Things to Do in Limerick – Ireland’s Most Underrated Travel Gem
If you’re on the hunt for the best places to visit in Ireland, this is your sign to give Limerick a proper go! While the crowds are off doing the usual in Dublin or Galway, we’re here having the craic without the queues.
Founded by Vikings back in 812, right on the River Shannon, Limerick City’s got a cool mix of old and new. Think King John’s Castle and then streets buzzing with music, art, and tasty food. It’s a sound city – full of history, heart, and good vibes.
So skip the clichés and give Ireland’s most underrated gem the time it deserves. Grab a pint of Treaty City’s finest, pull up a stool, and we’ll show you around our neck of the woods.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top things to do in Limerick – let’s dive in.
Limerick’s Rich Historical Heritage
King John’s Castle
Overlooking the River Shannon in the heart of the Medieval Quarter, King John’s Castle is one of Limerick’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibitions, costumed guides, and hands-on activities that bring over 800 years of dramatic local history to life.
You can try on chain mail or an eighteenth-century dress, explore the bustling courtyard, and get in on the action with medieval games like tug o’ war, quoits, horseshoe tossing, and noughts and crosses.
Tip: The views from the tower are some of the best in the city. The castle café also offers a scenic spot for coffee with a river view.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Founded in 1168, St. Mary’s Cathedral is Limerick’s oldest building still in use. Over the centuries, it has stood through invasions, sieges, battles, famine, and times of peace. With stunning architecture, ancient stone carvings, and centuries of stories in its walls, it’s a peaceful stop for reflection and a glimpse into Limerick’s spiritual past.
Tip: Catch a choir performance if you can – the acoustics in this space are unforgettable.
The Treaty Stone
Across the river from the castle sits the Treaty Stone – the site where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691, bringing an end to the Williamite War. The stone has since become a powerful symbol of the city’s history, pride, and resilience.
Show off your Limerick knowledge by telling your mates this humble stone is the reason Limerick is nicknamed the Treaty City – and the inspiration behind Treaty City Brewery’s name!
Tip: This spot also offers a great photo opportunity with King John’s Castle in the background.
The Hunt Museum
Set inside a stunning Georgian building on the riverfront, The Hunt Museum is home to an eclectic and internationally significant collection of over 2,000 works of art and antiquities. The collection was assembled by John and Gertrude Hunt – antique dealers and passionate collectors who gathered pieces based on curiosity, not just commercial value.
Inside, you’ll find everything from Neolithic tools to medieval Christian art, along with iconic works by Picasso, Renoir, and Jack B. Yeats. The blend of ancient history and modern creativity makes this museum a true hidden gem for curious minds.
Tip: After exploring, relax in the museum’s riverside garden – and if you are lucky and the sun’s out, soak up the view of the Shannon with a coffee in hand.
Unique and Fun Local Experiences
Ultimate Treaty City Brewery Tour
Right in the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Quarter, in an 18th-century building, that’s seen some stories – you’ll find our gaff: Treaty City Brewery – where we serve up an array of top-notch, handmade artisan beers to the Limerick shams and visitors from all over.
But we don’t just brew beer (though ours are fairly class). We tell stories, we share laughs, and we pour pints that carry the spirit of Limerick in every sip. Our brewery tour is a proper experience – whether you’re a full-blown beer nerd, a curious wanderer, or just looking for a good time with a bit of local flavour. We’ll take you through the brewing journey from grain to glass, with a few legends and laughs along the way. And yes, there’ll be samples – we’re not savages.
Tours run Fridays and Saturdays – a mighty way to kick off the weekend. Book your spot here and we’ll look after you. Can’t make it? No drama – swing by for one of our Speakeasy Sunday Jazz sessions, or check out our Events page to see what else is happening at the brewery.
Tip: Post-tour munchies? Grab one of our deadly toasties – crunchy, melty, and loaded with local goodness. Trust us, it’s the ultimate pint partner.
Limerick Whiskey Experience
If you’re into stories, flavour, and a good drop of something strong – Limerick Whiskey Experience is one for the list. Based in the beautifully restored Peggy’s Whiskey Parlour at Mother Macs Public House, this intimate tasting session goes beyond sipping whiskey – it’s a deep dive into Irish culture, history, and hospitality.
Led by WSET-trained hosts (that’s the Wine & Spirit Education Trust), the experience is designed to be informative without being intimidating. It feels more like a chat with mates than a formal tour. Expect premium Irish whiskeys, personal stories, and a cosy setting full of character (and vintage whiskey memorabilia).
Whether you’re a whiskey nerd or just curious to learn what makes Irish whiskey so special, this is the spot to taste, learn, and toast to Limerick’s spirited side.
Milk Market
No visit to Limerick is complete without a wander through the Milk Market – the city’s buzzing weekend hub for food, flavour, and friendly faces. Especially on Saturdays (though it’s open Friday to Sunday), the covered courtyard comes alive with the scent of fresh coffee, sizzling bacon, and just-baked sourdough.
Here, you’ll find everything from organic fruit and veg to small-batch cheeses, artisan meats, fresh fish, pastries, and hot street food from around the world. Most of the stallholders are the producers themselves – passionate folks who grow, bake, or source what they sell, and love to chat about it too.
Tip: Grab a bite, sip a strong coffee, and soak up the atmosphere from the Mezzanine floor above – it’s the perfect spot to people-watch and take it all in.
Traditional Music Nights
Limerick’s traditional music scene is lively, welcoming, and full of heart – with tunes that spill from cosy pub corners and bring people together over shared songs and a few pints. Whether you’re a trad music fan or just in the mood for something genuinely Irish, there’s always somewhere to hear the sound of fiddles, bodhráns, and friendly voices.
The Locke Bar is one of the city’s most iconic spots for live traditional music, often paired with energetic Irish dancing in a buzzing riverside setting that’s hard to beat.
You’ll also find trad sessions in Dolans, Nancy Blake’s, and The Commercial – from lively performances to more intimate gatherings of musicians playing around a table. Check the pub’s social media or ask the staff when the next one is happening.
Tip: Want to impress the locals? Grab a pint of Treaty City beer, and ask for “Limerick You’re a Lady”, instead of “Galway Girl” – you might just get the whole pub singing along.
Munster Rugby at Thomond Park
If you want to feel the heartbeat of Limerick, head to Thomond Park for a Munster Rugby match. The atmosphere is electric – loud, intense, and full of pride. From the famous Thomond Roar to the complete silence during kicks, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Even if there’s no match on, the stadium tour and museum are well worth a visit. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Munster’s rich history and hear about unforgettable moments – including the legendary Miracle Match against Gloucester in 2003, a game every Limerick local remembers.
Tip: Explore the stadium shop while you’re there – it’s a great spot to pick up a Munster jersey or souvenir to remember your visit.
Literary & Artistic Limerick
Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour
Limerick gained global literary fame through Angela’s Ashes, the best-selling memoir by Irish-American author Frank McCourt. First published in 1996, the book recounts McCourt’s difficult childhood in the slums of pre-war Limerick – marked by poverty, loss, and resilience – and later earned the Pulitzer Prize.
The Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour follows in young Frankie’s footsteps through the real-life streets and corners he once called home. Led by passionate local guides, the tour brings McCourt’s powerful stories to life, offering not just a literary journey, but a deeply human one.
Tip: Even if you haven’t read the book, the tour offers fascinating insight into Limerick’s social history.
Street Art & Urban Murals
Limerick city has quietly become a canvas for some of Ireland’s most impressive street artists. Thanks to initiatives like Draw Out, entire blocks of plain concrete have been transformed into vivid, larger-than-life murals that tell powerful stories about Limerick’s past, present, and future.
Massive artworks and bold creative pieces now brighten up alleys, gable ends, and industrial walls, turning Limerick into an ever-evolving open-air gallery. From photorealistic portraits to abstract social commentary, the city’s street art is as diverse and dynamic as its people.
Don’t miss the striking mural on our Treaty City Brewery building, featuring Constance Smith, a Hollywood actress born in Limerick in 1928. Fierce, talented, and proud of her roots, Smith refused to change her name just to please the film industry – becoming a lasting symbol of strength and identity. Created by Subset, the mural is one of many tributes to Limerick’s boldest voices, past and present.
Tip: Want to explore more? Check out Limerick’s mural trail: Exploring Limerick’s Street Art
Limerick City Gallery of Art
Limerick City Gallery of Art, it is a free gallery, located into People’s Park, features contemporary Irish art in a serene setting. Exhibits rotate regularly, showcasing everything from established names to local school projects.
Tip: Check their socials for the latest on evening openings and artist talks – good art, good chats, and a friendly crowd guaranteed.
Seasonal Considerations: Best Time to Visit Limerick
Limerick isn’t exactly blessed with a tropical climate (shocking news!), but each season has its own charm.
- Summer (June to August) means long evenings and riverside pints, with sunsets stretching past 10pm in June.
- Autumn (September to November) wraps the city in golden light and falling leaves, turning Georgian streets, parks, and riverwalks into postcard-worthy scenes.
- Winter (December to February) brings cosy pub sessions and a warm festive buzz around town.
- And spring (March to May)? Expect crisp air, blooming flowers across bridges and parks, and a lively calendar of events before the peak season kicks off.
Festival-wise:
- Riverfest takes over the city during the May bank holiday weekend with food, fireworks, and fun along the Shannon.
- Culture Night in September opens up venues citywide for free performances and special events.
- And in March, Limerick’s St. Patrick’s Festival brings colour, music, and plenty of craic to the streets.
See You Soon in Limerick?
There you have it – Limerick in all its charm, from medieval towers to riverside strolls and bold urban art. But what makes this place truly special isn’t just the things to see – it’s the moments in between: friendly chats with locals, music drifting from pub corners, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a city with real heart.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to pay us a visit at Treaty City Brewery – save your spot on a tour today!
