Things to do in Limerick with Kids
Looking for unforgettable family adventures in Limerick that won’t break the bank? Rain or shine, Limerick offers endless excitement for visitors of all ages! Our comprehensive guide takes you through Limerick’s hidden gems: from the medieval marvels of King John’s Castle to animal adventures at Stonehall Wildlife Park.
Dive into the interactive exhibits at the Hunt Museum, splash around at the UL Sport Adventure Centre, or enjoy traditional Irish storytelling sessions that captivate young imaginations. This guide provides the information you need to help you plan a wonderful family itinerary without any budget surprises.
Attractions
Courtesy Michelle Crowley
| Title | Description | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| King John’s Castle | Step back in time at this 13th‑century fortress with interactive exhibits and costumed characters. | Nicholas Street, Limerick | kingjohnscastle.ie |
| Thomond Park Stadium Tour | Go behind the scenes at this iconic rugby stadium. | Cratloe Road, Limerick | thomondpark.ie |
| The Hunt Museum | This eclectic museum houses a fascinating collection of art and antiquities, from ancient relics to works by renowned artists like Picasso and Yeats. | Rutland Street, Limerick | huntmuseum.com |
| Stonehall Wildlife Park | Get up close and personal with a variety of animals at this wildlife park. | Curraghchase, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick | stonehallvisitorfarm.com |
| Arena 5 Family Activity Centre | Enjoy a variety of activities, including bowling, mini‑golf and a trampoline park. | Ballysimon Rd, Limerick | arena5.ie |
| Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum | Journey back to the golden age of aviation at this museum. | Foynes, Co. Limerick | flyingboatmuseum.com |
| Basecamp Adventure Park | Adventure park with paintball, splatball, archery tag and bushcraft. | Ballyhoura Mountains, Co Limerick | basecampadventurepark.ie |
| Nevsail Watersports | Kayaking tours and taster sessions offered by Limerick Adventures. | Limerick City | limerickadventures.com |
| Jurassic Parrr Minigolf | Play mini‑golf with a prehistoric twist at this UV‑crazy golf course. | Ballysimon Road, Limerick | |
| Terra Nova Fairy Garden | Award‑winning children’s garden with fairy trails, waterfalls and a tropical Thai house. | Near Adare, Co. Limerick | terranovafairygarden.com |
| National Kart Centre | Ireland’s largest indoor karting arena – group passes for families with children 14+. | Limerick City | nationalkartcentre.com |
| Funworld Entertainment Centre | Ten‑lane bowling alley, arcade games and adaptive bowling for all abilities. | Limerick City | funworld.ie |
| Jumplanes Indoor Trampoline Centre | Open to children 5+, with open‑lane trampolines and dodgeball. | Limerick City | jumplanes.ie |
| Limerick Greenway | 40 km off‑road path along the former railway – walk or cycle the whole route. | Limerick‑Tralee corridor | limerickgreenway.ie |
Parks and Playgrounds
Courtesy Michelle Crowley
| Title | Description | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| People’s Park | Relax and enjoy the outdoors at this urban park with a playground for younger children. | Pery Square, Limerick | |
| Curragh Chase Forest Park | Explore the trails of this extensive forest park with a playground and picnic areas. | Kilcornan, Co. Limerick | |
| Castletroy Playground | Inclusive playground with equipment for all ages and abilities, including a skateboarding area and a multi‑use games area (MUGA). | Castletroy, Limerick | |
| Abha Bhán Parish Park | Fully wheelchair‑accessible playground with a sensory garden and a wheelchair‑usable trampoline. | Abha Bhán, Limerick | |
| Mungret Playground | Caters to children of all abilities and includes a sensory area for children on the autistic spectrum. | Mungret, Limerick | |
| Ballingarry Playground | Located in a quiet area with a variety of equipment, including a zip line. | Cloontemple, The Spar Complex, Co. Limerick |
Museums and Historical Sites
Courtesy Failte Ireland
| Title | Description | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limerick Museum | Discover Limerick’s history through a diverse collection of artifacts. | Henry Street, Limerick | limerick.ie |
| St. Mary’s Cathedral | Historic cathedral founded in 1168, an architectural gem with rich history. | Bridge St, Limerick | |
| Treaty Stone | Iconic landmark symbolising the 1691 Treaty of Limerick. | Clancy Strand, Limerick | |
| Lough Gur | Explore the ancient landscape with prehistoric tombs, standing stones and legends. | Lough Gur, Co. Limerick | loughgur.com |
| Frank McCourt Museum | Recreates a 1930s classroom and the McCourt family home. | Limerick City | frankmccourtmuseum.ie |
| Limerick City Gallery of Art | Contemporary art gallery housed in the Carnegie Building, free entry. | People’s Park, Limerick | limerick.ie |
Outdoor Adventures
- Clare Glens Loop – 4 km trail (≈1‑1.5 h) with waterfalls, straddling the Limerick/Tipperary border. Ideal for families who enjoy a short forest walk.
