As parents we know how expensive it can be to entertain the kids, so we put together a list of FREE things to do in Limerick with children that are lots of fun!

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Some of our ideas for free things to do in Limerick may involve a car journey, but half the fun is visiting a new area. Pick a different town or village or area to explore, compile a list of interesting places to visit beforehand and then have fun!

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FREE Things to Do in Limerick As a Family

Field of Dreams Sanctuary

With dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, goats, pot-bellied black pigs, donkeys, ponies, chickens, and rabbits to see, the Limerick Animal Welfare Field of Dreams Sanctuary in Kilfinane is as good as any pet farm!

You are welcome to walk a dog, pet a cat, or take a stroll through the beautiful gravel walkways which wind through the fields and you will experience the extraordinary views of the surrounding countryside and the Ballyhoura Hills.

The Sanctuary is open to the public 7 days per week from 11am to 3pm. You are welcome to bring treats, but please drop them to the reception for staff to distribute to the animals as some are on special food/diet.

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The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum offers free entry on Sundays from 2-5 pm to discover a diverse collection of antiquities and art. During your trip you can see ancient artefacts from around the world, Irish prehistoric, Bronze Age and medieval collections, and decorative art.

Don’t miss works from Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore in the collection.

There is a regular schedule of child-friendly activities and events. Young visitors might choose to explore the collection through one of the age-appropriate Discovery Trails, or explore their creative side in an Arts & Crafts class. Ask at reception for details.

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Limerick Museum

Discover the history of Limerick and its people with a visit to the Limerick Museum. The displays include archaeological artefacts, Limerick silver, Limerick lace, examples of local printing, military artefacts and much more.

The story of the city and county is presented through the varied collections, from Stone Age axes, medieval coins and the civic sword of Queen Elizabeth I to medals presented to veterans of the 1916 Rising.

Among the more unusual items, you’ll find Ireton’s Cat, a mummified cat found on Nicholas Street in the 1890’s; a fragment of the largest meteorite that ever fall in Ireland in 1813; and two World War II gas-masks, that fortunately never had to be used.

Located in the Old Franciscan Monastery on Henry Street, Limerick Museum is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm.

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Visit the Library

There are lots of libraries in Limerick to choose from that offer a wonderful (and free!) resource for families. You could take a trip to your local library and find out what classes and events that they run – or for a change of scenery, try a different branch and see what they have to offer!

Many of the branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, chess clubs, games and activities sessions and so on.

Limerick City Gallery of Art

The Limerick City Gallery of Art, housed in the Carnegie Building on the grounds of the People’s Park, is open daily and free to visit.

The Gallery is one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Ireland and home to an important collection of Irish 18th to 21st century art.

Visit the People’s Park

Pack a picnic and head to the People’s Park in Limerick City, the city’s main park and home to a great children’s playground, the Limerick City Gallery of Art, a band stand and a wealth of beautiful flowers and a variety of trees to enjoy.

You could print off our sound scavenger hunt to bring with you!

Butterfly Sanctuary at Aughinish

Twenty miles west of Limerick City, along the south bank of the Shannon Estuary, you can discover a unique nature walk and Ireland’s first designated sanctuary for butterflies.

Grasses, herbs and wild flowers grow in abundance giving a colourful display during the summer, but this area is worth a visit all year round.

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Festivals and Events

Keep an eye on our monthly round-up of what’s on around the country to find free family events worth visiting. From festivals to family fun days, you never know what will pop up in your area!

Find the Local Fairies

There are several fairy trails to visit in Limerick, each with their own local fairies!

In the village of Athea, behind the Giant’s Garden, discover a special fairy trail which is home to 10 fairies who each have their own fairy door. At the end of the trail you will find a Fairy Post Box where you can post your own message to the fairies. There is also a worry-tree called ‘Croga’ which promises to take away any worries you might have if you place your hand on the plaque attached to it.

There are also Fairy Woods in Castleconnell, a Fairy Trail at Woodlands House Hotel in Adare (ask at reception for a map and fairy dust), an enchanted Fairy Garden at Mill Road in Corbally, and a Fairy Trail at Lough Gur which is home to Fer Fí King of the Fairies!

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Cycle the Great Southern Greenway

The Great Southern Greenway Limerick is a 39km off-road walking and cycling route along an old railway line that connects the three market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastlewest and Abbeyfeale in West Limerick.

Along the route, there is plenty to spot – keep an eye out for Norman castles, abbeys, medieval ruins, workhouses, famine graveyards, deserted railway stations, a viaduct and breathtaking scenery!

Get Some Fresh Air

There are numerous spots, both in the city and in the surrounding areas, that are perfect for getting some fresh air. With plenty of options for family walks in Limerick, you can try a new one each time!

Some of our favourites include riverside walks in Castleconnell and in the city centre by the Shannon and Abbey rivers; the Clare Glens; the nature trail loop walk at Aughinish; Lough Gur; and Curragh Chase Forest Park.

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Head To the Playground

Pack a picnic or some snacks and head to some of the best playgrounds in Limerick!

Most of the playgrounds are in parks so if they get bored with the play area you can head off for a walk, cycle or scoot around the park and see what’s happening in nature.

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What are your favourite free things to do in Limerick with kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!