Often overshadowed by its neighboring tourist hotspots, County Limerick is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Situated on the banks of the Shannon River, Limerick's history dates back to the Viking era, making it one of Ireland's oldest cities. Its strategic location facilitated trade and commerce, shaping its rich heritage over the centuries.

Limerick isn't just a pass-through; it's a destination in its own right, offering a blend of historical intrigue and scenic beauty.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the hidden gems of County Limerick? In this article we delve deep into the heart of this captivating region, guided by Brendan Skelly, co-owner of Bronze and Beru, a distinguished driver guide service based in County Limerick.

Dive into the vibrant tapestry of Limerick City, where tales of Vikings and Normans intertwine with modern-day allure.

Wander through the cobbled streets of the Irish town, once a bustling medieval settlement, and marvel at the remnants of its storied past.

Venture into the English town, adorned with elegant Georgian houses and architectural marvels.

Don't miss iconic landmarks like King John's Castle and the Hunt Museum, each echoing Limerick's multifaceted history.

As you journey beyond the city limits, County Limerick unveils its scenic splendor and hidden treasures.

Explore medieval marvels in Kilmallock, a picturesque town steeped in history.

Lose yourself amidst the rolling hills and ancient ruins, where every stone tells a story of bygone eras. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Lough Gur, home to the mystical Grange Stone Circle (the largest in Ireland) and a tapestry of stone-age wonders.

Tip: County Limerick falls within Ireland's Ballyhoura Region!
Find out more about this incredible area!

Ready to embark on your Ireland adventure? Let Bronze and Beru be your trusted guide.

With a wealth of knowledge and passion for Irish history, Bronze and Boru offers personalized tours that unveil the essence of County Limerick and beyond.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking authentic experiences, Bronze and Boru curates bespoke journeys tailored to your interests. Discover the magic of Ireland with a team dedicated to creating unforgettable memories and revealing the true essence of the Emerald Isle.

Contact Bronze and Boru on their website. You can also connect and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

These immersive experiences offer a glimpse into the soul of County Limerick, inviting you to forge unforgettable memories in Ireland's hidden gem.

Dive into the fascinating world of aviation history at the Flying Boat Museum, where the legacy of transatlantic flights comes to life.

Explore the medieval charm of Kilmallock and discover its timeless allure amid ancient walls and architectural wonders.

Journey to Lough Gur, where the echoes of Ireland's ancient past resonate amidst breathtaking landscapes and sacred sites.

Looking for a great itinerary to add a few days in Limerick to?
Check out the Southwest Sampler

Whether you're exploring medieval towns, tracing ancient ruins, or savoring the tranquility of its countryside, County Limerick invites you to embrace the beauty of Ireland's southwest and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your curiosity and embark on an adventure that promises to unveil the charm of County Limerick, one story at a time.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 210

The post County Limerick: Beyond the Tourist Trail appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Jana Mannion, the Tourism Marketing Officer of Ballyhoura Country. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Ballyhoura Country is an area most visitors to Ireland won't recognize, yet many pass through or skirt the edges of the region as they travel between some of Ireland's well-known locations.

Named for the Ballyhoura Mountains, which divide the counties of Limerick and Cork, the Ballyhoura Region is known as the ‘Crossroads of Munster'.

The location is central to the counties of Limerick, Kerry, Cork and Tipperary, offering a terrific base for touring those locations.

The boundaries of the Ballyhoura region are only a 30 minute drive from both the Cork Airport and Shannon Airport.

Check out my favorite B&B – The Old Bank in Bruff.

Fitzgerald's Woodland's House Hotel near Adare is a wonderful spot, especially with families.

For more terrific options, from camping & glamping and mountain lodges to B&Bs and 4* luxury visit the Ballyhoura website.

Ballyhoura Country is part of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, a tourism brand designed to bring awareness to some of the more rural areas of Ireland. This region really shines for people who enjoy outdoor activities and for those who are searching for a place to get off the ‘tourist trail' and enjoy a more traditional experience.

Ballyhoura bases their messaging to visitors on feelings – how do you want to feel when you visit.

Based on 6 feelings – active, adventurous, calm, creative, curious, and nostalgic – you can choose activities like mountain biking, hiking, delving into 6000 years of history, peaceful walks, and crafty stops.

Visit the Ballyhoura website and explore rural Ireland.

Follow on Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – Twitter

Get an unbeatable quote on your car rental in Ireland with Irish Car Rentals!
Click my exclusive link to save 10%!

 Lough Gur – an OPW Heritage site (learn more about the OPW Heritage Pass here)

Doneraile Estate – one of the 5th most visited free attractions in Ireland and also an OPW site

The Donkey Sanctuary – also free

Itinerary Idea: Tour the Ballyhoura Region & southwestern Ireland from Bruff

Do you have a recommendation for a guest I should have on the podcast?

