So let’s get to the heart of it: here is a selection of our favourite county Limerick stop-offs, from chic city hideaways to gorgeous country cottages.
A Country Cottage near Adare
The village of Adare is one of the real gems of county Limerick, and famous for its thatched roofs and the melodrama of its crumbling castles and fairy forts. This charming cottage places you just down the road, with all the classic attributes of rural Limerick, from your ivy walls to the quaint gardens and good china laid out on display. It’s a taste of Irish rural living, updated just enough to appeal to those only wanting to dip a toe in the water.
A plush central apartment with views of the Shannon River
Stay in the heart of Limerick City, overlooking the Shannon River, with views across the heart of the city. This modern apartment building is simple but convenient, a comfortable and affordable place to bed down, with the bonus of getting a real sense of place as you stay high above the river bank. A chunky TV, warm bath and the ideal spot to sit with a glass of wine and watch the world go by make this is a nice winter dwelling – somewhere to escape the west coast’s rain, and be ready to go when it subsides.
A chunky townhouse right outside King John’s Castle
This is an ideal spot if you have a large family and feel like being right in the thick of Limerick’s history. Suitable for up to eight people, this old townhouse features a secret garden (below), and sits on Castle Street, right in the heart of Medival Limerick. The fireplace gives a cozy feel, while the popular and good-natured host will give you a sense of place. Perfect for exploring the city.
A house on a working dairy farm
How about a peaceful three-bedroom dormer house on a fully working dairy farm? You’ll need a car for this one, but it rewards with glorious peace and quiet, close to the villages of Charlesville and Ballyhoura. This is a simple-looking farm building from the outside, but opens out into a comfortable home with a traditional Irish fireplace, warm kitchen and pleasant accommodating bedrooms. With the hosts always hanging around to work on the farm, and plenty of fields to explore, it’s a great Irish rural stop-off.
A humble ‘wee’ cottage on the rural Shannon Estuary
Located in the village of Glin on the Wild Atlantic coastal route, this tiny cottage is convenient for Foyne, the home of Irish coffee and once a key connection point with the US. Boats used to depart here using the Shannon Estuary as a seaplane take-off point. The cottage is so small it’s recommended for a single person only, a miniature version of a typical Irish rural home close to spectacular walks and wonderful cliffside sea views. A great place, in other words, to get away from it all.
A luxury old farm cottage
Talk about an upgrade: this old structure is now home to an infrared sauna, a steam shower, a jacuzzi bath, a pool table and a wood stove, and your friendly hosts even promise to deliver freshly baked scones on your arrival. You’ll be located on the fringes of another rural dairy farm in tiny Ballyhahill, surrounded by the meadows. They’ll even send an artisanal cheese maker down to the house with samples if you’re so inclined, and let the children help milk the cows. A whole lot of fun, and a real taste of Irish rural life with a little luxury on the side.
Small apartment opulence on the outskirts of the city
A nice place for a couple to base themselves, this petite apartment in the south-west of Limerick city is a new high-end refurb with marble floors and a nice chunky skylight, perfect for reading and the odd cocktail in the evening. It comes with a coffee maker and Netflix, and a few bits and pieces to make children feel right at home.
