Indoor Activities in Limerick: 15 Things to Do When It’s Lashing Outside
Let’s be honest, if you’re waiting for perfect weather in Ireland, you might be waiting a while! But we’re well used to the rain in Limerick so rain or shine you can be sure there is some craic happening.
You could head to the Crescent Shopping Centre and indulge in a bit of shopping and there’s nothing wrong with that. But this guide is all about what’s beyond the usual suspects. From indoor karting to craft breweries, world-class museums to adrenaline-pumping adventures, these indoor activities in Limerick will turn any gloomy day into an unforgettable one.
So grab your coat — maybe an umbrella too (though let’s be honest, it’ll probably turn inside out in the wind) — and let us show you why Limerick’s indoor activities are worth braving the weather for.
1. Visit Us at Treaty City Brewery
Located inside a lovingly restored 18th-century building in the heart of the Medieval Quarter, you’ll find our gaff – Treaty City Brewery. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and best of all, it’s absolutely dog-friendly! The perfect spot when you’re looking to shelter from the rain with good company and even better beer. Doesn’t matter when you pop in – we always have some craic happening.
Brewery Tours (Friday and Saturday): Learn the craft behind our beers, from grain to glass, as we guide you through the brewing process. Savour the flavours with a tasting of our finest creations, paired with the stories that make each pint unique. Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in a dash of Limerick’s rich history, blending tales of the city with the passion behind our brews. Whether you’re a beer lover, a history buff, or just here for the craic, this is an experience like no other.
Speakeasy Sunday Jazz Sessions: Join us every Sunday for an evening of live jazz and good times! Talented local musicians fill the brewery with smooth, jazzy tunes that will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the rhythm. Picture this: outside, it’s lashing rain; inside, the jazz flows like honey, pints are pulled with care, and locals share tables with visitors like we’ve all been mates for years. That’s Limerick in a nutshell.
Can’t make it to a brewery tour or one of our Sunday sessions?
No drama at all. Just drop by anytime we’re open for a pint and our famous toasties:
Opening Hours
Tuesday–Thursday: 8am–11:30pm
Friday: 8am–12:30am
Saturday: 10am–12:30am
Sunday: 12pm–11pm
And don’t forget to check our events page regularly — we’re always cooking up something special.
2. Limerick Whiskey Experience
Appreciate fine spirits while rain taps gently on old windows — the kind of authentic Irish moment most visitors only dream about. If you’re into stories, bold flavours, and a good drop of something strong, the Limerick Whiskey Experience should be high on your list.
Set inside the beautifully restored Peggy’s Whiskey Parlour at Mother Macs Public House, this intimate tasting goes beyond whiskey. It’s a deep dive into Irish culture, history, and hospitality — poured with purpose and told with passion.
3. Discover World-Class Art at The Hunt Museum
Housed in a stunning Georgian mansion overlooking the Shannon, The Hunt Museum isn’t just a collection of artifacts – it’s a time machine assembled by two of the most passionate collectors Ireland has ever produced. John and Gertrude Hunt spent their lives gathering pieces not for their commercial value, but because each one whispered a story they couldn’t resist hearing.
Walking through these rooms on a rainy afternoon is like having a conversation with history itself. You’ll find yourself face-to-face with works by Picasso and Renoir, ancient Celtic treasures that predate Christ, and medieval Christian art that survived invasions, wars, and centuries of Irish weather.
And when the weather clears (it does happen occasionally!), their riverside garden café becomes one of the most peaceful spots in the city.
4. Challenge Your Mind at Escape Limerick
Here’s where rainy day entertainment meets Limerick history in the most brilliant way possible. Escape Limerick doesn’t just lock you in a room with puzzles – they transport you through different eras of our city’s fascinating past, from medieval times right up to the 1900s. It’s like getting a history lesson from the inside out, except instead of taking notes, you’re frantically searching for clues to escape before time runs out.
