Experience 800 years of history in Limerick City. King John’s Castle is situated in the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Heritage Precinct, on the River Shannon at “Kings Island”. The Castle was built between 1200 and 1210. It was repaired and extended many times over the following centuries. King John’s Castle remains a most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification. It retains many of the pioneering features which made its construction unique for its day. Its massive gatehouse, battlements and corner towers await exploration.
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The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland's greatest private collections of arts and antiquities. Donated to the people of Ireland by John and Gertrude Hunt, their generosity ranks highly in the nations history. Housed in the elegant 18th century Custom House, the Hunt Collection reflects not only the celtic past but also includes important pieces such as the Leonardo da Vinci horse, the Mary Queen of Scots cross and one of the original '30 pieces of silver'. Paintings in the collection include works by Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, O'Conor, and Yeats.
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Historical Exhibition - giving the history of Adare in 5 different languages dating back to the 1200's. Also housed in the centre are very attractive craft shops, Tourist Information Office and a 70 seater restaurant.
Adare Castle Tours - Guided tours of Adare Castle have commenced. The tours are conducted daily from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive in the months of July, August and September and may be booked through the Adare Heritage Centre. Visit Adare Heritage Centre website

The Visitor Centre at Lough Gur tells the story of the pre-Celtic settlers of Ireland who farmed and lived in this peaceful valley. The archaeology of the area provides evidence for the activities of the first farmers in the region, their dwelling, rituals, and burial sites as well as their tools and implements, many of which can be seen in the visitor centre. The story of the people stretches back over 5,000 years and continues to the present day in the people who still farm and dwell in the valley. The Visitor Centre houses an exhibition of artifacts and display panels as well as an AV show which interprets the area.
Visit Lough Gur Visitor Centre website

This award winning garden, one acre in size, overlooks the River Shannon. In the all Ireland gardens competition the garden has won first prize for the Limerick/Clare region ten times, won the best greenhouse in Ireland and was second for the Munster region. Designed for year round colour, it is divided into a number of intimate garden rooms inter-linked by curved paths. There is a large collection of New Zealand, Australian and South African plants. It contains rockeries, herbaceous borders, sunken garden, water garden and fountain, rose garden, vegetable garden, glasshouse and conservatory. The garden will stimulate interest and offer inspiration to the keen plants person or novice gardener. Visit Boyce Gardens website

Traditional farm with a large selection of farm animals including Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Fowl & Exotic Birds. Facilities include a playground, picnic area and horse & cart riding.
Special events are held throughout the year including the Easter Bunny and Egg hunt weekend with madhatters tea party. Also a Christmas event with the arrival of Santa and 6,500 lights! Other specialist charity events to be announces throughout the year. Visit Buttercup Farm website

Situated on an original Celtic settlement, the stunningly beautiful Celtic Park helps to interpret Ireland’s past with exhibits of the physical structures associated with ancient Ireland. On display are a stone circle, mass rock, dolmen, lake dwelling, cooking site, stone templar church, lime kiln, holywell, ogham stone, communal tomb and Celtic chieftain chair. Throughout the garden is an extensive range of native flora and fauna, with an abundance of wildflowers including rare wild orchids. The classic style formal gardens adjacent to the park have beautiful roses on display, a large lily pond, rockeries, herbaceous borders and shrubbery. Enjoy refreshments in the coffee shop, with panoramic views of the surrounding West Limerick countryside. Visit Celtic Theme Park website

This uniquely restored granary houses an award winning visitor centre, complemented by an audio visual film presentation on the history of grain milling in the town. The Granary portrays working conditions for millers and blacksmiths of the 19th century in dramatic settings, complimented by an audio-visual film on the history of grain milling locally. The Mill Race flows gently beneath the superb Restaurants, Bar and Gift Shop. Visit Croom Mills website

The De Valera Museum and Bruree Heritage Centre uses audio-visuals, graphic panels, set pieces and displays of personal memorabilia to tell the story of Eamon de Valera (former president of Ireland) and of the area which is credited with forming his character. Visit De Valera Museum website

West Limerick preserves many of Ireland's surviving spacious medieval halls. The Desmond banqueting hall is an imposing two-storey structure and was used by the Earls of Desmond for banqueting and entertainment. The Hall, vaulted lower chamber and adjoining tower were all constructed during the 15th century (the hall and chamber were built on the remains of a 13th century structure of similar size). Its restored medieval features include and oak musicians' gallery and a limestone hooded fireplace. Visit Desmond Hall website

From 1939 to 1945 Foynes, County Limerick, was the centre of the aviation world, for air traffic between the United States and Europe. The Foynes Museum recalls this era with a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations. You can travel back in time in the museums authentic 1940's cinema, while watching the award winning film 'Atlantic Conquest'. The museum features the original Terminal Building, Radio and Weather Room (complete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment). The exhibits feature an introduction to the first transatlantic passenger service and Foynes during the war years.

Irish Coffee was invented in Foynes. Chef Joe Sheridan made the first in 1942 to warm up some damp and miserable passengers. Since then Irish Coffee has become one the most popular welcoming drinks in the world. Visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum website

The Irish Harp Centre is directed by international Harper and Composer, Janet Harbison and is home to her Grammy award winning Irish Harp Orchestra. The Centre offers a variety of musical and spiritual opportunities, from regular lessons through to weekend workshops and weeklong schools on a variety of traditional and classical instruments. Summer schools attract people worldwide of all ages, many who have never touched a musical instrument, others of varying abilities who come for a learning experience as well as a holiday in a relaxed family atmosphere. Visit Irish Harp Centre website

Stonehall visitor farm is a must for all visitors to the Shannon Region. Located in a tranquil and beautiful rural setting, this tourist attraction allows the visitor to experience first hand the enjoyment and fun of a wide variety of animals in a secure and pleasant setting. Suitable for all ages, a visit is assured to be an enjoyable and educational event. Even on those wet rainy days the children can enjoy the indoor play area with tractor & trailers, rough riders & monkey magic bouncing castle.
Visit Stonehall Farm website