Limerick hotels

Hotels in Limerick

Set on the River Shannon in the mid-west of Ireland, Limerick Hotels are the best way to get to know an area rich with castles, cathedrals and plenty of pubs.

History

Limerick is a great place to get to grips with Ireland's long and tumultuous history as the city has some of the country's finest monuments and museums. King John's Castle is probably the most popular destination, set on King's Island beside the river. King John of England, on the site of earlier fortifications including a Viking stronghold, built the castle between 1200 and 1212. As well as the impressive towers and walls of the castle itself, inside you'll find a museum full of fascinating artefacts detailing the structure's often bloody history.

Another ancient building in Limerick that's well worth a visit is St Mary's Cathedral, built during the 12th century by Donal Mór O'Brien, King of Munster. But for a real journey into the past, make your way to the Hunt Museum. This museum contains a veritable treasure trove of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Medieval artefacts including a bronze horse by Leonardo di Vinci and a number of Cycladic sculptures. For more history relating to the city, head to Limerick City Museum, located beside King John's Castle.

Shopping

An excellent place to indulge in some retail therapy, Limerick has some of the best shops in Ireland outside of Dublin. The Arthur's Quay shopping centre in the centre of town is the place to go for big name brands, while the city centre also offers a fantastic selection of boutique, independent shops selling everything from vintage clothing to antiques. Also worth a visit is the lively Limerick Milk Market, a colourful marketplace of fresh produce, brightly coloured fabrics and artisan meats.

Gardens

Limerick has a number of beautiful gardens and public parks to explore – perfect for lazy afternoon ambles before dipping into one of the city's many friendly pubs. Arthur's Quay Park is a pleasant place to stroll through, and the People's Park has a play area for kids. Also nearby are the stunning Ballynacourty Gardens and the award-winning Boyce Gardens, both overlooking the River Shannon.

Further afield

If you're travelling with a car you'll find that there are plenty of interesting places to visit outside of Limerick. Head north and you'll soon hit the natural heritage area of Woodcock Hill Bog. Make your way to the Mullaghareirk Mountains and you'll find the market town of Abbeyfeale, or travel upstream along the River Shannon and you'll soon reach Askeaton, one of the county's oldest towns.