A Guide to the Best Tours of Limerick

Limerick has become an increasingly popular travel hotspot in Ireland, transforming in recent years into a destination for any travellers who crave a bit of Irish art, culture and history with a twist.

A city like Limerick, however, can also be hard to get a handle on in just a couple of days, which is why so many visitors turn to tours to help them get the most out of their trip. But googling around to finding the right tour can often be time consuming… we’ve been there!

Luckily, our list of the best tours in Limerick has you covered. From kayak tours down the Shannon river, bus tours, walking tours and day trips to the outlying areas, we’ve got a selection of sightseeing tours and day trips to help you to make the most of your time here.

Where to stay: Maldron Hotel Limerick. The best part about this unique Limerick hotel? It’s probably a tie between its proximity to all of Limerick’s top tourist attractions and the wallet-friendly prices.

Limerick bus tour

Limerick city is a great one to explore by bus. There’s a lot to do and see here, but if you’re pressed for time and want some expert insight into what makes the city tick, a bus tour might be just what you are looking for.

If you simply want a tour of the city, some friendly information about Limerick’s history, and the option to hop on and off the bus as you please throughout the day, the Red Viking tour of Limerick is a great way to see a large area of the city in a short amount of time.

Limerick walking tours

The Limerick Civic Trust run a series of Limerick city walking tours, which are a great way for visitors to orientate themselves in the city, at a price to suit most budgets.

These walking tours are the perfect way to learn more about the city’s history and take in all the must-see Limerick sights such as Georgian Limerick, King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the People’s Park, all with the help of a local expert guide.

Cost: €10 per person

Fans of Irish literature: You might also want to check out the Angela’s Ashes walking tour of Limerick, where they can follow in the footsteps of Frank McCourt, writer of one of the most influential Irish autobiographies of all time. This tour visits the places that shaped Frank’s life and inspired Angela’s Ashes, including historic Georgian Limerick, the house where the McCourt family lived and Leamy School, which Frank attended until the age of fourteen.

Cost: €10 per person

History buffs: If you prefer to explore Limerick on foot at your own pace, we also highly recommend following this self-guided tour of Medieval Limerick.

Limerick kayak tour

Want to take in Limerick’s most famous sites from a new point of view? We can’t think of a more unique way to do sightseeing in Limerick than by gently paddling your way down the River Shannon, which runs through the heart of the city.

Kayaks, paddles, life vests and paddle lessons are all included in the tour and it’s perfect for both experienced kayakers and beginners alike.

Cost: Minimum group of six, starting at €35 per person

Limerick food tour

Sample traditional Irish fare as well as some creative new culinary delights with a Limerick food walking tour.

Beginning at No. 1 Pery Square, a foodie guide leads the way to the Milk Market, stopping at various artisan food stores and even a tea shop along the way. While you’re at it, you can also take in some of Limerick’s most elegant architecture in the preserved streets, buildings and attractions that make up this historic Georgian city.

Cost: €15 per person

Day tours from Limerick

If you’re interested in exploring some of the world-famous attractions outside of Limerick, consider booking the Ring of Kerry day tour from Limerick.

This full-day tour departs from Limerick, spans about 11 hours and takes in many gems along the way, including Killarney National Park, Dingle Bay and Torc Waterfall. Along the way, the guide points out historical landmarks and other attractions and provides an in-depth commentary with a dash of local humour.

Food and beverages aren’t included, but you can pick something up on a stop along the way.

Cost: €45 per person, €40 with valid student ID

Note: Barratt Tours also run tours from Limerick to the Cliffs of Moher.