Or maybe you have a question that you think would make a good tips episode?

Send me your podcast ideas! Complete this quick recommendation form.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 153

The post Ballyhoura Country in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Even in a place as magnificent as Ireland, some places just stand out as special. One of the most special for me is the town of Bruff, County Limerick. Just 30 minutes south of Limerick City, Bruff is perfectly situated to serve as your base to tour the west of Ireland.

I wish I could pin-point exactly what it is that makes Bruff a place we return to again and again- even if just for a day. The town, and its people, draw us back. We know we will always find a charming place to lay our head, friendly faces to help us with anything we need, and plenty nearby to keep us busy.

The west of Ireland is popular for its dramatic coastlines, restored castles, and ‘traditional Irish' ways. And Bruff, in the center of the west, is a perfect home base for touring.

Bruff has one B&B – The Old Bank. A ‘luxury' B&B, The Old Bank has beautiful, spacious rooms, a welcoming sitting room, perfect for tea by the fire, and one of the best breakfasts you'll find anywhere. Your hostess, Miriam, is a wealth of knowledge about the town and the surrounding area and will happily provide recommendations for outings.  Read about our stay at The Old Bank

If you travel light, like we tend to, you'll likely want to have your laundry done during your stay. Real's Laundrette, just across from the Centra filling station, is the perfect place to handle the job. It's quick (you can often drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon) and affordable with friendly service. During two of our stays in Bruff we had laundry done here. And though there was nearly a year between them, we were greeted like regular customers when we returned.

You'll find quite a few dining options in Bruff- including a tasty chipper for quick takeaway. If you're wanting pub food, Clancy's Pub is the place to go. You might even find a bit of live music some evenings.

Just across the street from The Old Bank is Lantern Chinese Restaurant. This spot does a brisk take-away and table service is also quick. Fresh local ingredients combined with friendly staff make this a wonderful spot for dinner.

Nearby Lough Gur is one of the most magical places in Ireland. Some of Ireland’s oldest monuments and tombs lie near Lough Gur.  As far back as 3000BC, this area has been inhabited by people who left megalithic stone work, great stone circles, early Bronze objects and beaker pottery.

Be sure to follow the fairy trail at Lough Gur- it will lead you to their hidden forest.

The museum Old Irish Ways takes you to a more recently lived past. Filled with bits of Irish life from the 19th and 20th centuries, you'll see what it was like to live in Ireland from the time of the Great Famine through the mid 1900's.

The replica school room is of great interest to children and everyone will enjoy a bit of craic in Blacky's Bar, a stunning pub/ shop where you can't get a pint, but Denis might be persuaded to offer a cuppa and a chat.

Don't rush through here- Denis gathered everything you see personally and can share stories that bring it all to life. (Tip: be sure to call before showing up! If you're staying at The Old Bank, Miriam can arrange your visit.)

A pleasant few hours can be spent rambling around the Donkey Sanctuary . This donkey rescue offers miles of trails and hundreds of cute, friendly donkeys whose lives have been saved at the sanctuary. This is a great outing with kids, as they simply adore the shaggy, sweet faced creatures. There is no charge to visit the sanctuary, but be sure to stop in the shop and consider adopting a donkey (either real or stuffed).

Bruff lies within the Ballyhoura Region, an area that encompasses the southern part of County Limerick and the northern part of County Cork. It's an area known for outdoor pursuits like hill walking, mountain biking, horseback riding and orienteering.

Listen to the podcast with Jana Mannion from Ballyhoura Country (or read the show notes)

Rock of Cashel  31 miles

Cliffs of Moher  63 miles

Consider a Cliffs of Moher Cruise from nearby Doolin

Bunratty Castle 24 miles

Bunratty Castle is a great pairing with the Cliffs of Moher. Visit Bunratty in the afternoon and then enjoy an evening entertainment- either the Medieval Banquet or enjoy the Ceili in the Kitchen.

Killarney  68 miles

Add a few more miles and tour either the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula. Note: leave Bruff early- there is a lot to see and do here!

Adare 19 miles

Often called the ‘prettiest town in Ireland'. I highly recommend making time for tea at Miss Crumpet's Tea Room at the Creamery Old World Market.

If a Falconry Experience in Ireland is part of your vacation wish list contact Adare Country Pursuits at Adare Manor.

Foynes 36 miles

Pair this village with your trip to Adare and visit the Flying Boat Museum.

