Outdoor activities for you to enjoy in Limerick

Limerick Greenway

Carving a 40km path through the local countryside, the Limerick Greenway offers an authentic experience of rural Ireland for cyclists, runners and walkers. Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, the Greenway seamlessly links the West Limerick landscape with bustling towns and villages and some of the country’s most historic sites.

Experience the Limerick Greenway in one visit or explore in shorter stages, perfect for day-trippers. Whichever you choose, there will be a genuine welcome from the towns along the way, offering delicious food and quality accommodation.

Bikes are available to hire from Limerick Greenway Bike Hire, with locations in, Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Limerick Greenway Bike Hire operate a shuttle bus that runs between the three locations, seven days a week, which can be booked to pick up guests and their bikes and bring them back to their starting point or another point along the Greenway. They also offer a mobile repair service which operates daily.

For a full list of bike hire available click here.

Ballyhoura Trailriders

Why not explore some of the 92km of Ballyhoura Bike Trails, including forest road climbs, twisty single tracks with lots of ups and downs, board walk, tight turns and technical rocky bits are guaranteed to leave you smiling?

Based at the trailhead in Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick, Ballyhoura Trailriders are now open for mountain and road bike rentals. Chris and Liam are on hand to advise customers of the best routes and trails to meet their individual needs.

Stonehall Wildlife Park

If you are looking for a day out with a difference, an afternoon at Stonehall Wildlife Park is sure to go down a treat with all the family. Visitors will experience first hand the enjoyment and fun of a wide variety of animals in a secure and pleasant setting.

*All tickets must be pre-purchased on line. Check availability and pre-book your visit here.

Wild Encounters

Wild Encounters is a small animal facility outside Newcastle West and home to a range of exotic and domestic animals such as birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and bugs. Visitors can take part in up-close, interactive and educational animal experiences.

*Visits to Wild Encounters are currently by pre-booking only! Check availability and pre-book your visit here.

Nevsail Water Sports

Take to the waters of the majestic River Shannon and experience Limerick in a whole new way. Nevsail’s Limerick City Kayaking Tours are easy, safe and fun adventures with some games and fun facts about Limerick included! If you’re feeling brave take an atmospheric kayak tour under the cover of darkness on a Night Kayaking Tour.

Have you ever wanted to try Stand Up Paddle Boarding? Why not take to the waters with super instruction from fully qualified staff in a very safe and controlled area at the back of the Hunt Museum. 

*Available to book on an individual/ family basis.

UL Sport Adventure Centre

UL Sport Adventure Centre are running land and water adventure activities; including sailing, high ropes, rock climbing, giant SUP and more. Now offering activity sessions for families for €99, running Monday - Friday from 4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm. Book a session on the UL Sport app or by phone at 061 376622.

*Activity session is for a family unit of 4 for €99.

If you have been long awaiting a return to the fairway, why not book yourself a round of golf at one of Limerick's fantastic golf courses? For an exhilarating golfing experience choose from the world class Adare Manor Golf Course, Ballyneety Golf Club, Newcastle West Golf Club, or Rathbane Golf Course, on the outskirts of the city.

Whether you are experienced or a complete beginner to the game, a round of Pitch and Putt is a fun filled afternoon for the whole family. Now open; Adare Pitch and Putt on the Killarney Road, just a short walk from Adare village, Bruff Pitch and Putt at the sports field in Bruff, or Glenside Pitch and Putt at Glenstal Cross in Murroe.

*Players need to schedule their tee time.

Limerick City and County Council in partnership with Draw Out, Ormston House, and OpenHouse Limerick have created three distinct cultural trails that you can enjoy throughout the summer.

The cultural trails celebrate our Street Art, Women of Limerick and our architectural heritage while taking you on an open air walking tour around the City Centre and along the beautiful River Shannon.

Limerick Street Art Trail

Limerick’s Street Art Trail encompasses 17 vibrant and evocative pieces throughout Limerick City. With the help of an easy-to-read illustrated map, explore an eclectic and engaging collection of urban art by nationally and internationally recognised artists in this self-guided walking trail.

Download Limerick's Street Art Trail here.

Shannon River Treasure Trail

Why not explore Limerick City with the OpenHouse Limerick’s Riverside Treasure Trail? This trail starts at King John's Castle and follows the flow of the River Shannon through the city to Howley's Quay, with a variety of fun questions and activities to complete along the way.

There are two different sets of questions following the same route. The Junior Trail is aimed at 4-8 year olds and the Senior Trail at 8-12 year olds, with some help from a parent or guardian likely to be required along the way.

For more information and to download the treasure trails, click here.
 

Women of Limerick App

The Women of Limerick app leads the user through the streets of Limerick City with brief biographies and soundbites telling the stories of 25 Limerick ladies. 

Now a special update for the Women of Limerick app is brought to you by Ormston House in partnership with Limerick City and County Council. From 30 April Historian and National Heritage Hero, Sharon Slater, will introduce five new women along the city’s Three Bridges walk.

For more information about where to download the app, click here.

Bunratty Folk Park is now open for visitors. Following the lifting of government restrictions for outdoor heritage sites, Bunratty Folk Park will open four days a week initially for residents of Co. Clare and Limerick people living within 20 kilometres of the popular attraction.

The 19th century themed Folk Park features a living village. Musical entertainment has been put in place and the Folk Park’s animators dressed in 19th century costumes are looking forward to sharing their stories with visitors. Among these will be the village policeman, schoolteacher and doctor.

Full of imagination, magic and fun, the interactive Fairy Trail, which weaves through the upper end of Bunratty Folk Park, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon whether you're 2 or 102!

No visit to Bunratty would be complete without a visit to see the Folk Park’s array of animals. Despite the fact that Bunratty Castle will remain closed, Castle guides will be on hand to give the history of the Castle from its courtyard. To add to the enjoyment, Mr O’Regan’s Café will be open for takeaway food and drinks.

*All visitors are required to pre book in advance of their visit. To ensure proper social distancing, a one-way system has been designed to guide visitors around the Folk Park.

While we are all spending increased time at home and practicing social distancing, it is more important than ever to get fresh air and exercise. We have a huge listing of walking routes across Limerick city and county so you’re sure to find new trails and places to go within the county!

Browse our walking routes here.