Picture this scenario: you and your crew are trapped in a room themed around 13th-century Limerick, rain drumming on the windows outside while you work together to solve puzzles that would make medieval scholars proud. The attention to historical detail is impressive, but what really makes this experience special is how it connects you to your playmates and to the city’s story in a completely unique way.
Whether you’re locals looking for a fresh perspective on your hometown or visitors wanting to understand what makes Limerick tick, these escape rooms offer something you won’t find anywhere else – the chance to literally immerse yourself in centuries of local history while having an absolute blast doing it.
5. Indoor Karting at National Kart Centre
The National Kart Centre in Corbally is home to the world’s largest indoor karting arena – we’re talking about almost 1,500 metres of pure adrenaline, complete with bridges, tunnels, and underpasses.
They cater for all ages and group sizes, making it ideal for everything from casual fun with mates to full-blown corporate competitions where reputations are made and broken.
6. Indoor Rock Climbing
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced climber looking to maintain your skills, these venues provide safe, controlled environments where you can challenge yourself while staying completely dry.
UL Sport Climbing Wall at the University of Limerick offers excellent facilities with routes for all abilities. The university setting creates a vibrant atmosphere where students and visitors mix, sharing tips and encouragement regardless of experience level.
Suas Climbing provides dedicated climbing facilities with expert instruction and a welcoming community atmosphere. Their focus on progression means you’ll always find appropriate challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
Nevsail Watersports Rock Climbing offers climbing as part of their broader adventure portfolio, perfect for those wanting to try something completely different. Their expert instructors ensure everyone feels confident and safe while pushing their personal limits.
All three venues offer equipment rental and instruction, making indoor climbing accessible to anyone curious about testing their limits while the weather sorts itself out outside.
7. Explore Contemporary Art at Limerick City Gallery
Located in the tranquil setting of People’s Park, Limerick City Gallery of Art offers the perfect antidote to grey skies and busy minds. This free gallery rotates exhibitions regularly, featuring everything from established Irish artists to emerging local talent, creating a space where contemporary creativity meets peaceful contemplation.
Check their social media for evening openings, artist talks, and special events that often coincide with the kind of evenings when staying indoors feels like the smartest choice you’ve made all day.
The location in People’s Park means you can combine your cultural fix with a peaceful walk through one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces (weather permitting), or simply enjoy the view from inside while planning your next move in the ongoing battle against Irish weather.
8. Experience Traditional Music in Cosy Pubs
There’s something about the combination of traditional Irish tunes, warm atmosphere, good company, and the sound of rain on windows that creates moments you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten what the weather was like.
Check out The Locke, Nancy Blake’s, Dolan’s, or The Commercial for great live trad sessions. And don’t be shy — join in the singing, clap to the beat, or just sit back and soak in the magic.
9. Catch a gig at The Record Room
Tucked away downstairs at The Commercial, The Record Room is where Limerick’s indie, alternative, and underground music scenes come to life — even when the skies are pouring. The space is intimate, the lights are low, and the vibe is always on point.
Whether it’s a DJ spinning vinyl, a local band making noise, or a comedy night with pints, there’s always something happening. It’s the kind of place where you might stumble upon your new favourite artist without even trying. Perfect for a rainy night — a pint of Treaty City in hand, good sound in your ears, and that unmistakable Limerick buzz in the air.
10. Browse at the Milk Market
The Milk Market on weekends transforms into a covered paradise for food lovers, especially when the weather outside makes outdoor dining less appealing. This isn’t just shopping – it’s a cultural experience where the sounds, smells, and tastes of Limerick come together under one historic roof.
Most of the stallholders are the actual producers – farmers, bakers, artisans who love talking about their craft. On a rainy Saturday, there’s nowhere quite like wandering between stalls selling everything from organic vegetables that were in the ground yesterday to artisan chocolates that’ll make you forget all about the weather.
The covered setting means you can take your time, chat with producers, sample their wares, and soak up the atmosphere without worrying about sudden downpours. The mezzanine level offers perfect people-watching opportunities while you enjoy a proper coffee and fresh pastries, creating a cosy vantage point for observing the wonderful chaos below.
