Limerick, Ireland's third-largest city, sits at the tidal reach of the River Shannon with King John's Castle — one of Ireland's best-preserved Norman fortresses — watching over the water from the medieval quarter known as King's Island. The Hunt Museum houses a remarkable private collection including a Picasso, a Renoir and a bronze horse attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, displayed in a 18th-century mansion with no pretension. Limerick's transformation in recent years has been striking — new galleries, food markets and the University of Limerick's arts programmes have energised the city. But its greatest asset is its location: the Cliffs of Moher, the limestone plateau of the Burren, and the quieter beaches of County Clare are all under an hour away.
- Suggested duration: 2–3 days
- Best time to visit: May to September for day trips to the Cliffs of Moher and Burren; the city is compact and easily explored year-round.