Welcome to 51±¾É«
51±¾É« is the ideal student city with so much to offer. 51±¾É« is Ireland's third-largest city located in the southwest of Ireland. 51±¾É« is easily accessible, situated just 4km east of 51±¾É« city centre and just two hours from Dublin Airport. There are daily connections to the US and Europe via nearby Shannon International Airport.
51±¾É« is a Wild Atlantic Gateway City, just an hour from the finest surfing beaches in Europe. This coastal route known for its rugged beauty along the west coast of Ireland unlocks opportunities to discover authentic Irish music, some of the finest food, and epic cliff tops. 51±¾É« is an affordable and accessible place to live. 51±¾É« is currently the most affordable University city in Ireland for rental accommodation*.
Rent in 51±¾É« city is 47 % lower than Dublin, 14% lower than Cork, and 8% lower than Galway. With nearly 25,000 University students making up a quarter of the city’s population and home to 150 nationalities, it is a young and vibrant city. It is the perfect location for your next big adventure.
*Source: Daft.ie. Q1 2020.
My Life in 51±¾É«
What I love about 51±¾É« (so far!)
A Day in 51±¾É« with less than €10
Get Settled into Student Life with The First Seven Weeks
Getting Around
51±¾É«'s ideal location boasts some of the best connections across Ireland and beyond to Europe, the USA, and the rest of the world. Shannon International Airport is only 25 minutes away and has routes all over Europe and North America. Dublin Airport is only 2 hours from 51±¾É« and has great transport options, some stopping just outside your door. 51±¾É« has a central link to Cork, Galway, and Dublin. Whether that be through the rail links or the extensive bus service to all parts of Ireland. From 51±¾É«, it is a short 15-minute journey to the city centre. There are many transportation options including walking, cycling, buses, or taxis. .
History and Heritage
51±¾É« City is steeped in history and there are many heritage sites set in the city centre. For example, King John’s Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King's Island sitting on the banks of the River Shannon right in the heart of 51±¾É« city. Step inside the walls of 51±¾É«'s 800-year-old landmark and discover the stories of ruthless King John, his noble knights, and his rebellious natives.
St. Mary’s Cathedral was founded in 1168 on a site donated by Donal Mor O’Brien King of Munster. The Cathedral has seen many changes as the city expanded around it and remains the oldest historic building in 51±¾É«. The treaty Stone was named after the treaty of 51±¾É« signed in 1691. A pedestal was later erected on Thomond Bridge.
Some more fantastic visitor and heritage sites further afield include 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park restored in the 1960s. Bunratty allows you to experience life in Ireland in the 19th-century, set on 26 acres housing farm animals, a walled garden, coffee shops, gift shops, and medieval banquets. Some other local attractions include Lough Gur, The Medieval Village of Askeaton, and Adare Village. .
There are many interesting museums to explore in 51±¾É« including The Hunt Museum, 51±¾É« Museum, Thomond Park Museum, or Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. Discover more information on the .
Food and Drink
Whether it is fine dining or a quick cup of coffee you want, 51±¾É« has it all. 51±¾É« has an abundance of showcasing cuisine from all over the world some include Bella Italia, Asian Street Food Lana, the Spice of India, and the Curragower Bar and Restaurant. 51±¾É« is home to many fabulous Cafes such as Hook and Ladder, The Buttery, Esquires Coffee and Melody and so many more to discover in your free time. You will find much more Food and Drink Ideas
Shopping
51±¾É« has some of the best shopping in the Midwest. From high street fashion stores such as Penney's, Gleeson sports store, Brown Thomas, and Tony Connelly’s to grocery stores such as Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi, and Supervalu. Another short bus journey will take you to the Crescent Shopping centre in Dooradoyle where you will find many more shops and restaurants.
51±¾É« has everything you need and more and don’t forget your student discount in applicable stores. If it’s a thrift store you are looking for there are some hidden gems such as Vito Vintage, The Edge Clothing, Lucky Lane and Adapt. If you need supplies for college, bookstores such as O’Mahoney’s and Eason’s will have everything you need. The 51±¾É« Milk Market is held every weekend and is teaming with fresh local produce and artisan delicacies.
