Castle Oaks House Hotel

The University of Limerick is an independent, internationally focused university with over 11,600 students and 1,300 staff. It is a young, energetic and enterprising university with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship. Its mission is to promote and advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research and scholarship in an environment which encourages innovation and upholds the principles of free enquiry and expression. Particular attention is paid to the generation of knowledge which is relevant to the needs of Ireland’s continuing socio-economic development.

Adare’s origin is as a settlement by a crossing point on the River Maigue. Renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare is designated as a Heritage Town by the Irish government. Due to its origin as village of the Dunraven estate, Adare has a more planned appearance than many Irish villages and towns. The ancient town lay upon the eastern bank of the Maigue near a fjord (crossing point) in the region known as Ardshanbally (derived from Ard an tSeanbhaile – ‘high ground of the old town’), about half-a mile from the modern town on the western side. Historically a market town, in the Middle Ages, Adare was a major settlement and boasted three monasteries and a castle (Desmond Castle).

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland. The area was designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds under the EU Birds Directive in 1986 and as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988. Included within the designated site are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 200 metre zone of open water, directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds’ feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area’s importance for wildlife.

Thomond Park is the home ground of Munster Rugby, one of the most successful and best supported rugby clubs in the world. The famous venue, renowned internationally for its unique history and atmosphere, has been redeveloped and now boasts an increased capacity of 25,600 plus an extensive range of conference & banqueting facilities that have further enhanced its glowing reputation.

The Burren is a place full of wonder, beauty and discovery. The AILLWEE CAVE is a gateway to the dramatic underworld of this area. Expert guides will accompany and inform you during your leisurely tour. The tour consists of a 30-minute stroll through the beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor! Unique Cave Features Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the now extinct brown bears bones (ursos arctos).

Enjoy a tour of the majestic River Shannon and capture the beauty of Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Derg, for yourself. The Spirit of Lough Derg is a 12 seater passenger boat. The tour will take you through the bridge which joins counties Clare and Tipperary and by Saint Flannan’s Cathedral. Before heading into Lough Derg you will pass by “Kincora”, Brian Boru’s fort. Brian Boru was high king of Ireland from 1002 to 1014.

King John’s Castle is a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The Castle overlooks the majestic River Shannon offering wonderful views of Limerick City. Discover history at its best, magnificent views and life in Norman times. Explore 800 years of history brought to life in the imaginative historical exhibition, excavated pre-Norman houses, fortifications, siege mines, and the battlement walks. The sights, scenes and sounds of the Castle and its environs all combine to recreate the atmosphere of the era.

Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base.