Things To Do In The Region

King John's Castle

King John's Castle
Shannon Heritage Reservations
Kings Island
Limerick City
Limerick
Republic of Ireland

reservations@shannonheritage.com
facebook.com/KingJohnsCastl...
www.shannonheritage.com/KingJohnsCastle

After €6 million investment visitors of all ages will find something to inspire and excite them at King John’s Castle in Limerick City. Experience Limerick’s history as never before! The stunning new exhibition brings to life over 800 years of King John's Castle and Limerick City’s dramatic history all through Touch-screen technology which will connect visitors to tales of siege and warfare. King John’s Castle is a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The Castle overlooks the majestic River Shannon offering wonderful panoramic views of Limerick City. Discover excavated pre-Norman houses, fortifications, siege mines, and the battlement walks.
There is also a Café on site which provides refreshment for the weary traveller. In peak season there are costumed characters including stonemason, blacksmith, soldiers and siege women telling stories & interacting with visitors bringing the history of the castle to life.

Glenstal Abbey

Glenstal Abbey
Murroe
Limerick
Republic of Ireland

+353 61 386103
cuthbert@glenstal.org
http://www.glenstal.org

Glenstal Abbey was built in the 1830s for the Barrington family. It was designed as a castle in 12th century style. It has a great gate and a massive drum tower that resembles the one at Windsor Castle. The Barringtons moved to England in the 1920s and in1927 sold the castle and lands to the Benedictine Order. It became an abbey in 1957. Visitors are welcome to Glenstal Abbey. They can walk in the extensive grounds and in the seventeenth-century terrace garden, participate in the community’s worship (at set times throughout the day), visit the Icon Chapel (by arrangement) and browse in the Abbey Book and Gift Shop. Refreshments by arrangement.

Pedal Pursuits Bike Hire

Jim Barrett
Pedal Pursuits Bike Hire
Glendarragh
Newcastle West
Co.limerick

Tel + 353 (0)86 8134061
pedalpursuitsbikehire@gmail.com
http://www.southerntrail.net

Cycling the Great Southern Trail Is An Amazing Day Out
If you are looking for a fun filled activity while on holiday, cycling the Southern Trail will be the highlight of your holiday. Nearly €2 million has been spent on developing this 40 km cycling and walking trail to date making it one of the finest trails not alone in Ireland but Europe. We make cycling the route very convenient and affordable for you. Simply hire your bike, cycle as much as you like and we will collect you and bring you back to where you started. Prices start from just €15 per bike.

HILLWALK TOURS

Hillwalk Tours: Self-Guided Hiking in Ireland & the UK
6 Galway Technology Centre,
Mervue Business Park,
Wellpark Road,
Galway, H91 A560,
IRELAND

Telephone: +353 91 763994
info@hillwalktours.com
http://www.hillwalktours.com

Hillwalk Tours design tailor-made hiking tours in Ireland, Scotland & England.
Ireland: From the stunning seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula to the mountains and lakes of the Kerry Way, a hiking trip in Ireland combines overnight stays at our finest guesthouses with some of the best scenery in the world.
Scotland: Or maybe a walking holiday in Scotland appeals to you more? Hike the West Highland Way – widely acknowledged as one of the top 10 trails worldwide. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, our wide range of itineraries make this trail accessible to all.
England: England is a country made for walking. Hadrian’s Wall Path - follow in the footsteps of ancient Roman soldiers and countless other pilgrims who have hiked in England since time began.
The Wild Atlantic Way: Out at the very edge of Europe, in places where the Atlantic Ocean has carved a coastline of wild, raw beauty along Ireland's western seaboard, you'll find some of the world's best hiking trails.
Remember, it’s your walking holiday. Your job is to relax and enjoy yourself. Let us take care of the details.

Knockpatrick Gardens

Knockpatrick Gardens
Knockpatrick
Foynes
Limerick
Republic of Ireland

+353 69 65256
hob68@eircom.net

An award-winning 1-hectare garden that enjoys a wonderful location overlooking the scenic Shannon Estuary, Knockpatrick Gardens are found just a short distance from Foynes in West County Limerick. The dwelling house stands about 200m above road level, with the garden descending around this highest point.
The gardens are a haven for enthusiasts and contain a variety of colour through the collections of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, bamboos, primulas, poppies and many varieties of tree ferns and grasses. The garden is divided into different levels with pools and water features among the plants. Roses, clematis, perennials, an arboretum and a large collection of hydrangeas offer interest throughout the flowering seasons. There are many large mature trees including maples, red horse chestnut, palm, oak, monkey puzzle, cedar and magnolia.

Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum

Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
The Flying Boat Museum
Foynes
Limerick
Republic of Ireland

+353 69 65416

margaret@flyingboatmuseum.com
info@flyingboatmuseum.com
www.flyingboatmuseum.com

Visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in County Limerick which tells about the brave world of transatlantic air travel. The museum has a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations. You can learn about the history of the flying boats in an authentic 1940's cinema, featuring the award winning film 'Atlantic Conquest'. Or marvel at the only Boeing B314 replica in the world. The museum also showcases the original terminal building, radio and weather room, compete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment. Foynes was where Irish Coffee was invented. Chef Joe Sheridan made the first in 1942 to warm up some damp and miserable passengers and since then Irish Coffee has become one the most popular welcoming drinks in the world. There is a great 3D hologram that re enacts this auspicious event.

Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park
Carrigtwohill
Cork
Republic of Ireland

+353 21 4812678
info@fotawildlife.ie
http://www.fotawildlife.ie

Fota Wildlife Park is located in Carrigtwohill, just 15 minutes from Cork city, County Cork. It is a joint project between the Zoological Society of Ireland and University College Cork. Fota Wildlife Park cares for several different animal species in danger of extinction. Through long-established breeding programmes, which are run cooperatively with other institutions around the world, the park is helping restore populations of some species while protecting the very survival of others.
Some of these endangered and exotic species from around the world include cheetahs, giraffes, penguins, and zebras to name but a few. 

Adare Village

Adare Village
Adare
Co. Limerick

enquiries@adarevillage.com
www.adarevillage.com

Adare is located in the south west of Ireland, just 15 minutes from Limerick City on the N21 and 40 minutes from Shannon Ferries at Tarbert. It is regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most picturesque village and is a haven for those wishing to escape, unwind and take in its medieval surroundings.

Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the river Shannon, Adare is steeped in history dating back to 1200ad. Adare has been the subject of many rebellions, wars and conquests, leaving behind a legacy of historical monuments. In the early 19th century, the Earl of Desmond, laid the plans for the existing streets and townhouses of Adare and so the village boasts architectural wealth and scenic beauty. The mix of centuries is blended into everyday life as some of the thatched cottages built in the 1820’s are home to arts and crafts shops.
The main street of Adare is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries, ruins and a village park. The village has some of the finest fashion stores and gift shops in the county. Accommodation includes three hotels, high quality B & Bs and Self Catering cottages. Adare is the gateway to the southwest of Ireland, bordering the counties of Kerry, Cork, Clare and Tipperary.

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Network

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Network
Kilfinane
Limerick
Republic of Ireland

+353 61 337322
info@coillteoutdoors.ie
www.ballyhoura.com


Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Network, in County Limerick, is the largest trail network of it’s kind in Ireland and provides many options for off-road cycling in the mountains. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty singletrack with loads of ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits. The trails range from the moderate six kilometre Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50 kilometres in length! Tough forest road climbs are rewarded with sweeping fast descents guaranteed to leave you smiling!

My Ireland Tour

MY IRELAND TOUR
5 Church Hill ,
Carrigaline
Co. Cork
Ireland
P43 X376

(US / Ca) 011 353 21 437 6600
(EU) 00353 21 437 6600
info@myirelandtour.com
www.myirelandtour.com

MY IRELAND TOUR is a family-run business based in Cork
Proudly independent, reassuringly local. My Ireland Tour was established by the O'Gorman family in 1989. 29 years later, we're still an independent and family-run business based right here in Cork, Ireland. Your vacation will be personally managed by one of our dedicated team of local experts, and you can speak to that same person each and every time you are in touch.
Our reputation has been built over many years through the personal attention we give our Customrs, and the detailed planning that we put into each and every tour we create. If you have any questions, please just get in touch. Eric O'Gorman and the rest of the team look forward to chatting to you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Kylemore Abbey and Gardens

Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
Kylemore
Connemara
Galway
Republic of Ireland

+353 95 52001
info@kylemoreabbeytourism.ie
www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie

Kylemore Abbey is the ideal destination for a day out in majestic Connemara at any time of year. Located about an hour’s drive from Galway City, a visit to Kylemore will rank as an unforgettable memory.
The dramatic landscape and iconic image of a gothic castle reflected in a Connemara lake has made Kylemore Abbey world-famous and it is now the largest tourist attraction in the west of Ireland.
Mitchell’s café and the tea house offers home-cooked food made from recipes perfected by the Benedictine nuns and using fresh vegetables and herbs from the walled garden.
The craft shop has a wide selection of design-focused Irish giftware including artisan food products, knitwear, pottery, art and handcrafts made by the Benedictine nuns at Kylemore.

Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park
Letterfrack
Galway
Republic of Ireland

+353 95 41323
+353 95 41329
cnp@ahg.gov.ie
www.connemaranationalpark.ie

Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park's mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range.
A number of walking trails beginning at the Visitor Centre offer walkers a variety of scenic routes and nature trails through the park. Stunning vistas from the 400-metre high Diamond Hill include the distant islands of Inishbofin, Inishturk and Inishshark, and the turreted Kylemore Abbey.

Galway Atlantaquaria

Galway Atlantaquaria
The Promenade
Salthill
Galway
Republic of Ireland

+353 91 585100
marketing@nationalatlaquarium.ie
www.nationalaquarium.ie

Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland, seeks to present a comprehensive view of the world of water through clear and interesting displays, informed helpful staff and exciting live presentations and animal interaction sessions.
As Ireland's largest aquarium Galway Atlantaquaria strive to ensure that a visit to the aquarium is original and full of wonder for visitors of all ages. The weather-independent aquarium is truly an attraction not to be missed on a visit to Galway city.

Salthill Blue Flag Beach

Salthill Blue Flag Beach
Beach
Salthill
Galway CIty
Galway
Republic of Ireland

+353 1 4002202
blueflag@antaisce.org
www.antaisce.org

Salthill Beach is located near Galway City and is within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The beach consists of some sandy and some pebbled smaller beaches which are separated by rocky outcrops.
The beach is approximately 2km for Galway City and is accessible by foot. Alternatively there are many buses which service the area.
The beach is lifeguarded during the bathing season and more information can be found on the notice board located at the beach.

Great Southern Trail

Great Southern Trail,
Gortbui,
Newcastle West,
Co. Limerick,
Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0) 69 62597
southerntrail@eircom.net
http://www.southerntrail.net

Ireland's rolling green landscape, much of it untouched by development, makes it an ideal location for Walking, Cycling or Hiking for the enthusiast and casual walkers, cyclers' or hikers alike. 
Today the Great Southern Trail is suitable for walking and cycling off road along a approximately 40km route. If you are planning a walking cycling or hiking holiday, or a short break to the Mid Western part of Ireland, why not check out the sections of the trail Trailheads, which have been developed for walking, cycling and Hiking. The Great Southern Trail Action Group are a non-profit group working to develop the Limerick to Tralee section of the trail so that everyone can explore this beautiful region in a safe, leisurely way by foot or bicycle. The tour operates daily.

Blarney Castle And Rock Close

Blarney Castle & Rock Close
Blarney
Cork
Republic of Ireland

+353 21 4385252
info@blarneycastle.ie
http://www.blarneycastle.ie

Blarney Castle has long been famous because of the Blarney Stone but the less known Rock Close and castle grounds are well worth a visit in their own right. Many different gardens are to be found around the estat and exploration will be rewarded. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle to be found deep in the woods. The Poison Garden, adjacent to the battlements, contains an interesting and educational collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world, including caged specimens of deadly nightshade, wolfsbane and poison ivy.
The Rock Close is a mystical place where majestic yew and oak trees grow around an ancient druidic settlement. Follow the trail through giant gunnera leaves and bamboo and you will find such features as a dolmen, wishing steps and a witch's kitchen. A water garden with waterfalls adds the soothing sound of water to the visitor's experience.

