gorgeous boutique for casual wear and sustainable fashion. Pick up a matcha nearby in The Poppy Cup.”
Other spots in Adare that beckon include Logr and 1826 Adare. Pop into the new Adare Grocer for fresh sourdough pastries or deli-style takeaway before heading for lunch at The Dunraven Arms.
Pharmacist Maura O’Neill is a loyal Limerick woman. “That’s why, when I first saw designer Mary O’Sullivan’s love letter to Limerick in the form of a 1950s-style toile de jouy skirt adorned with the city’s most iconic landmarks – King John’s Castle, The Treaty Stone and unmistakable silhouette of Thomond Park – I simply had to have it. I wear it with pride!
No weekend is complete without a trip to the Milk Market. It’s a feast for the senses: harp music and a fiddle in one corner, the scent of freshly baked bread and flowers filling the air. For shopping, Lucky Lane is an Aladdin’s cave with vinyl records, first-edition books and vintage clothing tucked into every corner.
Babylon serves delicious matcha and acai bowls, perfect for a pick-me-up. The Cornstore is always a treat with a garden-to-plate ethos that sets it apart. Their seasonal produce comes from their own Ballygarry garden, tended by a full-time gardener. For sushi, Taikichi Japenese restaurant is a local favourite. Book early as walk-ins are often disappointed – the best sushi is sold out by 8.30pm!”
Limerick has an abundance of great churches to visit, including St Mary’s Cathedral, while the city’s Gallery of Art houses an impressive collection of contemporary art. AndTate designer Sharon Hoey recently took part in a Hollywood & Fashion event at The Hunt Museum’s exhibition “From ‘Dickie to Richard’ – Richard Harris: Role of a Lifetime” – a must-see for cinephiles.
If staying outside the city, The Mustard Seed is a pet-friendly Ireland’s Blue Book gem known for its food. It recently won the coveted Irish Bread Award at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards 2025 for its wheaten bread, often described as a “love bomb”!
