There are plenty of family friendly things to do not far from Limerick City
- Starting from the city centre why not spend some time in the Hunt Museum, one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century, including works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats
- If your family is into history or in an exploring mood take them to King John’s Castle, a 13th century castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City overlooking the majestic River Shannon. Explore 800 years of history brought to life in the imaginative historical exhibition, excavated pre-Norman houses, fortifications, siege mines, and the battlement walks
- Head off to the University of Limerick activity centre if you are feeling adventurous where you can choose from Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, High Ropes, Archery or Orienteering to name but a few. Kids’ camps, family activities and corporate events are a speciality
- To get connected to nature go to the Aughinish-Alumina Nature Trail. Aughinish Island, Askeaton is located between the Shannon estuary and the River Deel the Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail winds through gentle meadowlands. There are many varieties of plants and wild flowers, wild berries and grasses and you can see wildlife in the wetlands near the estuary and riverbank. An ideal location for those interested in bird watching Ireland’s first sanctuary for butterflies with a habitat management programme specifically for the benefit of our native butterflies.
- Or how about visiting The Clare Glens, on the boundary between counties Tipperary and Limerick. The Glens are a gorge through which the Clare River flows with many waterfalls. The Glens are heavily wooded and the looped nature trail make it perfect for kids.
- Another nature based outing would be to Curraghchase Forest Park. Centred around the ruins of Curraghchase House, the 18th Century home of poet Aubrey deVere, this beautiful 600 acre park includes an arboretum, a wildlife lake and a nature trail which takes you to many of its most beautiful features. A Caravan and Camping park is also on the grounds.
- Make your way to the countryside and visit Ireland’s prettiest village Adare. We recommend the Adare Heritage Centre. A Guided Tour of Desmond Castle is also available throughout the high season. The centre also houses a Tourist Information Office, the Dovecot Restaurant, Black Abbey Crafts, Kerry Woollen Mills and Curran's Heraldry.
- Foynes Flying Boat Museum which is located in Foynes. The Museum, housed in the original terminal building, recalls that nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world from 1939 to 1945. On July 9th 1939, Pan Am's luxury Flying Boat, the "Yankee Clipper" landed at Foynes to become the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from the USA to Europe. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, this quiet little town on the Shannon became the focal point for air traffic on the North Atlantic. Now the "Yankee Clipper is back" - latest exhibit is the world's only full scale replica of the Boeing 314, "Yankee Clipper". You can "travel back in time" and see for yourself what it was like to be a passenger in one of these wonderful flying boats.
- Bunratty (Bun Raite) Castle which overlooks the River Shannon is in excellent condition and well worth the visit. It is one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish tower house. The Folk Park adjoins the castle and aims to show what everyday life was like in rural Ireland about 100 years ago. It contains reconstructed farmhouses, cottages and shops, and care has been taken to make them as authentic as possible, particularly with regard to furnishings. The Park is a living museum which kids will love. Animals are tended, bread is baked, milk is churned, walls are whitewashed and roofs are thatched. You may visit an Irish farmhouse, watch the blacksmith fit a horseshoe, attend a weaving demonstration, and bake and eat scones at the local tea house. The village also reflects the fundamental changes that led to increased mobility.
- Shop for fresh stuff for the family at Limerick Milk Market and sample the culinary delights of Ireland with Irish cheeses, fish, seaweeds, sausages, jams, chutneys, breads and fresh pressed apple juice. This market is rated as one of the busiest and most successful farmers markets in Ireland. Saturday 8 am to 1.30 pm
- If the weather doesn’t favour an outing we have some more ideas for things to do with your kids on rainy days
- If you fancy a visit to the cinema there's the Omniplex at Crescent Shopping Centre or Storm Cinema at Castletroy including Storm’s Kids Club
- If you have wee ones, we have info on good Playgrounds around Limerick
Please let us know how your day out went, do share your wonderful experiences either on our MyChat forum or mail me
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