Limerick City: 5 Top Things To Do In The City By The Shannon

• By: Editor
• On: 21/Sep/2009
• In: Limerick Travel Tips

1. King John's Castle is one of the most distinguishable buildings in Limerick City and for many people it is it's imposing location by the broad River Shannon is an unforgettable image of the city. This 800 year old fortification was built in the early 1200's and it's Anglo-Norman architecture is as stunning as ever today.

So prepare to transport yourself through 800 years of history as you trace life during Norman times with the aid if wonderful exhibitions, excavated houses and buildings, battlement walks and siege mines. All in all, a visit to King John's Castle is a fascinating place and a great way to spend a few hours getting deep into the history of Limerick - and you can also enjoy superb views of Limerick City itself from the castle. For more, visit the official website of King John's Castle.

2. Limerick City has some fantastic shopping options so it is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy. The city centre has all of the top brands and high street stores that you'd expect and some wonderful craft shops also exist. Best streets to enjoy some wonderful shopping are Patrick Street, Cruises Street, O'Connell Street and you should also check out Arthurs Quay Shopping Centre.

And if you do like your shopping to be all under one roof, we suggest you make your way to the Crescent Shopping Centre in the Dooradoyle area, just two miles from Limerick City Centre. Along with all of your favourite outlets Dooradoyle also has a 12-screen cinema, banks, creche and much more all contained within 37,000 squared metres of shopping heaven with over 2,500 free car parking spaces.

3. For a spot of history, pop along to the Hunt Museum on Rutland Street where you can check out the works of some of history's most renowned artists such as Picasso, Renoir and Yeats. The museum houses the most extensive private collections of art and achaelogical artefacts ranging from unique displays such as medieval works, tools from the Celtic period, the Scots Cross of Mary Queen Of Scots and the Greek coin that is said to be one of the "thirty pieces of silver" given to Judas Iscariot!

And after a few hours of history and culture you can drop into Ducarts Restaurant within the Hunt Museum where a variety of snacks and meals. One great features of the restaurant is the stunning views of the River Shannon and Curragour Falls. For more, visit the official website of the Hunt Museum.

4. Quite simply, the people of Limerick City are rugby mad! Limerick is home the famous Thomond Park Stadium which is the home of the Munster rugby team who have tasted enormous amounts of success in recent years in Europe's Heineken Cup competition. And Thomond Park is an experience in itself as the ground generates a really special atmosphere that is completely unique to the game of rugby.

Due to its recent redevelopment, Thomond Park has been used to host major soccer internationals as well so the stadium is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best sporting venues in Ireland. So if a game is taking place at Thomond Park during your break in Limerick, do check out the wonderful matchday atmosphere. For more information, visit the official website of Thomond Park.

5. Limerick has a vibrant pub and restaurant scene that is well worth checking out. Pubs in Limerick city range from traditional, old-style pubs where the focus is on conversation to the bright new super pubs where a range of entertainment options are provided under one roof.

And Limerick has a wide selection of restaurants where you'll find the influences of Irish, international, Asian and much more all on one menu! Restaurants range from the high end of the market gourmet establishments right through to the traditional restaurants with a focus on Irish cuisine. All in all, you'll find the restaurants of the city all have a commitment to serving locally produced dishes so you are assured of excellent food and service at all times.

Have you visited Limerick City for a short break? If so, let us know what your top things to do are and let other readers know just in case there is a hidden gem that you've uncovered. And if you are planning a break here, check out our Limerick hotels for excellent value for money rates.

If you have any tips or advice for a fantastic trip to Limerick City, use our comment box below to inform others.