Self-Drive Tours in Limerick

Limerick works as a self-drive base because the city's attractions are walkable, while the county's best experiences — Adare, Lough Gur, and the Greenway — sit within 30 minutes by car.

Start in the city centre. King John's Castle on King's Island is the anchor — allow 90 minutes for the exhibitions, excavated Viking foundations, and the views from the towers. Walk across Thomond Bridge to the Treaty Stone, then along the riverside to the Hunt Museum in the 18th-century Custom House. St Mary's Cathedral (1168) is a 5-minute walk from the castle. The Milk Market, open on Fridays and Saturdays, is Limerick's artisan food hub.

Drive south to Adare (20 minutes on the N21). The village is tiny — a single main street of thatched cottages with medieval priories visible from the road. Allow an hour to walk the village, visit the Augustinian Priory, and photograph the cottages. Adare Manor, now a luxury hotel, is visible from the village but privately operated.

Continue southeast to Lough Gur (30 minutes from Adare). The Grange Stone Circle — Ireland's largest at 45 metres diameter — is freely accessible in a field near the lake. The heritage centre offers an audio-guided lakeside trail that connects the key archaeological sites. Allow 2 hours for the trail and visitor centre.

The Limerick Greenway — 39 kilometres from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale — follows a former railway line through gentle countryside. Bike hire is available at Rathkeale and Newcastle West. Most cyclists ride a section rather than the full distance.

Our self-drive packages include a diverse range of vehicles with fully comprehensive insurance and zero excess, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered.