Eat, Drink & Explore

Limerick City

Limerick has steadily been building a reputation for great food and produce over the last decade with a whole range of independent coffee shops, food markets and restaurants to suit every palate. Long renowned for a rich pub and live music culture Limerick has some of the oldest, and most interesting, pubs and venues in the country. A selection of our favourites are below, but be sure to ask around and explore limerick.ie for more ideas.

Eat

Canteen
After a stint in Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, chef Paul Williams was inspired by the UK trend of healthy fast food and set up Canteen in 2012. Fast, simple local food, but none of it lacking in quality. Located at their brand new premises on Catherine Street, Canteen delivers the freshest fast food in Limerick with the finest coffee you will ever have the pleasure of drinking. The staff members are amazing, the attention to detail is incredible in its simplicity and the atmosphere is always welcoming.

La Cucina
Voted one of the Irish Times 100 best places to eat, this authentic Italian gem was originally located in Castletroy but has recently openind a second outpost in the city, on Henry Street. Open throughout the day this stylish eatery focuses on traditional home cooked Italian fare and deli delights with a dollop of Limerick humour.

Kyoto
From the traditional methods of Japanese cooking practiced in their kitchen, to their atmospheric Asian dining room and relaxed bamboo beer garden, Kyoto have created a haven of Japanese food and culture in the heart of Limerick City.

The Buttery
From the decor to the music, the friendly banter from staff, the top quality locally sourced ingredients & general good vibes in the restaurant the Buttery has created an infectious environment for all to enjoy.

Da Vincenzo
Proud to bring you the ultimate Neapolitan street food, you will be spoiled for choice with different pastas, healthy salads and their famous tomato pizzas. For those who do not like a tomato sauce they have something a little different in store!

Melt Café
While they do stock individual and boxed chocolates, don’t let the name fool you, they are also a fantastic lunch spot selling tasty soup and sandwiches, teas, coffees, and more.

Hunt Café
Located in the elegant Hunt Museum, this riverside restaurant offers a wide choice of dishes, both for lunch and for daytime snacks. The restaurant terrace overlooks the beautiful Shannon River and Curragower Falls.

Sash
The stylish Sash restuarant is situated in the upper floors of Georgian Hotel No. 1 Pery Square. Focusing on home cooking with an extra layer of sophistication, the menu at Sash is almost like country house food in the city – showcasing simple but elegant dishes, both classic and contemporary, using old-school, time-proven techniques. Ingredients used are local, seasonal, and reflective of a menu that would have been familiar in the house at the time it was built, with the addition of herbs and leaves grown in No. 1 Pery Square’s own kitchen gardens where possible.

Aroi
Aroi (pronounced Aroy) is associated with the eating experience in Asia and means ‘delicious’ or ‘tasty’. Aroi Asian Street Food is a great casual dining venue that offers a single course dining experience and friendly service with the minimum of fuss at 1 O’ Connell Street.

CornStore
The Cornstore on Thomas Street offers a casual, warm and lively dining experience, complete with an unique wine & cocktail bar, now approaching almost a decade in business. With their own garden in Ballingarry Co. Limerick the Cornstore specialise in garden to fork produce all year round with great steaks, quality locally sourced seafood and award winning infused cocktails.

Tuscany at The Granary
Tuscany Bistro at The Granary, Bank Place, Limerick offers the best in Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. Not just a restaurant, Tuscany is a place where you can relax with a drink in the stunning outdoor area.

Taikichi
The sushi here is considered the best in Limerick City. The menu offers a creative and diverse selection for everyone. There are variety of fresh sashimi and nigiri for the sushi fanatics as well as those who prefer more traditional cooked food. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a five star quality meal and service at a reasonable price.

The Curragower
Right on the banks of the river Shannon, The Curragower bar is at the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Quarter. Offering high quality award winning food and a wide selection of drinks in a relaxed and friendly setting. With both indoor and outdoor seating you can enjoy spectacular views of King John’s Castle, the Curragower Falls and Limerick City Hall.

Dolan’s Pub and Restaurant
Listen to the very best of Irish Traditional music and eat local Irish food in Dolans Restaurant, Limerick. Offering a truly special dining experience with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. The team, the menus, the setting and above all the food ensure that Dolans Restaurant is among one of the best restaurants in Limerick City.

House
Afternoon tea is an honorary House tradition. Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats paired with Champagne, bespoke cocktails or tea and coffee. Served in the plush garden and terrace spaces with stunning views of the river Shannon. Pre-booking essential.

Hook & Ladder
Hook & Ladder provides an excellent artisan food service for all taste buds, catering for breakfast through to evening meals. Offering a scrumptious section of home baked cakes from the in store bakery, as well as a wide selection of premium coffees, speciality teas and assortment of fine wines.

Drink

Tom Collins Pub
Situated on Cecil Street, Limerick, Tom Collins Pub has an old school charm with a high-end top-shelf selections and perfect pints. Fondly known to locals as TC’s, it boasts the most endearing and prettiest smoking section to the rear of the pub, complete with hanging baskets in full bloom and a private snug to the front.

The Copper Rooms
If you like cheese, wine, port and great tunes, and want to throw in a late finish to top it all off, then you want the Copper Room. Set in a basement on O’Connell Street, and utilising the cities old under-road storage tunnels, the Copper Room is a romantic and beautiful little retreat that has a distinct french feel.

The Locke Bar
The Locke Bar is one of Limerick’s best loved traditional Irish pubs and seafood restaurants in the heart of Limerick City’s medieval quarter. The Locke is synonymous in Limerick as well as further afield for its genuine Irish hospitality, incredible atmosphere and unforgettable music and Irish dancing sessions.

