Saint Mary’s Cathedral is just a stroll away from two other Limerick highlights – King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum.
Atlantic Edge, European Embrace – this is Limerick; a Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City that is the perfect base for your journey along Ireland’s Atlantic edge. A diverse, colourful and cultural city that’s rich with history, stories, legends and urban cool and which extends a warm and inviting Irish and European welcome to the world.
Limerick is located at the head of the Shannon Estuary – a sheltered inlet where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The energy of the tidal river seems to charge the city with a unique energy which you’ll experience in its many attractions and highlights.
Share Our History
800 Years of dramatic and turbulent local history wait for you at King John’s Castle located on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of Medieval Limerick City. The Castle is one of Limerick’s most iconic landmarks with a history that spans the Vikings, the Normans and ruthless King John who ruled as Lord of Ireland from 1177 to 1216. Over the years the Castle experienced many sieges, bloody battles and triumphs and when you explore the Castle, you can almost hear the cries of soldiers in battle, the buzz of busy castle life and the clattering of horse’s hooves across the ancient courtyard. You’ll step back in time with the Castle’s visitor experience comprising cutting-edge audio-visual presentations, touch-screen technology, CGI animations as well as state-of-the-art interpretive activities. There’s so much to see and do and something for everyone!
Life on the Water
Limerick is paradise for lovers of water sport and activities. As well as swimming and surfing you can do everything from thrilling kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to enjoying a boat tour along the Shannon with all its magnificent views.
A Cultural Celebration
Limerick has a rich tradition of literature, culture, arts and music and the jewel in its cultural crown is The Hunt Museum – a short walk away from Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Formed by John and Gertrude Hunt, the Museum exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century. It also features decorative arts, including silver, glass and ceramics, from the 18th and 19th century. The collection includes works by Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore. The Museum also has a great café and beautiful shop with an excellent selection of exhibition merchandise, books, gifts, ceramics and fine art prints.
Shopping Central
From quirky independent shops to high street chains, Limerick city offers great shopping – all within easy walking distance. Be sure to check out the regular markets too! From fresh local produce to vintage clothes, Irish-made jewellery and gifts – they’re a regular treasure trove. The Milk Market takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as does the Wickham Way community market which serves up fabulous street food, original art, clothing and much more.
Food and Nightlife
When it comes to eating in Limerick, the city is your oyster. There’s a wealth of restaurants, cafes, pub grub and fast food on offer. There are some gorgeous independent eateries, from fresh and flavourful Italian food to steaks and burgers. One of Limerick’s legendary, awarding gastro pub The Locke Bar is right around the corner from Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
The city really comes to life at night too, with a great selection of live music, comedy gigs, theatre and dance of course, lots of live trad music.