- Canon Sheehan Loop – 7 km moderate loop through Glenanair Forest, offering views of the Blackwater Valley and the Nagle & Knockmealdown Mountains.
- Knockfierna Hill – Known as the “Hill of the Fairies”, routes range from 25 min to 2.5 h and provide panoramic vistas of Limerick, South Tipperary and North Kerry.
- Glenstal Abbey Walk – 6 km circular walk around the 19th‑century Benedictine monastery, suitable for older children and teens.
- Ballyhoura Mountains – Network of gentle to challenging cycling and walking trails; the Greenwood Trail and Nature Trail are family‑friendly options.
- Limerick Greenway – 40 km off‑road path from Limerick to Tralee; sections can be tackled as easy family walks or bike rides.
- Lough Gur Fairy Trail – 100‑step climb to the “King of the Fairies” throne, followed by an interactive heritage centre with audio guides.
Free Family Activities
- People’s Park – Playground, bandstand, and the Limerick City Gallery of Art (free). Great for picnics and a quick scavenger hunt.
- Limerick Museum – Free entry for children; interactive displays include a mummified cat and a meteorite fragment.
- Limerick City Library – Regular storytelling sessions, arts‑and‑crafts workshops and teen clubs (check local branch schedules).
- Fairy Trails – Explore fairy doors and post‑boxes in Athea, Castleconnell, Adare and at Lough Gur.
- Butterfly Sanctuary at Aughinish – Free nature walk on the Shannon Estuary, home to Ireland’s first designated butterfly sanctuary.
Admission & Practical Info
- King John’s Castle – €10 adults, €5.25 children, €22 family ticket. Open 9:30‑17:30 daily. Paid car parks on Patrick Street and O’Connell Street; free on‑site parking limited.
- The Hunt Museum – €7.50 adults, €5.50 children, €22 family ticket; free on Sundays (2‑5 pm). Opening 10:00‑17:00 Mon‑Fri, 14:00‑17:00 Sun.
- St. Mary’s Cathedral – Free entry. Opening 9:00‑17:00 Mon‑Thu, 9:00‑16:00 Fri‑Sat, 13:30‑16:00 Sun.
- Stonehall Wildlife Park – On‑site free parking; admission €9 adults, €7 children (prices from official site).
- Terra Nova Fairy Garden – €3 adults/children, free under 2. Open 11:00‑17:00 daily.
- National Kart Centre – Group family passes available; children 14+ can race. Check website for current rates.
- Funworld – Entry €8 adults, €6 children; includes bowling and arcade.
- Jumplanes – Entry €10 adults, €8 children; discounts for families of 4+.
- Curragh Chase Forest Park – Free on‑site parking, free entry to trails and playground.
- Public transport – Bus Éireann routes 301, 302 and Citybus connect the city centre with most attractions. The Shannon Airport shuttle stops at the city bus station.
- Accessibility – Major venues (King John’s Castle, Hunt Museum, Limerick Museum, People’s Park) provide wheelchair access and family facilities. Verify specific needs in advance.
Planning your visit
- Opening hours & tickets – Check each attraction’s website before you go; many museums and castles have seasonal hours and family ticket discounts.
- Parking – City‑centre attractions such as King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum are close to paid car parks on Patrick Street and O’Connell Street. Rural sites like Stonehall Wildlife Park have on‑site free parking.
- Public transport – Bus Éireann and local Limerick City Bus routes connect the city centre with most attractions. The Limerick Shannon Airport shuttle stops at the city bus station.
- Accessibility – Most major venues offer wheelchair access and family‑friendly facilities; confirm any specific needs in advance.
- Food – Many attractions have cafés with child‑friendly menus. For a quick bite, try the family‑friendly eateries on O’Connell Street or the food court at the Crescent Shopping Centre.
Enjoy a memorable family day out in Limerick – there’s something for every age and interest!