LIMERICK - GETTING AROUND

On foot

Taking in all the sights of Limerick on foot is the recommended way. You can see most sights in Limerick while walking a two-mile circuit from Thomondgate to King`s Island and then to Irishtown and finally to Newtown Pery. There are also boardwalks along Harvey`s Quay and Howley`s Quay, and across the Shannon along Clancy`s Strand, for those who want to walk for leisure and the beautiful panoramic views. The University of Limerick is about 2.5 miles away from the city; for sights like this one, that may be further afield, we recommend finding alternate transportation.

By train

Limerick is connected to Dublin and Galway via the InterCity trains offered by Ireland`s national rail company, Iarnrod Eireann. All trains leave from Limerick Colbert railway station located on Parnell Street. There is a suburban rail system used primarily by locals which connects Limerick with Ennis to the northwest, Nenagh to the northeast, and Limerick Junction to the southeast, all distances of approximately 20-23 miles. This is not a service that tourists will need to use, as nearly all of the sights are within walking distance in Limerick City, and ones outside the city are not particularly close to the suburban rail links (Bunratty Castle, for example, is three miles away from the train station at Sixmilebridge, one of the stops between Limerick and Ennis).

By bus

Bus Eireann runs local service in Limerick, with nine dedicated routes covering Limerick City and immediate environs. Nearly all buses travel to Newtown Pery, with the 301 (Raheen UHL-Westbury) and the 313 (City Centre-Ardnacrusha) connecting that area with Irishtown, Englishtown, and Thomondgate. Route 304 (Ballycummin - UL) connects Newtown Pery with the University of Limerick. Routes 304 (Ballycummin - UL) and 304A (Raheel UHL-UL) connect Newtown Pery with the Crescent Shopping Centre south of the city. Buses tend to run every 15 or 30 minutes on weekdays, with less frequent service on some routes on weekends and holidays. For more information, including timetables and a map, visit www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=460.

By taxi

Taxis in Limerick are typically gray or black in color, with lights on the roof that indicate whether it is in service or not. Taxi ranks or queues can be found at Arthur`s Quay Park, Limerick Colbert railway station, Thomas Street, and sometimes O`Connell Street. They can be hailed from the street if you see one. Taxi fares begin at €4 with an increase of approximately €2.50 per mile. Fares shouldn`t cost more than €10-€15 in the immediate Limerick area; expect a fare of about €25-€30 to Bunratty Castle and €45-€60 to Shannon Airport from Newtown Pery. Night rates (increases of up to 25%) occur between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. each night. Well-known taxi companies include Castletroy Cabs (www.castletroycabs.com, 061 332266) and Shannon Airport Taxis (www.shannonairportcabs.com, 061 332266).

By car

A car is not particularly necessary for visiting the sights in Limerick City, and it isn`t even that important to visit sights such as Carrigogunnell Castle and Bunratty Castle, as taxis can take you there easily and for a low cost (the distances between Limerick City and these sights are less than ten miles each way). If you want to explore some of the rolling countryside further afield in County Limerick and nearby County Clare, you can rent a car with us during the booking process. If you rent a car with TripMasters, you will be picking it up from the arrivals hall at Shannon Airport and not in Limerick. Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Dooley, and Fox are all represented at Shannon Airport.

By bicycle

Coca-Cola Zero has helped three cities, of which Limerick is one, get their residents more active with the installation of rent-a-bikes called Coca-Cola Zero Bikes. All you need to do is download the Coca-Cola Zero Bikes app from the Apple or Google Play stores, submit your profile information, and choose Limerick. You will find a map of bikeshare locations where you can rent your own bicycle for the day. Keep in mind that there will be a €150 security hold on your credit card when you do this; it is then refunded by Coca-Cola Zero Bikes within three days. Apart from the security fee, there is a three-day pass that tourists can buy for only €3. For more information, visit www.bikeshare.ie.