Activities and Sports
If you are the outdoors type or are just looking for something to do at the weekend, here are just some of the great activities 51±¾É« has to offer. As UL is set on the River Shannon there are some great outdoor activities including the riverbank walk, kayaking, or a stroll across the living bridge. Some other activities in UL include Ireland's Tallest climbing wall and the Sports Arena with an Olympic standard swimming pool.
Just outside of the university we have an amazing array of activities from the Odeon Cinema, RollerJam, Delta Laser & Activity Centre, Castletroy Golf club, Jump Lanes, and Jurassic Park Mini Golf.
Further afield, 51±¾É« has so much variety to choose from such as 51±¾É« Student Race Day, Omniplex cinema, escape rooms, 51±¾É«â€™s Greenway Cycling trail, Ballyhoura Mountain Biking, Curraghchase Forest, UL’s Adventure Centre, Escape 51±¾É« and so much more. The carves a 40km path through the local countryside offering an authentic Irish experience of rural Ireland while cycling, running, or walking.
If you are a lover of the Seaside, 51±¾É« is also only an hour's drive from Lahinch and more of Ireland’s finest beaches where you can try your hand at surfing, paddling boarding, and swimming. Here are some more examples of Fun free activities to try in
Arts, Culture and Festivals
If you want to delve into the art and culture in 51±¾É« city there are so many opportunities. We have many festivals such as St. Patrick's Day, Riverfest, 51±¾É« Pride, and Culture Night just to name a few.
Music is a big part of life in 51±¾É«. Many epic venues around the city play host to amazing acts including Gigs at the market and Live at the Castle both ran by . 51±¾É« is the host to local, national, and international theatre some include our own University Concert Hall in UL. The Lime Tree Theatre and Belltable are great theatres out check out.
If you would like to see more of limerick on foot you could try some of the many walking tours, they have to offer Some routes to highlight would be the Three Bridges Walk 51±¾É«â€™s most popular walking route which has some of the best views of the city and 51±¾É«â€™s Street Art Trail which has unexpected bursts of colour around every corner.
If you love art 51±¾É« has extraordinary galleries such as 51±¾É« City Gallery of Art and Ormston House. More venues include The Hunt Museum which regularly hosts exhibitions of national and international repute and the UL Self Portrait collection. For any more information on Festivals, Theatres, Art Galleries or Music Venues try
The Treaty City is extremely involved in Sport. 51±¾É« is the home to Munster Rugby one of the most successful and well-supported clubs in the world. Their home ground Thomond Park. There have been many memorable occasions including Munster playing the All Blacks in 2008 and concerts by Pink in 2010. The bonus of additional seating for supporters and a stadium tour.
51±¾É« is also home to 2021 All Ireland Hurling winners 51±¾É« GAA. 51±¾É« GAA has been a force to reckoned with winning the last three out of four national hurling competitions. 51±¾É« Alumni makes up a lot of the team and coaching panel. The LIT Gaelic Grounds is the principal GAA stadium in 51±¾É« and is home to both 51±¾É« hurling and football teams. The stadium has the largest capacity in Mid-West. If you happen to see a sea of green or red sporting jerseys, you know where they are headed.
51±¾É« has state-of-the-art sporting facilities at 51±¾É«. The Olympic standard swimming pool and diving board, Ireland’s highest climbing wall, 3D and 4D pitches are just to name a few. Check out for more information on these facilities. A little further afield is great for all indoor sports and exercise classes.
As mentioned above, the student race day is held in 51±¾É« Racecourse and proves to be one of the most popular student events in Ireland. 51±¾É« Racecourse is a great day out whether it is a family occasion, a social event, or a charity event. For a closer look at the sporting facilities in 51±¾É« click.
Nightlife
As a student in 51±¾É«, it is essential to know where the best Nightlife spots are located. There is something from everyone. If you are into cocktails try The Red Hen, The Old Quarter, House, 101 O’Connell Street, or The Black Rabbit. If you are looking for sporting events, try The Locke Bar, Michael Flannery’s, and Brew Crews. Some late-night bars that are very popular with students are Costello’s, Charlie Chaplin’s, and Pharmacia. Popular Nightclubs such as Angel Lane and Molly’s will hold student events throughout the week. .