Limerick Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Limerick, County Limerick, Republic of Ireland)



Thomond Park Stadium pictureMost of the tourist attractions in Limerick have an overarching historical interest. Frank McCourt's memoir, Angela's Ashes, which was made into an award-winning film, has increased international interest in Limerick. As a result, many of the outright attractions try to align themselves with McCourt in some way. The most blatant example of this is the Ashes Exhibit in Georgian House.

Many tourists also come to the city to indulge themselves in a day of horse racing at the Limerick Racecourse, or to watch an important game of rugby at the Thomond Park Stadium. If you are simply looking for somewhere to relax, then head to People's Park, or enjoy a riverside walk along the Clancy's Strand.


Photo of seating at the Thomond Park Stadium

Thomond Park Stadium

Address: Old Cratloe Road, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 421 100
Located on the northern side of the River Shannon, Thomond Park is a large stadium owned and managed by the Irish Rugby Football Union. Many important rugby games take place here each year, since the facilities are excellent and recently upgraded. Now capable of accommodating more than 26,000 spectators, the Thomond Park Stadium functions as both a sports arena and events venue, hosting occasional summer concerts, with past performances including the likes of the Cranberries, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Pink and Rod Stewart.
Open hours: hours vary according to event
Admission: charge

Angela's Ashes Walking Tour

Address: 44 Nicholas Street, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 318 106
This walking tour, conducted by Michael O'Donnell, is ideal for history lovers and anyone who read and appreciated McCourt's Angela's Ashes. Tours set out from the city's Tourist Office every afternoon. Along the way, you will explore the attractions of early 20th-century Limerick around Barrack Hill, Parnell Street, and Arthur's Quay, including Leamy's School. Proceeds of the tour benefit local communities.
Open hours: daily - 14:30
Admission: charge

Georgian House photograph

Georgian House and Garden

Address: Number 2 Pery Square, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 314 130
Opened to the public at the end of 1999, this prestigious restored home is a perfect example of how Limerick's elite lived in the not-so-distant past. The contrast between the servant's quarters and the family rooms is astonishing. Be sure to note the amount of marble used throughout the house and the elegant decor everywhere. Further attractions are outside, where the formally landscaped Georgian garden includes much clipped topiary and espalier fruit trees trained against the walls.

Photo of the Georgian House's formal gardenHoused in the Georgian House, the Ashes Exhibition relates the contrasts at work in Limerick during the early 20th century. The exhibit itself explores the dire 'downstairs' circumstances related by Frank McCourt in his memoir Angela's Ashes, while 'upstairs' where the homeowners lived, the rooms are lavish and well-decorated.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discount for children

Adare Heritage Centre

Address: Main Street, Adare, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 061 396 666
This small centre is situated around 16 km / 10 miles to the south-west of Limerick, within the village of Adare, which has become known for its interesting history. The Adare Heritage Centre is the best place to start a tour of the town and comes with its very own Historical Exhibition, explaining the importance of the Earls of Desmond part in shaping what is often referred to as 'Ireland's most picturesque village'. There is also an onsite shop selling local handicrafts and linens.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

People's Park image

People's Park

Address: Pery Square, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
One of the main parks in central Limerick, the award-winning People's Park lies close to the smaller Jackman Park and Verona Park, where it is bounded by Pery Square, Upper Mallow Street and Boherbuoy. People's Park is steeped in history and first opened to the general public in 1877, being given to the city in honour of local Irish businessman, Richard Russell. Many family friendly attractions now grace the park and include the City Art Gallery Children's Playground, spacious lawns (ideal for picnicking) and colourful displays of summer flowers, as well as the recently restored Richard Russell Fountain, a memorial garden, an ornate drinking fountain, two gazebos and a bandstand dating from the 19th century.
Open hours: daily, April to August, 08:00 to 21:00, September to March - 08:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Limerick Racecourse view

Limerick Racecourse

Address: Greenmount Park, Patrickswell, Republic of Ireland, IE
The Limerick Racecourse is to be found just over 10 km / 6 miles to the south-west of the city centre, in the nearby town of Patrickswell. Reached via the N20 primary road, the racecourse lies within Greenmount Park, next to Ballinroche East, and has long functioned as a major venue for horse racing. Many popular horse racing events are held here each year, such as the Ladbrokes Munster National in October, the National Hunt in November and the Christmas Racing Festival in December. Many other events are now hosted by the racecourse and include wedding fairs, a national tractor pulling competition and the Custom and Performance Car Show.
Open hours: hours vary according to event
Admission: free, charge for some events

Clancy's Strand

Address: Clancy's Strand, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, IE
An example of a successful inner-city restoration project (costing just over €2 million), Clancy's Strand was reopened by Limerick's mayor in the spring of 2009, immediately becoming an extremely popular riverside promenade once more. The new boardwalk is lined with benches and contemporary railings, while signs and plaques provide interesting information relating to the history of the River Shannon and its resident wildlife. Many local families come here to feed the swans and ducks, and to enjoy the views.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free