The White House
The oldest pub in Limerick first opened its doors in 1812 and was recently bought and refurbished by former Munster and Ireland rugby player Damien Varley. It has retained its characterful and cozy interior with an impressive new drinks menu including locally brewed Treaty City on tap.

The Curragower
A well known landmark in the City, the Curragower is believed to be one of the city’s oldest bars with some historians citing its establishment as far back as the late 1700’s, originally serving as a síbín for local farmers and fisherman alike.

Bobby Byrnes
Bobby Byrnes is a traditional Irish pub, or “Bobby’s” to the locals is located on the corner of O’Connell Avenue and Wolfe Tone Street in the heart of Limerick City. Now known as “Limericks Friendliest Foodie Corner, quaint and cosy with our open fire, slate floor and homely atmosphere.

Glen Tavern
The Glen Tavern is situated in the heart of Limerick just off the main artery of O’Connell Street. A warm welcoming pub, all the convenience of city life but very much a family run establishment.

Mickey Martins
Mickey Martins is a funky little bar at Number 1, Augustinian Lane. It has long been the citys premier hangout for those who see things a little differently.

Charlie Malones Pub
Situated on Wolfe Tone Street, Charlie Malones Pub is a very traditional pub with a twist. With it’s low ceilings and welcoming atmosphere, it is a great spot to pop in for a quick pint or stay late for some of its great live music. There is always something happening in Charlie Malones, whether it’s the proprietor Paddy Kelly cooking up a feat on the industrial barbecue or an open mic with a huge variety of talent on display.

O&F
Olio & Farina is situated on the busy pedestrian street Little Catherine Street, Limerick. A refurbished building, retaining it’s old-time charm, O&F offers breakfast and lunch, cakes and coffee. A great spot for people watching and taking in the city.

The Wickham Tap
Situated on Wickham Street in Limerick City, The Wickham Tap is owned by Galway Bay Brewers. Cosy and welcoming, the Wickham tap has a huge array of Galway Bay craft beers and a selection of rotating craft beers from various brewers from around the world. Take what you can while it is there because some of the beers are small batches and when they are gone they are gone. Not only that but they boast a serious top shelf selection of spirits too, with Gin and Whiskey of the Month. When you visit you can play one of the many board games supplied, chat beer with the well versed staff or just enjoy the comfort of a cosy bar without too much noise.

The 101
Located on the main street in the business district; 101 Limerick is a multi-leveled cocktail bar with an edge, offering three floors of fun in the heart of the city.

Nancy Blakes
Nancy Blakes is a traditional Irish pub located in the centre of the busy city of Limerick. The character and ambience of this pub are evident as soon as you step inside. Traditional Irish music on Sunday, and live music every Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Mother Macs
Mother Macs Public House is one of Limerick’s most iconic buildings located on High Street and upper Denmark street. The pub has become renowned for it’s large selection of craft beer both on draught and capped. It offers rotational craft taps, guest taps, specials and a large selection of capped (bottled) beers. It boosts an impressive selection of Whiskeys and any visitor should ask about the Whiskey of the Month offers.

Explore

A Limerick Tradition since 1852, the Milk Market re-opened as an all weather food market in 2010 and has quickly become one of Ireland’s leading Farmers Markets. Open Friday to Sunday every week, the famous Saturday Market has become a haven for foodies where you can discover the very best of fresh, natural produce from great farmhouse cheeses and chutneys, just-caught fish and artisan meats, organic fruit & vegetables, to delicious healthy breads and fresh pressed juice.

County Limerick

Get out of the city for an afternoon and experience the best of what County Limerick has to offer. Beautiful villages such as Adare, Glin or Askeaton will welcome you to their restaurants, coffee shops and visitor centres, or you can visit one of the variety of attractions around the county. Here’s a few I.NY favourites…

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails

At 98km Ballyhoura is the largest trail network of its kind in Ireland, and includes forest road climbs, tight twist singletrack, boardwalk, tight turns and technical rock guaranteed to test you, but also to leave you smiling. The trails range from the moderate 6km Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50km in length.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Explore Foynes’ role in early passenger flights between Ireland and New York and the legendary flying boats that came and went carrying celebrities, royalty, rich and famous and desperate refugees alike. Board the only B314 flying boat replica in the world. While all the commercial flying boats landing in Foynes featured upper class amenities, the B314 had true ocean liner luxury, ensuring comfort on the westbound flights which took 17 hours to reach Newfoundland before refuelling and departing for New York.

Lough Gur Heritage Centre

Lough Gur is one of Ireland’s first settlements, an ancient and mysterious place that is rich in folklore along with a wealth of archaeology and history dating back to Stone Age times. The Heritage Centre provides a fascinating interpretation of the sites on and associated with Lough Gur, and is also 5kms from the Great Grange Stone Circle. The Centre boasts a 5 star state of the art facility and has recently received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award.

King John’s Castle

The stunning exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Explore the visitor centre with state of the art interpretive activities and exhibitions. 21st century touch screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawer are among the exciting techniques that will connect you to tales of siege and warfare.

Bunratty Castle

Irelands iconic Bunratty Castle is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. Named after the river Raite which runs alongside this strategic battlement. The spot on which this castle stands has been occupied for over 1000 years. From the Vikings to the Normans, great Irish Earls and noble Lords and Ladies. Graciously restored in the 1960’s and furnished by Lord Gorts magnificent collection of medieval furniture and furnishings, this is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle.