Limerick Things to Do Tips by RickinDutch

Built in the 1200's on King John's orders, the castle is well preserved. Right on the banks of the Shannon, it was designed to defend the river crossing, and the views of Limerick and the river from the ramparts make it worth the visit. A museum is attached and several archaeological digs are underway in main courtyard. The museum and the castle won't take more than a few hours to explore and then you can take the 5 minute walk over to St Mary's Cathedral, the other must see sight in Limerick.

I had a personal connection I wasn't aware of until recently. My grandfather was housed in the temporary city built within the courtyard during the potato famine.

Note: A cousin just emailed me that I have been calling the castle St. John's rather than King John's. Talk about Ugly Americans! Sorry Seamus - never my intent to deify anyone, especially old King John!

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Directions: North end of Limerick, an easy walk from city center.

St Mary's Cathedral was built in 1168 on the site of a palace given to Limerick by the King of Munster. The palace was built on the Viking Meeting House that used to be the seat of power for the Vikings. Well worth a visit and usually a docent is available to walk you around and explain many of the artifacts both in and out of the church.

We were able to visist the church for their Choral Evensong and I was very impressed. They hold this event every month on the 3rd Sunday at 7:00PM.

The bells are quite famous and the center piece of Limerick's New Year's celebration. If someone says they went to the bells, it means they came down to listen to the Bell's of St Mary's (no relation to the Bing Crosby movie) ring in the New Year.

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Directions: King's Island, just past the castle.

The Hunt Museum was surprisingly impressive. Located in the Old Customs House, their permanent collection is quite extensive including 2000 peices from the Hunt Collection with works of art by Yeats, Renior and Picasso. A Greek coin, said to be one of the infamous "30 pieces of silver" is on display, as well as the Mary, Queen of Scots Cross and Leonardo Divinchi's Horse. The temporary exhibit changes every month or so. When we were there it was a juried art show of local students that had some amazingly good pieces.

The conversion to a museum is fairly recent - 1997 I believe. My mother had an uncle that worked for Customs in this same building.

Open Monday - Saturday 10AM to 5PM, Sunday 2PM to 5PM.
Admission Euro 7.20 for adults, Euro 3.50 for kids.

Be sure to take the guided tour included in admission.

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Phone: +353-61-312833
Address: Rutland St, Limerick
Directions: On Rutland between Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre and Merchant's Quay.
Website: http://www.huntmuseum.com

Limerick is home to two cathedrals - the very old (and now church of Ireland) St Mary's and where my mom went, St John's.
Finished in 1894, St. John's dominates the Limerick skyline with it's distinctive spire. I found it a beautiful building not just because my mother was baptised here. Large and well kept, the soaring rood screen, white marbloe alter and very well done stained glass all come together to create a beautiful church.

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Probably should be listed under Shannon or County Clare, but since Limerick is the closest big city I'll put it here. Bunratty is a finely restored castle that is completely accessible and also has a great display of rural life in the village immediately behind that castle. Well worth a visit!
The view from the castle turrets of the Shannon River is great. The thatched roofed cottages are full of artifacts from times gone by and I understand that during the summer they have folks dressed in period costume performing many of the tasks that needed to be done back then. You come away with a real feel for life in rural Ireland in times past -or not so long ago as my Mom claims.
The castle puts on a medieval banquet nightly that I have heard mixed reviews of. Many seemed to enjoy the music, food and acts performed. Others thought the folks putting it on were less than enthusiastic.
Also on the grounds is Durty Nellie's a pub famous to locals and tourists alike. My mom went here as a young lass starting her courting days in the early 40's and she was amazed at how much was the same.

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The Univeristy of Limerick is fairly new - but it is rapidly growing in status and size. An influx of European Union funding in the early 90's is apparent in the new buildings and vibrant energy. There is always something going on from high powered lectures to concerts from renowned and local artists.

The campus itself is quite pleasant, with a small river running right next to it and lots of open grassy areas with modern buildings spread out. And right adjacent is the large IT Park where many U of L grads go right to work after graduating.

I have one cousin who works here and one who lives right next door. It amazes me every time we drive by when I remember the open fields that used to be here.

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Website: http://www.ul.ie

One of the best courses in Ireland - and only 8 km from City Centre. Ran into by accident on my way to see my family's old holiday spot at Ballybunion.
Euro 40 for 18 holes, cart rental Euro 35, clubs Euto 25.
18 hole Championship Course, Par 72.
Wonderful setting overlooking the ocean.

Reserve a tee time as far ahead as possible. Very popular with a large member base. Even on a rainy blustery day, like when I went, it was a bit of a wait. But I did learn that a couple of Guinesses improves my game immensely!

The course just finished a major reworking and the locals are very happy with the result.

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Phone: 353-61-351881
Address: Ballyneety, County Limerick
Directions: Take the Cork/Killarney road out of Limerick.