The medieval city of Limerick has historical landmarks around every corner, but you can also sample local delicacies, take a digital tour of its past and discover why rugby is like a religion around these parts.

King John’s Castle

It’s easy to imagine what King John’s Castle would have been like in its heyday as you walk around fortifications and rooms that remain relatively unchanged, even after centuries. Get involved in the fun and hear historical tales from costumed characters who are sprinkled around the castle. 

See how the past and present are fused together to offer high tech additions like CGI animation, interactive touchscreens and ghostly projections which help to bring the story of this 13^th Century castle to life. 

Thomond Park

Go behind the scenes of Munster rugby with a tour of the famous Thomond Park stadium. See what it’s like to walk the tunnel, visit the changing rooms and sit in the Munster dugout. 

Delve into Munster's proud history and relive iconic moments, like their infamous 1978 win against the All Blacks, in the interactive museum. Experience the stadium at its best and take the family to a match to enjoy the ‘Munster roar’ first-hand.

International Rugby Experience

Feed your inner sports enthusiast even further with a trip to the International Rugby Experience in the heart of the city. Test your knowledge with their educational exhibit that follows the six stages of the sport, from grass root level all the way to contemporary rugby success. Or put your rugby skills to the test with their interactive trials. 

Before heading off on your next adventure, be sure to check out the 360 degree views of Limerick City centre from one of the city's highest vantage points.

The Living Bridge

Take a stroll across Ireland’s longest pedestrian bridge and walk from County Limerick into County Clare. Nestled in the centre of the University of Limerick campus, the impressive 350m Living Bridge links the academic buildings on either side of the Shannon River.

People’s Park 

Discover an oasis of calm in the middle of Limerick City at People’s Park. Pack a picnic for the family and sit amongst the luscious selection of deciduous and evergreen trees while the kids stretch their legs in the under-tens playground and on the lawns. 

Milk Market

Ireland’s oldest weekly market, the Milk Market has everything from artisan food to vintage clothes and antiques, depending on the day you go. Open from Friday to Sunday, the market is a buzzing hub where you could easily enjoy a couple of hours. 

Explore local goodies like crubeens and or pigs’ feet that are on display at the artisan butchers and get excited by the various sweet treats and confections on offer. Make sure to pick up some local delicacies to take home. 

Hook & Ladder Café

If you're looking for a cosy café where you and the kids can grab a warm drink and a feed, Hook & Ladder Café on Sarsfield Street has you covered. Take a gander at the impressive menus for both adults and kids, and find it hard to pick from tasty dishes such as their 'Bacon Blaa' and their 'Fireman's Chicken Curry'.

Cornstore Wine Bar and Restaurant

A stylish restaurant specialising in premium steaks and fresh seafood with a focus on seasonal, organic produce, Cornstore Wine Bar and Restaurant offers the perfect blend of decadent dishes and kid-friendly options that bring more to the table than your average chicken nuggets or fish fingers. Be sure to grab a seat for a mouthwatering food experience for all of the family. 

Leave the city behind and get out into the country to take in some breathtaking views, explore ancient Irish settlements and find out whether you could have made it as a transatlantic pilot. 

Lough Gur

The area surrounding Lough Gur is steeped in mystery and legend, with the King of the Fairies said to live on the Hill of Knockadoon. Explore the many walking trails to choose from, as well as the prehistoric tombs, standing stones and the dramatic Grange Stone Circle that provide evidence of former settlements. 

Visit the must-see crannog-shaped Lough Gur Visitor Centre for its interactive exhibitions and displays that tell the story of one of the country’s most interesting places.

Stonehall Visitor Farm

Give the little ones a memory they'll never forget by taking a trip to Stonehall Visitor Farm in County Limerick. Meet unusual animals like llamas, alpacas, wallabies, ostriches, birds of prey and meerkats. Don't forget to venture inside to the indoor enclosures where you can say 'hello' to chipmunks, chinchillas, parrots and more. 

Take a walk on the nature trail and you might even catch a glimpse of native species like the elusive red squirrel. The kids can also have a shot on the go karts, tractors or the bouncing castle in the farm’s play area.

Curragh Chase Forest Park 

Another enchanting outdoor attraction in Limerick is the 313-hectare Curragh Chase Forest Park. Once a former estate, the grounds are now dedicated to conserving several species of woodland creatures. Walk along the multi-access trails specifically designed with young hikers in mind. Or let the kids take advantage of the playground while you avail of the barbecue facilities and picnic areas. 

Foynes Flying Boat Maritime Museum 

Go back in time to the era of WWII with a trip to Foynes Flying Boat Maritime Museum and learn the significant role it played in the development of transatlantic passenger flight. Bring the kids aboard a life size replica of a Boeing 314 Flying Boat and instil a love of the skies with a quick go on their flight simulators.

For the movie lovers out there, be sure to see Maureen O'Hara's honorary Oscar that's on display in honour of her famous landing in Foynes.  

Restaurant 1826

A beautiful restaurant in “Ireland’s prettiest village,” 1826 Adare is the perfect spot to grab a meal and have a quick look at the charming heritage village of Adare. Set in a traditional thatched building, be sure to stop by if you’re in the area.

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails

Active families after some adventure can try off-road cycling on the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails. Take your pick from tricky forest road climbs to easier boardwalk sections, depending on the age of your children, and how fit you’re feeling. Rent bikes at Trailriders Mountain Bikes, where staff make sure that you have everything you need to make some unforgettable memories. They also offer family rates if you call ahead of time.