The post Tour the West of Ireland from Bruff, County Limerick appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The Munster Vales are nestled in the heart of Ireland’s “Ancient East” and offer a glimpse into Ireland’s wild beauty and rich history. Spanning counties Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, and Waterford, the region is famous for its mountainous landscapes, rolling hills, and quaint towns. Unlike Ireland’s more famous spots—like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Ring of Kerry—the Munster Vales are a hidden gem, offering visitors a chance to explore Ireland in its purest, unspoiled form.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Triona O'Mahoney, Destination and Marketing Manager for The Munster Vales. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

With five stunning mountain ranges at the center of it all, including the Galtee Mountains, Comeragh Mountains, Slieve Felim, the Knockmealdowns, and the Blackwater Valley, the Munster Vales are ripe for adventure. But beyond the picturesque landscapes, this area filled with fascinating history and warm, welcoming communities eager to share their unique stories.

The Munster Vales offer over 100 kilometers of walking trails, many of which are signposted and approved by the National Trails Office, making it a haven for hikers and walkers. Whether you're looking for an easy meander through green fields or a challenging trek up rocky slopes, there’s something for every level. For those into cycling, the region offers fantastic routes, especially along the Waterford Greenway, a 46-kilometer stretch that runs between Waterford City and Dungarvan. This former railway line guides you through some of the most scenic spots in the area. And for the truly adventurous, places like the Valley House Lakes in Cork offer wakeboarding, ziplining, and rock climbing.

The landscape itself is a major draw. From the rocky, majestic peaks of the Galtees to the gentle flow of the River Blackwater, the Munster Vales are beautiful in every direction. Lush valleys, dense forests, and meandering rivers offer some of the most scenic hiking and cycling routes you can imagine. And, of course, with this kind of beauty, you'll want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy everything nature has to offer.

The small towns in this area, such as Kilmallock in Limerick and Dungarvan in Waterford, are full of history and charm. The friendly locals, often willing to offer tips or share a story about the area, give you a sense of what it’s like to live in this beautiful and slightly undiscovered part of Ireland. The Munster Vales offer visitors a chance to slow down, breathe, and experience the Ireland most tourists never get to see.

The Munster Vales also boast a rich and long-standing connection to traditional Irish life. Many towns here have roots that stretch back centuries, and visiting them is like stepping back in time. From the charming streets of Youghal to the peaceful walks along the Blackwater River, each town and village has a distinct story to tell. You can also enjoy the serenity of places like the Donkey Sanctuary in Cork, a peaceful space that not only offers visitors a chance to connect with animals but also a moment to rest and take in the surrounding countryside.

The landscape of the Munster Vales is steeped in history. Explore the famous Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress with commanding views over the Tipperary plains. Each site in this area feels like a step back in time, offering travelers a more intimate connection to Ireland’s deep-rooted past.

With fewer tourists, you can experience these landmarks at your own pace, without the hustle and bustle of more well-known spots. One of the great things about the Munster Vales is the lack of crowds. Unlike the more famous tourist sites, here, you can take your time and explore, without feeling rushed. Wander around the medieval town of Kilmallock, with its impressive old churches and ancient structures, and explore the caves in the Comeragh Mountains.

The Waterford Greenway is another must-see attraction. Running from Waterford City to Dungarvan, this scenic route allows visitors to cycle or walk along a route that takes you through farmland, forests, and views of the coast. Along the way, you’ll find picturesque villages where you can stop for a cup of tea or a chat with a local. If you’re looking to explore more rugged terrain, the Galtee Mountains offer some serious hikes with rewarding panoramic views that make the effort worth it.

Ballyhass Lake, located just outside Mallow, it’s a perfect spot to get your adrenaline flowing while enjoying the beauty of Munster. Once an old quarry, this site has been turned into an activity center that features ziplining, wakeboarding, and other adrenaline-packed adventures.

For those who enjoy a more relaxed pace, Kilmallock’s medieval buildings and fascinating museums are ideal for learning more about Ireland’s past. Take a stroll through its quiet streets, imagining life centuries ago. For nature lovers, the Blackwater Valley, with its flowing river, forests, and trails, provides endless hours of exploration.

Here are a few more things you can do while visiting the Munster Vales:

1. Lough Gur in County Limerick It’s one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, with evidence of human activity dating back over 6,000 years.

The Munster Vales is a place for adventure and relaxation, history and nature. The scenery is just as breathtaking as in any of Ireland’s more famous tourist hotspots, but it feels uniquely personal and untouched. The Munster Vales should be at the top of your itinerary for your next Ireland Vacation.

Weather in Ireland is known for its unpredictability, so it’s a good idea to bring layers and waterproofs, especially if you’re planning to hike or cycle in the mountains.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 42

The post The Munster Vales appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.