No matter where you live in Limerick, there are lovely walks right on your doorstep. From riverside strolls in the city to forest parks, glens and ancient heritage sites out in the county, there’s a family walk in Limerick to suit every energy level and every age of child.
Here are some of our favourite family walks in Limerick:
#1. Riverside Walks in Limerick
The River Shannon flows through Limerick City and is a wonderful amenity for locals and visitors alike. There are a number of very pleasant riverside walks, some of which are maintained by the City Council. These include:
- The City Centre, by the Shannon and Abbey Rivers
- Ballinacurra/Roundwood, by the Ballynaclough River
- Corbally Walks, Canal Banks, Rhebogue
- Westfields, North Circular Road
- Castleconnell
#2. Clare Glens, Murroe, Co. Limerick
The Clare Glens form the boundary between Co. Tipperary and Co. Limerick. The Clare River flows through a gorge here, giving excellent walks and scenic views from all sides. The Glens are heavily wooded, with many waterfalls, and a nature trail has been mapped out as a looped course, opening up all areas of the Glens to visitors.
This is definitely worth a visit. There are miles of walkways and footbridges over the river, which runs through a series of waterfalls and rapids — a really spectacular sight. There’s plenty of plant and animal life to spot along the way too.
Directions: Start from the village of Murroe on the R506 between Limerick City and Cappamore. Follow the signs for Clare Glens, heading north out of the village. Follow this road for approximately 5km to reach the trailhead at a car parking area on your left. Both loops start and finish here.
#3. Curragh Chase Forest Park, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick
Centred around the ruins of Curraghchase House, the 18th century home of poet Aubrey de Vere, this beautiful 313-hectare park includes an arboretum, a wildlife lake and a nature trail that takes you to many of its most beautiful features.
There are gentle walks around the garden of the house, suitable for wheelchairs, prams and family walks. The longer Curragh and Glenisca trails suit those looking for a more demanding walk or cycle.
Facilities include toilets, a play area, picnic tables, a BBQ area and plenty of parking.
Directions: From Limerick, take the N69 west towards Askeaton. Pass through Kildimo village and continue to Kilcornan. Turn left just as you leave Kilcornan and follow this road for 3.5km to reach the Forest Park. It’s clearly signposted from the main road (N69).
Lough Gur, Bruff, Co. Limerick
Lough Gur is widely renowned as one of Western Europe’s important archaeological centres. People have continuously inhabited this area since the Neolithic Age, and many treasures were discovered on the shores when the lake level was lowered in the 1800s.
Walk around the park and visit the remains of an early farmstead dating back to roughly AD 900, a lake island dwelling that can be traced back as far as the year 500, and a wedge-shaped tomb from around 2500 BC, reputed to have been used as a community gravesite. Wildlife enthusiasts will find a variety of birds here, including the Great Crested Grebe, swans, moorhens and ducks.
Before you turn off for the park, visit the Grange Stone Circle, the largest and finest monument of its kind in Ireland. It contains 113 standing stones and has a diameter of 150 feet. Built around 2000 BC, the Grange Stone Circle predates some of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Directions: Take the N20 from Limerick City heading towards Cork. Take a left at the village of Croom and travel on to Bruff. Follow the directional signs to Lough Gur Heritage Centre.
#5. Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail, Loop Head Road, Askeaton, Co. Limerick
Located between the Shannon estuary and the River Deel, just outside the village of Askeaton, the Aughinish Alumina Nature Trail winds through gentle meadowland. There are many varieties of plants, wild flowers, berries and grasses, and you can spot wildlife in the wetlands near the estuary and riverbank. It’s an ideal spot for bird watching, and it’s home to one of Ireland’s butterfly sanctuaries, with a habitat management programme specifically for the benefit of native butterflies.
#6. Newcastle West River Walk — Demesne and Railway Track to Ardagh
The Castle Demesne and river walk is about 5km, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, on easy terrain. The old railway track to Ardagh is an 8km round trip, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes. There’s also the Demesne ground itself, over 100 acres of parkland with plenty of flora and fauna as well as playing areas and sports fields.
#7. Nature Trail at Foynes Wood — “The Lady Gate Walk”
This walk has been upgraded over the years, with resurfaced pathways, a new path to the top section, and a new path leading down to the River Shannon. The trail is signposted, with safety railings, picnic tables, and numbered junctions along the way.
#8. Slí na Sláinte, Limerick
Slí na Sláinte walks, developed by the Irish Heart Foundation, are brightly signposted routes around town, marked every 1km, with walks ranging from 30 to 40 minutes. There are numerous Slí na Sláinte walks around Limerick City and county — plenty of ways to get everyone out and walking, whatever the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family walks in Limerick?
Limerick has walks to suit every family, from gentle riverside strolls in the city centre to woodland trails at Clare Glens, forest walks at Curragh Chase, and the historic parkland at Lough Gur.
Are any of these walks suitable for buggies or wheelchairs?
Yes — the garden walks around Curraghchase House at Curragh Chase Forest Park are gentle and suitable for wheelchairs, prams and family walks. The longer Curragh and Glenisca trails within the park are better suited to older children and more confident walkers.
Is Lough Gur a good day out with kids?
Yes, Lough Gur combines an easy walk around the lake with plenty to keep curious kids interested, including ancient farmstead remains, a lake dwelling site and a Bronze Age tomb, plus birdlife to spot along the shore.
Where can I find short, signposted walks around Limerick city?
The Slí na Sláinte routes are a good option — they’re brightly signposted, spread across Limerick city and county, and range from about 30 to 40 minutes, making them easy to fit into a family day.
More Family Days Out
If you enjoyed exploring these family walks in Limerick, you’ll find plenty more ideas for outdoor adventures, forest parks and free days out with the kids across Munster on MyKidsTime.
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