Weekend timing is crucial – Saturday is when the market really comes alive, though Friday and Sunday offer their own quieter charms.
11. Visit Wickham Way
A short stroll from the Milk Market, Wickham Way is a hidden gem that turns into an indoor playground of creativity and community, especially when the rain starts to fall. This covered space is a colourful mix of vintage stalls, artisan goods, street food vendors, live music, and pop-up events.
You might find yourself sipping a craft coffee while browsing through retro records, or tucking into a bao bun while a local musician sets the mood. It’s gritty, it’s charming, and it’s pure Limerick. Best of all — you’re completely sheltered from the rain while soaking up the buzz.
12. Experience Limerick’s Theatre Scene
The city boasts three exceptional venues, each offering its own take on live performance and cultural experience.
The Lime Tree Theatre at Mary Immaculate College brings cutting-edge contemporary work to Limerick, often featuring emerging Irish talent alongside established performers.
Belltable Arts Centre occupies a beautifully converted historic building that was once a cinema, creating a perfect circle of entertainment history. Their diverse programme ranges from local productions to touring shows.
University Concert Hall (UCH) is Ireland’s first purpose-built concert hall, a 1,000-seat venue that has hosted everyone from Jimmy Carr to Van Morrison, Billy Connolly to the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. The variable acoustics mean every performance sounds perfect, whether you’re there for classical music, comedy, or contemporary acts. UCH has also hosted many TV and Radio Broadcasts including Gradam Ceoil, TG4 Awards, The Late Late Show and Eurosong.
13. Indoor Entertainment at Arena 5
Located in Delta Retail Park, Arena 5 is Limerick’s largest indoor activity centre — ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking to stay entertained while staying dry.
This all-in-one entertainment complex has something for everyone, no matter what the weather’s doing outside. Inside, you’ll find JumpLanes Trampoline Park with trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits, and basketball hoops; an 8-lane UV bowling alley with a party vibe; and Jurassic Parr UV Mini Golf — Ireland’s only glow-in-the-dark, dinosaur-themed course. For younger kids, KidsCity Soft Play provides a safe, energetic space to explore, while Café Haus keeps everyone fuelled from breakfast through to dinner.
14. Play Padel Tennis at Padel LK
Padel LK is Ireland’s largest indoor Padel Tennis facility, featuring 7 doubles courts and 1 single court. Padel blends the best elements of tennis and squash, creating a sport that’s easy to learn but endlessly challenging to master.
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or adding a fun twist to your fitness routine, Padel LK’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere means you’ll feel at home in no time — no rain delay necessary.
15. Level Up Arcade Bar
Located downstairs from Hunters Sports Bar, Level Up Arcade Bar is a fun arcade bar that offers a vast collection of over 30 arcade machines and 7 pinball machines, spanning gaming history from arcade classics to modern day marvels.
The venue caters to every type of gamer – whether you’re a retro lover chasing high scores on vintage machines like Pac-Man and Street Fighter 2, a casual player looking for some fun competition, or a serious gamer wanting to test your skills on cutting-edge equipment.
Embrace the Rain, Enjoy the City
Don’t let a bit of Irish weather put a dampener on your day. Limerick is packed with brilliant indoor activities to keep you entertained, rain or shine.
So the next time the skies turn fifty shades of grey and the wind’s howling down the Shannon, don’t call it a washout — call it an invitation. Take it as your cue to explore something new in Ireland’s most underrated gem, from museums and music to trampolines, pints, and a good bit of craic.
And sure, if you find yourself down the Medieval Quarter, you know where we are — at Treaty City Brewery, doors open, taps flowing, toasties crisped to perfection, and stories ready to go. Pull up a stool, we’ll mind you till the rain passes.
Start your rainy day adventure with us — book your brewery tour and see why some of the best craic in Limerick kicks off when it’s absolutely lashing.
