Everything you need to know
Welcome to Limerick, Ireland's vibrant and energetic third-largest city, home to over 100,000 smiling faces! This charming city has a history that stretches back to the Viking era, making it one of the country's oldest gems. Picture yourself strolling along the picturesque River Shannon, surrounded by culture. Dive into Limerick's ancient tales or savour the delightful chaos of its lively pubs, cafes, and restaurants!
Beyond the city's colourful streets, county Limerick awaits, boasting breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages that will steal your heart. Embark on a day-trip along the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, and let the stunning scenery leave you in awe. Limerick's perfect Mid-Western location serves as your gateway to exploring the wonders of Ireland and Europe. Hop on a short train/bus ride to Cork, Galway, or Dublin, or take flight from Shannon Airport to exciting European cities.
Limerick is truly the best of both worlds – a cosmopolitan hub with a touch of rural charm, creating a magical blend that attracts both Irish and international students alike. Pack up your sense of adventure, because Limerick is ready to embrace you with open arms! Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ways to explore Limerick
The University of Limerick is located in Castletroy, approximately 3km from Limerick City Centre.
Bus Eireann public buses 304 and 304A and the Dublin Coach 310 service the University of Limerick. There are two bus stops in the University, one inside the Main Entrance and the second outside the Student Life Courtyard. You can pay using cash or use a Student Leap Card for a discounted fare. Please note that the 310 only accepts the Student Leap Card!
Regional bus and train services operate from Colbert Station, Parnell Street. You can get here by taking the 304/304A bus from UL to Sexton Street. There are regular connections to Dublin, Tralee, Cork, Galway, Killarney, Rosslare, Donegal, Sligo, Shannon, Derry and many other locations.
There are frequent train services to Limerick Colbert Station from different places in Ireland. Some services require you to change at Limerick Junction. Further information can be found on the IrishRail website.
Access to and around the University is easy on a bicycle. Cycling facilities outside and inside the campus have been constructed as a response to the recent increase in the numbers of cyclists travelling to the campus. The University of Limerick is a smarter travel campus with the support of Limerick Smarter Travel, the University is committed to the promotion of sustainable modes of travel.
In order to promote cycling, the UL Bike Doctor operates each Tuesday during term from 10:00 to 15:00 offering free bike mechanic services as part of the Farmer’s Market in the UL Student Courtyard. The service is paid for by the University.
Sign up for the TFI Bikes service to get access to a self-service bike rental. Stations are conveniently located throughout the city. At just €10 for an annual subscription, it’s super affordable!
A scenic walk and cycleway weaves its way along the River Shannon from UL into the city.
Sporting Limerick
Home to the legendary Munster Rugby, Limerick is commonly acknowledged as Ireland's unofficial rugby capital. Thomond Park boasts a capacity of 25,600. Whether you are experiencing the thrilling atmosphere of a match day or diving into the heritage of Munster Rugby with a stadium tour, a trip to Thomond Park is a favourite among UL International Students each semester.
Limerick locals tend to be rugby-obsessed, with Limerick being home to Munster Rugby. However, if you are coming to Ireland, you must watch a Gaelic Games match. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the national sporting body which governs the traditional Irish games of Hurling, Camogie, Gaelic Football and Handball.
The Gaelic Grounds or Páirc na nGael is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Limerick City and is home to the Limerick hurling and football teams.
UL is renowned for its world-class sporting facilities. With an olympic-sized swimming pool , four high-standard multipurpose basketball courts, a health and performance centre and much much more, we are proud to be Ireland’s Sports Campus.
Culture
Limerick has a lot to offer with museums, pubs, theatre and live music venues all attracting thousands of people every week.
With arts and exhibits dating back to the Neolithic Period, The Hunt Museum is a must-see for visitors to Limerick. Take a Virtual Tour of Limerick's Hunt Museum.
Another unique museum is the new International Rugby Experience Museum, a fully interactive experience celebrating the game of rugby and everything it stands for. It will take you on a journey from the grass roots of rugby right up to legendary status giving you the opportunity to test your rugby skills.
The Riverfest is an annual festival held every May Bank Holiday weekend in Limerick. There are many amazing things that happen each year throughout the festival, but some of the highlights include Riverfest on the Shannon, the Riverfest BBQ Competition, Riverfestival village in Arthur's Quay Park, Great Limerick Run and a fireworks display.
The Lime Tree and Belltable theatres hosts a variety of artistic events all year round, including theatre, film, exhibitions, poetry readings and music.
Limerick is the host city to a wide variety of internationally acclaimed groups and organisations, including the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the Irish Concert Orchestra, Daghdha Dance Company, and the Island Theatre Group. The University Concert Hall located here on the University of Limerick campus has many Irish acts perform throughout the year.
Historic City
King John’s Castle is a 13th century castle located on King’s Island Limerick. Dating back to the Viking times, the picturesque castle sits on the banks of the river Shannon in the heart of Limerick city centre. It is open daily for interactive tours which bring to life 800 years of dramatic local history.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, built c.1172. Originally the palace site of Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Munster, who donated the site to the church. It is open daily from 09h00 to 17h00.
Located just 16km outside Limerick City Centre with regular public transport services, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is an absolute must-see for visitors to Limerick! Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time according to their social standing, from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House a fine example of a Georgian residence built 1804 home of the Studdarts, the last family to occupy Bunratty Castle.
Shopping
There is a Spar shop on campus (located in the Student Centre, number 16 on the Campus map) and another directly across from the main entrance of the university.
There are a number of grocery stores located within walking distance of the UL campus, including:
You can also avail of local grocery delivery services:
Every Saturday there is a bustling market held in Limerick's city centre. The Milk Maket has almost 50 stalls, 21 shop units and is a must do for any visitor!
Limerick city centre has some international food stores, which are a favourite among international students.
- Cheong Heng Hong Oriental Supermarket, 97 Henry Street
- Carnival Asia Store, 15 Upper William Street
- India Foods, 2 High Street
- East End Foods, 2 Upper Gerald Griffin Street
- Global Foods, 17 Davis Street
- Yong Xing Supermarket, 39 Roches Street
On the city’s outskirts in Dooradoyle, there’s the Crescent Shopping Centre, the biggest shopping complex outside of Dublin. That’s not all; Limerick also has the Jetland Shopping Centre, Childer’s Road Retail Park, the Parkway Shopping Centre and many more!
