Limerick City

Limerick City is sited on one of Europe's finest rivers, the River Shannon.  A Viking City, one can only imagine the 9th century scenes, when fleets of Viking vessels sailed up the river to plunder and terrorise the monastic midlands. In later centuries these Norsemen settled and founded the trading port of Limerick which to-day is a proud, progressive and thriving City with a charter older than that of London. Its castles, ancient walls and museums are testament to its dramatic past. Particularly worth viewing is King John's Castle in its Heritage precinct and the magnificent Hunt Museum in Limerick's Custom House. This museum houses an internationally important collection of some 2,000 original works including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir and Picasso.

Getting to the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick is located in Castletroy, just out of the city. Bus Eireann runs the bus services; for the university this is bus no. 308 and 308A; both go to the university, but 308A takes an alternative route. Buses run the whole day through, every fifteen minutes, although heavy traffice may prevent some buses of showing up in time, if at all. Again, depending on traffic, it takes about 15 to 25 minutes to get from the city centre (William St) to the university. The last bus to leave the city centre for the university is at 23:15. All buses have a flat fee, not depending on the distance travelled. A single ticket costs 1.60, whereas a "daysaver" costs 3.50. A daysaver ticket is valid all day and allows you to take the same bus as often as you want, and is therefore a cheaper option if you are planning to travel to and from university more than two times.

Alternatively, a taxi to or from the university will cost around 10.00 euros, and will take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Places to visit in and around Limerick

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle is one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish tower house. Although it is hard to believe that the castle has had a bloody and violent history. Its strategic position on the river Shannon made it the centre of many a battle.

Ref: www.durtynellys.ie

The Folk Park adjoins the castle and aims to show what everyday life was like in rural Ireland about 100 years ago. It contains reconstructed farmhouses, cottages and shops, and care has been taken to make them as authentic as possible, particularly with regard to furnishings.

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher are situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. A walk along the cliffs is not to be missed. Those with a head for heights can easily walk to the edge of the cliff and view the Atlantic Ocean below. 

The Burren

The Burren lies south of Galway in County Clare, Ireland. The name Burren is from the Irish - bhoireann meaning a stony place. Its formation has lain unspoiled since the ice-age and is composed of karstic limestone, the largest area of such in western Europe.  This area has some of the finest archaeological megalithic tombs in Ireland, if not in Western Europe. In this area alone there are more than 60 wedge tombs and the densest concentration in Ireland.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one the most famous and popular road circuits for tourists in the South West of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry, traverses the coastline of the Inveragh Peninsula, with a great many tourist sites along the way.  Dramatic panoramas, majestic mountain shapes, ancient sites and towns are found along the winding route of the N70 through the southern tip of Kerry, known as the Ring of Kerry.

Dingle Peninsula

Dingle Peninsula Europe's most westerly town and sheltered by hills on three sides, the harbour is one of the world's natural beauty spots - home to an active fishing fleet and resident dolphin - FUNGI. It has a diving centre, sailing club, art galleries, traditional craft and excellent accommodation. Dingle has many eccentric & colourful pubs and fine restaurants, offering entertainment and traditional Irish music unique to the area.

Limerick pubs

Limerick has a rich pub and night life. Below is a short list of some of some popular places (but by no means complete).

The Whitehouse. The Whitehouse is a traditional Irish pub with many cultural events. Open mic on Tuesday nights, Poetry Revival nights on Wednesdays, and good nights out on Thursday through Saturday. Sunday nights are quiet to finish the weekend. The Whitehouse is located on the corner of O'Connell st. and Glentworth st.

Nancy Blakes. Nancy Blakes, or Nancy's as the locals call it, is probably one of the most popular pubs in town with a very varied audience. The front bar is traditional, where every now and then traditional Irish musicians are playing, whereas The Outback is more modern, where you can still enjoy a nice cigar with your pint. Good nights in Nancy's are Wednesdays (regularly live music), Thursdays (students night), Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, to finish the weekend with some Rock'n'Roll live music and a pint. Nancy's is located on Denmark st. across the street from Smith's bar and the Icon nightclub.

Tom Collins. Good nights to visit Tom Collins are pretty much every night if you're up for a good conversation, as there's no music of an audible level playing, but especially on Monday nights, when there's some Irish traditional music being played, and the rest of town is very quiet. Tom Collins can be found on Cecil st.

Michael Martin's. Michael Martin's, or Mickey's as the locals call it, is another very popular venue, with a more alternative style. A wide variety of music is played here, and the remarkably relaxed atmosphere make this a good pub for a good conversation or just enjoy the music and wind down in the weekend. Mickey's is located on Thomas st. (in a small alley), near The Still House.

The Still House. A nice Irish traditional pub, especially to watch some soccer, rugby or other sports games. Also nice to sit down and have a good conversation. The Still House is located on Thomas st. very near Mickey's.

Dolan's pub. Excellent pub, slightly out of the city centre (5-10 min. walk), with daily live Irish traditional music downstairs, where you can also enjoy a good meal, and many other gigs upstairs or in The Warehouse. Tickets usually range from 8 to 40 euros, depending on who's playing. Dolan's pub is located on the Dock rd. not too far from the Clarion hotel.

Look for the Limerick Event Guide here which lists everything you need to know about what's going on in Limerick!

Map of Limerick