Travelers know that there are so many different reasons to visit Ireland. Since there are a lot of cities and towns worth seeing in the Emerald Isle, it doesn’t hurt to know what to expect and what to see before the trip itself.
How can someone make the most of their time in Limerick, Ireland? It doesn’t matter if you’re in the city for a night, weekend, or longer, there will always be something to do to make that trip memorable.
A City of Culture
Limerick is actually Ireland’s 2014 City of Culture and those who have been here know that it truly deserves that title. The city is known for being a center for the arts with its art galleries, studios, theater and dance companies. A lot of visual and performance artists actually live in this city.
This city is the first to get the City of Culture stature which means visitors have a lot to look forward to. Those that will be here in 2014 are in for a treat. Throughout that year, a lot of cultural events will be held in Limerick. Just visit the official website for the schedule of events.
Visiting Limerick will not be complete without listening to the Irish Chamber Orchestra, going to a contemporary art event, or experiencing this city’s nightlife. Local bars, pubs, and clubs are also venues to experience live music sessions or standup comedians.
Nightlife Establishments
Limerick is known for having a lot of local artists in residence because the local government actively supports the arts. Therefore, one can expect the city’s nightlife scene to be something worth looking forward to. There are plenty of forms of entertainment to enjoy in the city, from jazz acts, folk musicians and comedians.
Dolans Warehouse along Dock Road is one of the best venues for live music. Upstairs, guests can enjoy comedians, folk and jazz acts. The ground floor is a larger venue for local and international rock acts.
Those that wish to dance the night away can find what they seek at the Baker Place and Trinity Rooms. Of course, for those that are in the city for a pub crawling experience will not be disappointed as there are more than enough pubs to visit in this city.
Tourist Attractions
This city is known for its Georgian architecture and there are a good number of churches, castles, and museums to see. The Hunt Museum, People’s Park, St. John’s Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Cathedral are some of the attractions worth seeing in this city. Not far from the city, folks can choose to go to Foynes Flying Boat Museum and Adare Village.
Where to Stay
Limerick is a popular tourist destination which is why five hotels were opened in 2006 to accommodate more than a thousand visitors. After getting the City of Culture title, the amount of visitors will likely continue to grow as well. Hotels aren’t the only type of accommodation available in the city. There are more affordable options in the form of hostels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and pub-style accommodations.
Transportation
The closest international airport to Limerick is Shannon Airport which is located in County Clare, 20 kilometers from the city. This airport has direct flights going to and from North American and European destinations.
Sadly, there is no rail link to this airport. However, there are buses that travel from Shannon Airport to the towns and villages within the county.
From Limerick, there are hourly buses that go to the other major cities in the Emerald Isle including Galway, Cork, and Dublin. The railway also provides transportation to those cities as well. Travelers that plan to go to Waterford can also choose to get there by railway.
Sabrina Mable is an author and recognized authority on planning hen parties. She currently works for Henit and specializes in creating hen party packages for fun and memorable hen parties in Ireland. She has succumbed and joined the world of social media. Follow her on Twitter.
