Limerick – hotely v blízkosti

Limerick revels in one of Ireland’s most iconic views – the River Shannon curving past King John’s Castle, a 12th-century fortress that could have come straight from a Grimm fairytale. Frank McCourt wrote ‘Angela’s Ashes’ about his childhood here, and his former school is a museum about him, set amid elegant Georgian architecture in the Newtown Pery district. Equally attractive is the custom house, now housing the Hunt Museum's eclectic collection of art and artefacts.

The 12th-century St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral is the city’s oldest building used daily, while St John’s Catholic Cathedral has Ireland’s tallest spire. The coexistence of the two is symbolic of the 17th-century accord between Jacobites and Williamites, supposedly signed on the Treaty Stone.

The Milk Market is a bustling hub of local produce sellers, and the shops of pedestrian Cruises Street are surrounded by restaurants and bars offering great nightlife, including some where you can jig to traditional Irish folk tunes.

The city is also sports mad. Munster Rugby play in Thomond Park, while the Gaelic Grounds ring with the sounds of hurling and Gaelic football supporters. Golf courses, a racecourse and greyhound stadium complete the picture.

Booking.com’s Limerick accommodation includes luxury hotels with spas and swimming pools, and cheap apartments near Shannon Airport.