Get West

GET WEST LIMERICK
Call: 061-278747
email: info@GetWest.ie
Web: www.getwest.ie

Get West was founded in 2014 by Paul Austin. Paul first moved to Limerick to study Business and Computer Studies in 2001. After graduating and a spell in a call centre he decided he wanted to do something a bit more adventurous so he joined the Irish Defence Forces.Working with Paul are the highly motivated, experienced and friendly members of UL Kayak Club. They are constantly on the water improving their own skills and are ready to bring you on your next adventure.
Get West has a fleet of beginner friendly and very easy to use “FeelFree” sit on top kayaks for their city tours and team-building sessions. They also have a complete range of modern river running boats for their learn to kayak sessions and whitewater river trips. For the SUP lovers among you they have lots of beginner SUP boards which are great fun to use (and not as hard as it looks).

Thomond Park

Thomond Park
Limerick City
Republic of Ireland

+353 61 421109
museum@thomondpark.ie
www.thomondpark.ie

The newly redeveloped Thomond Park Stadium, in Limerick, is the iconic home ground of Munster rugby. Follow in the footsteps of your Munster heroes by taking a look behind the scenes at the historic Thomond Park Stadium. The stadium tour takes you to places that are only accessible to the players and officials on match days, so from a walk down the tunnel to a seat in the home dressing room, the stadium tour gives you the unique opportunity to experience how the Munster players feel on big match days.
The full stadium tour consists of a museum visit and film, plus visits to pitch side, the Munster dugout, the home and away dressing rooms and the post match interview area. The new stadium's spectacular interactive museum showcases the proud history and heritage of Munster rugby, including an impressive range of memorabilia.

The Thomas Fitzgerald Centre Bruff

The Thomas Fitzgerald Centre
Bruff
Co Limerick

brufftourism@gmail.com

Since taking on responsibility for the Old Courthouse some years ago we in Bruff Heritage Group have witnessed this old building come to life and we have seen it take on and play a very important role in the life of the community.

It is an iconic building and is very centrally located within the town and we realised very early on that it could not be left to lie idle for too long as it would eventually go the way of many old buildings which have been abandoned and left to fight the ravages of time.
We are very glad that we did decide to give this building a new focus and it has paid us back handsomely.
As part of the many functions we have held there, the Courthouse has played a central role and it has added greatly to the atmosphere and has made our job of organising these functions very easy indeed.

Every part of the building is now being utilised and we are delighted to have the very generous support of Ballyhoura and they continue to use parts of the building for courses and for office space also.
It is a very bright colourful building and it is fit for many purposes as has been witnessed over the last two years or more.

We look back with great pride to June 21 of 2013 to the visit of Caroline Kennedy to Bruff. The Courthouse was the main focus of the visit and the plaque within the building will remain a constant reminder of that wonderful day. The Courthouse was magnificent as was the town and all those who turned out for the visit must have fond memories of that day. On that day the transformation was complete when the Old Courthouse was renamed the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre by Caroline Kennedy.

The Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel
Cashel
Co Tipperary
Republic of Ireland

+353 62 61437
rockofcashel@opw.ie
www.heritageireland.ie

One of Ireland’s most visited sites, the Rock of Cashel is a spectacular collection of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. The ruins include a 12th-century round tower, high cross, Romanesque chapel, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, 15th-century castle and the Hall of the Vicars. It is believed to be the place where St Patrick converted the King of Munster in the 5th century.
The Rock of Cashel, also known as St Patrick’s Rock, is located just 500 metres from the centre of Cashel Town, County Tipperary. The site includes an audio-visual show and exhibitions.

Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge
Offaly
Republic of Ireland

+353 90 9674195
clonmacnoise@opw.ie
www.heritageireland.ie

Clonmacnoise is an ancient monastic site near Shannonbridge, County Offaly. It was founded by St Ciaran in the mid 6th Century and over the years, it was a great centre of learning. Many manuscripts, including the 11th Century Annals of Tighernach and the 12th Century Book of the Dun Cow, were written here.
Today, visitors can see three high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches and two round towers. They will also pass through the visitor centre, which displays a number of cross-slabs and the 9th Century Cross of the Scriptures