5 Best Day Trips from Limerick, Ireland
Limerick is an excellent starting point for exploring some of Ireland's most popular attractions. The best day trips from Limerick include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and the Rock of Cashel. For a shorter outing without leaving the city, the Hunt Museum is another excellent option.
Here are five places worth visiting from Limerick:
- Cliffs of Moher – Spectacular Atlantic coastal scenery in County Clare, approximately 1–1.5 hours away by car.
- Ring of Kerry – A scenic 179 km driving route through County Kerry, best planned as a long, full-day excursion.
- Bunratty Castle and Folk Park – A historic castle and traditional Irish village experience, around 20 minutes from Limerick.
- Rock of Cashel – An impressive medieval heritage site in County Tipperary, roughly an hour away.
- Hunt Museum – An art and antiquities museum in Limerick city centre, ideal for a shorter cultural outing.
Travelling by car offers the most flexibility, but some attractions can also be reached using Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services, sometimes with connections. Whether you're interested in history, coastal scenery or family activities, Limerick makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region.
Why People Love Limerick
There are plenty of reasons Limerick wins people over. A few of the best:
- Strong educational opportunities and student life make it a great university city outside Dublin.
- Endless options for recreation, whether you want to relax or chase a bit of adrenaline.
- Striking architecture and ancient design around almost every corner.
- Relatively affordable rent and hotel rates, for a long stay or a quick getaway.
- Beautiful surrounding scenery that makes day trips from Limerick a joy.
Thinking of making Limerick your home? Our guide to moving to Limerick covers local neighbourhoods, transport and practical tips for settling into the city.
Day Trips To Limerick at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the best day trips, with rough drive times from Limerick and how long to set aside for each.
| Day trip | From Limerick | Time to allow | Best for |
| Cliffs of Moher | 1 hr by car (Co. Clare) | Half day | Dramatic coastal scenery |
| Ring of Kerry | Scenic route in Co. Kerry | Full day (8–10 hrs) | A classic Irish road trip |
| Bunratty Castle & Folk Park | 20 min by car (Co. Clare) | Half day | History and families |
| Rock of Cashel | 1 hr by car (Co. Tipperary) | Half day | Medieval history |
| Hunt Museum | In Limerick city | 1–2 hrs | Rainy days; free Sun PM |
Note: opening hours, admission prices and contact details change seasonally - always check each attraction’s official website before you travel.
The Best Day Trips in Detail
Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s most famous natural wonders - 213-metre sea cliffs on the Atlantic coast in County Clare, about an hour from Limerick. Walk the cliff-top trail or take a cruise beneath them for views over the Atlantic, Galway Bay and, on a clear day, the Aran Islands. The Cliffs of Moher is one of the most visited attractions in the country.
- Typical hours: around 8am-7pm, closing earlier (about 5pm) in winter - check before you go.
- Phone: +353 65 708 6145
Ring of Kerry
A 179 km circular driving route through County Kerry, taking in 13 towns, mountains, beaches and villages - allow a full day (8-10 hours). Highlights along the way include Waterville, Sneem, Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall. Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s great road and cycling trips for good reason.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
A large 15th-century castle just a 20-minute drive from Limerick, paired with a 26-acre folk park that recreates Irish village life. Built in 1425 and restored in 1954, Bunratty sits beside the River Ratty in County Clare. The folk park’s 30-plus buildings - farmhouses, shops and streets show how life looked in centuries past.
- Typical hours: around 9am-5pm - check before you go.
- Phone: +353 61 711 222
Rock of Cashel
A dramatic hilltop cluster of medieval buildings in County Tipperary, also known as “Cashel of the Kings” and “St Patrick’s Rock” - about an hour from Limerick. Built by the High Kings of Munster in the 12th and 13th centuries, Rock of Cashel is steeped in Irish history and is one of the country’s most visited heritage sites.
- Typical hours: roughly 9am–4:30pm in winter and 9am–7pm in summer - check before you go.
- Phone: +353 62 61437
The Hunt Museum
A museum of art and antiquities in a historic stone mansion in Limerick city - and admission is free on Sunday afternoons. The collection, gathered by John and Gertrude Hunt, spans many ages and cultures. The Hunt Museum is a great Sunday outing or a fine choice on a wet day when other attractions are closed.
- Typical hours: around 10am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday, closed Mondays - check before you go.
- Phone: +353 61 312 833
Looking for more activities nearby? Explore our guide to fun family outings in Limerick for additional ideas.
Key Takeaways
- Limerick is a great base for exploring Clare, Kerry and Tipperary.
- Five standout trips: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Bunratty, Rock of Cashel, Hunt Museum.
- Set aside a full day for the Ring of Kerry; the others work as half-days.
- No car? Euro Bus Limerick and Irish Rail cover the area.
- Always check official opening hours and prices before you travel.
Storing Your Stuff in Limerick
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Limerick?
Top day trips from Limerick include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Rock of Cashel, and the Hunt Museum in Limerick city.
How far is the Cliffs of Moher from Limerick?
The Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare, roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter by car from Limerick.
How long do you need for the Ring of Kerry?
Allow about 8 to 10 hours to drive the full 179 km route, depending on how many towns you stop in and how long you spend at each.
How old is Bunratty Castle?
Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 and restored in 1954. It sits beside the River Ratty in County Clare, about a 20-minute drive from Limerick.
Can you do day trips from Limerick without a car?
Yes. A car is easiest, but Euro Bus Limerick (cheaper with a Leap Card) and Irish Rail suburban trains both serve the area.
Is the Hunt Museum free?
The Hunt Museum offers free admission on Sunday afternoons, making it a good rainy-day or low-cost option.