6 Amazing Day Trips from Limerick

Maybe you're more familiar with the poetry version of Limerick, but this city located in the mid-west of Ireland is packed full of amazing things to see and do. Below we've listed our 6 favorite spots to stop at the next time you visit the Emerald Isle.

The Cliffs of Moher stretch 8km along the west coast of Ireland in County Clare. They are one of the natural wonders of the world. The iconic cliffs carved from the ocean over time and the wildlife that live on the cliffs gather nearly 1 million visitors every year. The cliffs of Moher are one of the most captivating spots along The Wild Atlantic Way. They are Ireland's most visited natural attraction.

The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre offers a world class experience. Learn about the formation of the cliffs and the creatures and plants surviving on them. Gain an insight into the legends and of course how the famous cliffs got their name, The Cliffs of Moher. The tailored walking tours and bird watching are a must. Don't forget to see the breath-taking views of the cliffs of Moher from O'Brien's Tower.

Enjoy lunch at one of the seafood restaurants in Lahinch end route to The Cliffs of Moher. Learn to surf in one of the many surfing schools on the famous blue flag Lahinch beach. Lahinch is a short drive from The Cliffs of Moher and one of Ireland's most famous beaches. You can visit these breathtaking places that are just a 50-minute drive from the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick, and treat yourself to a spa afterwards.

Adare

Adare is one of Ireland's prettiest towns and gold medal tidy towns winner in 2016. Whether you're just passing through or in Adare for a few days there are a few things you should experience. Adare is a designated heritage village. The streets are lined with thatched house cottages and friendly welcoming faces. Visit the town's heritage centre and Adare Castle tours. Here, you can catch a glimpse into the past through historical exhibitions. Don't forget to collect your visitor guide in Adare's Heritage Center when you arrive. The guide includes everything you'll need to enjoy this beautiful little village.

Adare has something for everybody. They have a wide variety of boutique shops to suit everybody's taste. Enjoy award winning restaurants and live entertainment in Adare's most lively pubs. Located just 20 minutes outside Limerick City, Adare is perfect for a day trip. Buses leave every hour from Limerick so you'll have no excuses for missing out on visiting Adare.

The medieval city of Limerick is home to many visitor attractions. They will give you an insight into how the people of Limerick lived centuries ago. King John's Castle brings to life over 800 years of local history for its visitors. This 13th century castle has a state of the art visitor center you can explore. Unwind afterwards in the courtyard with a coffee overlooking the Shannon River. Still relishing over the history of this great city? Visit the Limerick Museum or The Hunt Museum. Here you'll get to see the brilliant work of Picasso, Renoir and Yeats. See "one of the thirty pieces of silver" said to be paid to Judas for the betrayal of Christ.

If you fancy the water and want to learn more about Limerick city then try The Limerick City Kayaking Tours. Enjoy this unique experience on the river Shannon. Explore the history of the surrounding landmarks from the water. If history isn't your thing don't worry. Limerick City has a wide variety of shops to suit every taste and age. There is plenty of choice of restaurants in Limerick. You'll find everything from street food to traditional Irish cuisine and locally brewed beer. You won't be lost for things to do in Limerick City.

The Burren in County Clare and the Ailwee Caves are less than an hour away from Limerick City, making it easy to access from the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick. The Burren is one of Ireland's smaller national parks. It is a breath-taking karst landscape of exposed limestone bedrock. Famous all over the world for its landscape and flora. It's like nothing you've ever seen before. There are five marked out walking trails in the park. These will take you through the many different, fascinating habitats of the park. Access to the park is free and there are free guided walking tours of the park. A free national park bus service can take you to all the various places of the park.

Visiting the Burren National Park would not be complete without a trip to the Ailwee Caves. These are located in the heart of the Burren Co. Clare. Upon visiting the Ailwee caves you'll get to see the dramatic underworld of the Burren. Expert tour guides will show you the amazing caverns and unusual formations beneath the surface of the Burren.

The Birds of Prey Experience is a unique activity to do in The Burren. See dynamic flying displays. Learn about eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls from all over the world. To top off your day go for lunch at O'Loclainn's Pubs in Ballyvaughan Co. Clare. The #1 rated restaurant in Ballyvaughan on TripAdvisor. Or call into the charming Ballyvaughan Tea and Gardens Rooms.

Adventure in Killaloe

For adventure activities to do in Limerick the UL Adventure centre is worth a visit. There is a mixture of water and land activities. These include windsurfing, sailing, archery and high ropes. There's something for everybody. Learn more about the history of the town of Killaloe and try the Kayaking Tours operated by My Next Adventure in Killaloe. You'll be accompanied by a guide who will lead you along the Shannon River. You'll learn the interesting past of the town and get to see the sights too.

If you haven't got your sea legs just yet the Ballycuggaran loop walk might be for you. The walk is overlooking Lough Derg and has fantastic views of the area. Killaloe and Ballina also have plenty of loop walks. Pick up a free map at the Brian Boru Heritage Centre. It pinpoints historical places of interest and you can tour the delightful area.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a must when in Limerick City. The 15th century castle offers its visitors a window into the past. It has been restored to its original splendour. The castle contains all original furnishings and artwork from that period. Bunratty's Folk Park lets you walk down the streets of a 19th century village. It has everything from houses and doctors to schools and pubs and everything in-between. Costumed characters recreate the world and lifestyle of a former age. They create a memorable experience for all its visitors.

For a unique experience why not join the Earl of Thomand in the 15th Century Castle for a grand banquet. Catch a glimpse into the lives of the past lords and ladies of Bunratty Castle. Experience everything a 15th century banquet has to offer. The event includes a sumptuous meal and live entertainment on the night.

Durty Nelly's pub in Bunratty offers a warm welcome. It's famous food, drink and live Irish music nightly is sure to entertain you. Bunratty Castle is only 20 minutes from Limerick City by car. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience you won't get anywhere else in Ireland.

After all that sight-seeing you'll definitely need a place to rest and relax. Located just outside the city center of Limerick, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick is ideally located for your base camp when exploring Limerick.