Both a city and a county, Limerick is found in the province of Munster. It features a small old town with Georgian and Medieval buildings, as well as the 13th-century riverside St John’s Castle. In addition to having a fascinating history, Limerick has a colourful arts culture – it’s produced many musicians and writers, like The Cranberries and the Pulitzer prizewinning author Frank McCourt. Venture beyond the centre and you’ll find verdant scenery, further Irish history and opportunities for on-lough water activities. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite places to stay, within the city and close-by.
Adare Manor
840 acres of immaculate parkland, a Michelin star restaurant, a golf course that’ll play host to the Ryder Cup in 2027 and a spa offering medically-inspired 111SPA/CLINIC treatments. It’s also home to The Padel Club, a range of fitness facilities incorporating a 17-metre swimming pool, a gym with Peloton bikes and water rower, courts and a Sports Simulation Room. Bedrooms are decorated in a grand 19th-century style. And there are four venues in which to dine, with the Michelin recognised Oak Room being the most renowned. The magnificent five-star manor house is named after its home town and is found in Co. Limerick, on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Savoy Hotel Limerick
From imposing country manor to a city boutique hotel… The Savoy sits close to the River Shannon in the heart of Limerick’s action. It has 107 contemporary bedrooms, with accents of deep blue and golden hues. Despite being so central, the rooms are very quiet, which, combined with Egyptian cotton bedding, ensures a great night’s sleep. There’s a spa with a pool in the basement, two restaurants, a cocktail bar and a library bar serving lighter bites to the sound of live piano music. The Savoy is named after the restaurant and cinema, which occupied the same location until the 1980s.
Dromoland Castle Hotel (Near Limerick)
One of the most impressive castles in Ireland, Dromoland is the ancestral home of the O’Brien family. The turreted building dates back to the 16th century, with the Queen Anne Court and Moriarty Wings added in the 18th century. But it became a hotel in the 1960s and more recently, the 97 bedrooms underwent a multi-million Euro renovation. Formal dining takes place beneath glittering chandeliers with white-gloved silver service in the Earl of Thomond restaurant and more casual meals are served beside the fire in The Gallery. The estate also contains a Golf Academy and state of the art course, lake and spa with a pool.
Killaloe Hotel & Spa (Near Limerick)
On the banks of Lough Derg, in Co. Clare, lies Killaloe Hotel and the new eco-friendly Sionna Spa. Each of the modern rooms here has a different name, all of which come from Brian Boru High King of Ireland’s ancestorial tree. The friendly hotel takes advantage of its waterside location with an alfresco dining terrace, providing barbecues in the summertime. And the wellness facility utilises Irish products wherever possible, offers carefully curated treatments. Killaloe and Ballina villages are both within walking distance.