Things to Do around Limerick

King John's Castle

Located on King's Island in the centre of medieval Limerick City, King John's Castle was built by the so-called Lord of Ireland between 1200 and 1210. He picked a great site, as the castle overlooks the great river Shannon and enjoys panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Every historic attraction seems to have an interpretative centre nowadays, but the one here recreates the atmosphere of the 16th century to admirable effect.

The Hunt Museum

Also in Limerick's city centre, you'll find the Custom House, a graceful Palladian building that houses the Hunt Collection. Enter and be prepared to gasp at the range and quality of the pieces on show. Not only will you find works by Picasso, Gauguin, and Renoir, but you will also encounter masterpieces by anonymous craftsmen (and even a horse sculpture from a cast by Leonardo da Vinci).

Adare

You'll think you've stumbled into a Hans Christian Anderson story when you visit Adare, 16km from Limerick city with car hire. Lined with thatched cottages, Tudor-style buildings, and pretty gardens, Adare just begs you to slow down and relax amid the picturesque surroundings.

Lough Gur

Lough Gur is not just a scenic attraction, it is also one of Ireland's archaeological and historical treasures. Just 21 km southeast of Limerick city with car hire, its tranquil waters anchor a site that is rich in megalithic tombs, stone circles, castles, and crannogs.