MeghannMix: Are you loved up in Limerick? Make it a date to remember!
WHETHER you want to treat someone special to a memorable date or perhaps you want to show your friends what Limerick and beyond has to offer or maybe you just want to do something a little different, well I have your dates sorted!
While Limerick has an array of incredible restaurants - including Michelin star rated - loads of quaint cafes, great bars and nightlife, it’s always nice to do something out of the ordinary.
Kayaking: One of the first things I did when I moved to Limerick, seven years ago, was to go kayaking on the river. I’ve been on the water during the day, I’ve done a nighttime tour and I’ve done a history tour all along the three bridges. Nevsail are based at the back of the Hunt Museum and run tours almost daily.
Museums: Limerick is renowned for its many museums and the city is steeped in history. The Hunt Museum is a lovely place to see various exhibitions, art and with a cafe, you can sit out by the river and take in the views or perhaps play a game of outdoor chess. The People’s Museum of Limerick on Pery Square is fascinating and documents some incredible stories from local people. Conservation, environment and education are the core principles of this museum.
King John’s Castle: While it’s an amazing concert location, have you ever been on a tour of the castle? This medieval sight encapsulates over 800 years of history, built in 1200AD, Vikings, sieges, battle after battle and still standing proud on the banks of the River Shannon, it brings you back to first-year history class but this time you get to see it before your very eyes in real time. Explore the courtyard and see how they built, lived and dressed all those years ago.
Treaty City Brewery Tour: I’ve done this a few times and I still love going. Located on Nicholas Street, Treaty City Brewery is every beer lover's dream. Learn all about the art of crafting beer from master brewers, taste the various beers. The story of this iconic brewery is all set within the walls of the medieval quarter of the city.
UL Riverwalk: For something more relaxed but active, the UL riverwalk is beautiful. To get a really good stretch of the legs, begin in the City, Lock Quay, Clare Street. It’s a walkway and cycle lane that runs along the riverside and it's an area of conservation with many wildlife to spot along the route. It takes you all the way to the University of Limerick and if you feel like it, there’s a ‘beach’ for a dip before walking back to the city.
Condell 5k: For the more active couple - or perhaps competitive - the Condell 5k is a nice flat run that takes you from Shannon Bridge all the way out the Condell Road and back. It might not sound like the most romantic date but you can always go for a nice coffee or drink after.
Greenway: The Limerick Greenway is great fun and a perfect way to see county Limerick. I did this with my mother, who hasn’t cycled in years and we both really enjoyed it. We started at the Abbeyfeale hub and cycled all the way to Rathkeale stopping off at the Barnagh Hub for food and Ardagh for coffee. There’s also a number of benches and places you can stop for a break. It’s a stunning route with so much biodiversity to see. Bike rental is available from the various hubs.
Bunratty Banquet: The Bunratty Banquet recently celebrated 60 years and have launched an exhibition to celebrate this. Only 15 minutes from the city, the banquet itself is a great experience. Wine and dine in the confines of the medieval castle walls and marvel at the singing and performances from the Bunratty singers, who also dress in medieval costumes.
Hiking: Keeping with the Banner County, 12 O’Clock Hills is a great hike. It’s near Sixmilebridge village and only a half an hour from the City. This is very well maintained and has parking at the beginning of the route. It’s a mix of terrain meandering through forestry, hills, a bothereen and you’ll pass a fairy trail. There’s some steep climbs and hiking boots are needed but there's benches along the way for a break and some time to take in the views of County Clare. There’s a 5km, 8.5km and 13km route depending on what you feel like.
Have you got some unique date ideas in Limerick I should try? Email [email protected]
Rogha na Seachtaine
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Contact Meghann by email - [email protected]