The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Shannon Municipal District

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (Mathew Bridge, 2025-08-03): https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/21513015/mathew-bridge-limerick-limerick “Reg No 21513015 ...”

The castle is amazing and there is something to discover everywhere

Bunratty Castle is a landmark on the route between Limerick and Ennis. Arriving here by bike is almost like travelling through time - the mighty castle rises imposingly at the side of the road, while the surrounding flowerbeds give the place a lively feel. The name Bun Raite refers to the nearby mouth of the River Ratty, which once gave the place importance. The area around the castle has its own charm. Although Bunratty Castle has seen many upheavals in its history, the architecture is impressively well preserved. It is worth stopping for a moment to look at the details - the massive walls and small windows give you an idea of what life must have been like here centuries ago. The cycle route through the village is also pleasant and quiet, although the traffic around the castle sometimes requires a little attention. A detour to the adjacent Bunratty Folk Park is also an option to get an even deeper sense of Ireland's past. Here you can imagine how people in the past lived their everyday lives – and maybe this is the perfect inspiration for the next section of your bike tour.

King John's Castle (Irish: Caisleán Luimnigh) also known as Limerick Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King's Island in Limerick, Ireland, next to the River Shannon. Although the site dates back to 922 when the Vikings lived on the Island, the castle itself was built on the orders of King John of England in 1200. Some of the external walls, towers and fortifications remain, and the site is open for visitors. The remains of a Viking settlement were uncovered during archaeological excavations at the site in 1900. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_John%27s_Castle_(Limerick)

There is an entry fee to see inside. The grounds and the church are interesting outside for those unfamiliar with more than 300 years of history.

Even from the road, not far from the free car park, the impressive Bunratty Castle towers up, as if it wants to take its visitors to another time. A brief moment and you find yourself in the middle of centuries-old stone walls that hold many secrets. With your ticket in your pocket, the curtain opens on a world that celebrates Ireland's rich heritage. The Bunratty Gardens extend around the castle, where the colors and scents of the plants mix harmoniously with the historical ambience. But it's not just the castle itself that deserves attention. A little hidden, embedded in the green landscape, you will find a collection of old farmhouses that have been preserved with loving attention to detail. Each of these houses has its own story and tells of the people who once lived, worked and celebrated here. The adjacent open-air museum also impresses with its authentic representation. Here, Ireland's development over time is not only explained, but brought to life. It is as if the walls, the floors and the roofs whisper - they tell of storms and sunshine, of festivals and everyday life, of heroes and craftsmen.

Built in the 12th century, St Mary's Church is the oldest building in Limerick that is still in use. The tower was added in the 14th century and the carved misericords are the only complete example left in Ireland.

King John's Castle is one of the best preserved Norman castles in all of Europe. You can visit the castle and learn more about the history of this imposing building on the banks of the River Shannon.