Discover Limerick on a Budget – Top 7 Free Activities

A city break gives you the opportunity to get out and explore the people, the history, and the culture of a new place in a short space of time. Find hidden gems, take in the architecture, hear all the stories from our great Limerick people and immerse yourself in your new surroundings.

Here are just a few of our favorite places to visit in Limerick and recommendations to explore while you are in this lovely city.

1. Head for a Ramble in Ballyhoura

Take a spin out to Limerick’s Ballyhoura region (around an hour’s drive from Limerick city) and take your pick of one of the many walks the area has to offer.

Renowned for its beauty, Ballyhoura is one of those places that often gets missed on a visit to Limerick. Situated at the crossroads of Munster, on the borders of counties Limerick, Cork & Tipperary, Ballyhoura Country is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills, and mountains. The ancient and unspoiled landscape, an abundance of significant heritage sites, thrilling outdoor activities and friendly people make it the perfect place to discover rural Ireland.

2. Curraghchase Forest Park

 

30 minutes’ drive from the hotel

This is a fantastic amenity for all the family to enjoy. Curraghchase Forest Park covers 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, parkland and lakes which together provide a rich habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants.

There are a number of looped ways marked trails in the park to suit all visitors. They vary from the multi-access trails suitable for wheelchair users and family walkers to the longer Curragh and Glenisca trails suitable for those looking for more demanding walking and cycling options.

3. Explore the Magic of Lough Gur

40 minutes’ drive from the hotel

One of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, Lough Gur contains the largest stone circle, dolmen, and prehistoric ruins in the country.

It’s incredible to think that you can find physical evidence of occupation from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Early Christian, Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern eras in and around Lough Gur.

Think about that for a moment. That’s over 6,000 years of visible history in one place.

4. Limerick Milk Market

Approx. 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel

Start your day with coffee and cakes at Limerick Milk Market, a food market located on Mungret Street in Limerick city. Despite the name, the market has diversified over the years from its initial purpose and now sells a wide variety of foodstuffs, much of which is produced locally. The market is one of the oldest in Ireland. The flagship market day is the Saturday food market, however, markets are also held on Fridays & Sundays.

5. Cycle, Stroll, or Run Across the Living Bridge

Approx. 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel

At 350 meters long, the Living Bridge links the River Shannon to the University of Limerick, forming the longest pedestrian bridge in Ireland.

According to the University of Limerick the bridge, which opened back in 2007, was designed to ‘accommodate social gatherings, informal teaching sessions, music, and dance performances, as well as a wide array of educational, social and cultural activities – all contributing to this facility’s status as a living bridge’.

The architects designed the bridge to move in a flowing line across the River Shannon, mirroring the river.

6. Pop into Limerick City Gallery of Art

Approx. 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel

Think it’s time for some culture, then the Limerick City Gallery of Art is sure not to disappoint. Contemporary art exhibits are on display from both national and international artists, and the gallery itself is built into the Carnegie Building on the grounds of the People’s Park – so it’s perfect to pair it with a walk there.

7. Walk the Three Bridges

Discover Limerick on foot!  The Three Bridges Slí na Sláinte is a 3.6km leisurely walk that you can start right from the hotel’s doorstep. Follow a stunning route along the banks of the River Shannon and pass some of Limerick’s most iconic landmarks.
If time is of the essence the Three Bridges route is an excellent way to get a sense of the city.

Please Note: While the Information in this post is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the Information.