Limerick and the University of Limerick

 

The conference will take place on the University of Limerick’s riverside campus on the banks of the River Shannon. As the images of the campus and the Living Bridge at the bottom of this page suggest, this is a particularly attractive setting: the campus is threaded with walking paths, green spaces, and views across the river. In late November we hope for crisp, frosty mornings or an autumnal campus with the last of the leaves still on the trees.
 

Limerick itself is a compact and welcoming city with a largely preserved Georgian streetscape and a strong sense of its layered history. The city centre is easily explored on foot, with cafés, pubs, and restaurants clustered around the river and in the older streets.

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Getting to Limerick and the University of Limerick

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Limerick and the University of Limerick are well connected to Ireland’s main international airports:

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• From Shannon Airport

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Shannon Airport is the closest airport to Limerick, approximately 24 kilometres from the city and at the heart of the region, with year-round scheduled flights to and from major cities in Britain, Europe and North America.

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There is a regular 343 Bus Eireann service from outside the terminal, running to Limerick city centre. This costs around 5 euros (cash only, or Leap card) and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Coaches offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, charging points and ample luggage space, with services operating roughly every thirty minutes. You can get off at William Street in the centre of Limerick or at Limerick Colbert bus station. ​​​From the city you can connect easily by local bus or taxi to the University of Limerick campus.

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Taxis are available from the taxi desk in the Arrivals Hall. The approximate fare from Shannon Airport to Limerick city is between forty and forty-five Euro.

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• From Dublin Airport
   

Dublin Airport offers the widest range of international connections. There are direct coaches from Dublin Airport to Limerick, serving both Limerick city centre and the University of Limerick campus, with a journey time of approximately two and a half hours.

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In addition to regular coach services that avoid travelling via Dublin city centre, there are direct services from Dublin Airport to Castletroy, near the University of Limerick, and frequent services from Dublin Airport to the University of Limerick with departures throughout the day.

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• From Cork Airport

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Cork Airport has regular flights from the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Buses run from Cork to Limerick, with a journey time of around two hours, connecting in the city with local buses or taxis to campus. Limerick also has main line rail connections with Cork via Kent Station.

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• By Ferry, Road and Rail

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Limerick is approximately three hours’ drive from the ferry ports at Dublin, Dún Laoghaire and Rosslare, with fast crossings from various United Kingdom ports. The region is well served by a network of national roads and scenic routes, and mainline rail connects Limerick with Dublin and Cork and, via those hubs, with the rest of Ireland.

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• Within Limerick

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Limerick, the University of Limerick campus is approximately 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. There is also a pleasant walk along the River Shannon between the city and the campus, which takes around 40 minutes, depending on your route and pace.

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• Information on visa and passports

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Flights from Shannon and Dublin to the United States of America have pre-clearance for both immigration and customs in Ireland, allowing passengers to arrive as domestic travellers in the United States.

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Everyone entering Ireland must have a valid passport. Some delegates may require a visa, and applications can take up to twelve weeks. Delegates should check requirements with their local Irish representation and consult official Irish government sources for the latest information.

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Accommodation

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We have arranged conference rates at two hotels close to campus: Castletroy Park Hotel and Kilmurry Lodge Hotel. Both are within easy reach of the University of Limerick, either on foot or via a short bus or taxi journey, and are convenient for early starts and evening events on campus.
 

In addition, Limerick city centre offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses, from larger chains to smaller independent options, which may suit those who prefer to stay in the city and commute to campus each day. Regular buses link the city and the University, and taxis are readily available.
 

Options include:

 

• The Savoy Hotel offers five‑star accommodation in the heart of Limerick, around 25 km from Shannon International Airport. As the city’s only 5‑star property, it combines luxury guest rooms with several dining options, including Hamptons Bar & Grill, The Library and The Savoy Bar, as well as leisure facilities such as a pool, steam room, fitness suite and treatment rooms. 

• The Absolute Hotel overlooks the Abbey River and is easily accessible from Shannon Airport. It is well placed for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and is within walking distance of King John’s Castle, Thomond Park and the atmospheric Milk Market. A short scenic walk along the quays brings guests to the Hunt Museum and the main shopping streets in the city centre.

• Clayton Hotel Limerick is located directly on the banks of the River Shannon, with impressive river views from many rooms. It offers stylish, modern accommodation with waterfront dining and a well-equipped leisure centre, including an indoor pool, gym, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

• Limerick Strand Hotel is a city‑centre hotel with panoramic vistas of the River Shannon and landmark views across historic Limerick. Its contemporary bedrooms are designed with the needs of modern travellers in mind, including complimentary Wi‑Fi. Guests can enjoy award‑winning dining that showcases locally sourced produce, and make use of the Energize Health Club with a 20‑metre swimming pool and fully equipped gym. On‑site parking is available.​​

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Hotels closer to the campus include:

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• Castletroy Park Hotel in the leafy suburb of Castletroy, directly opposite the University of Limerick and a short drive from the city centre. The hotel offers contemporary bedrooms and suites, an on‑site leisure club with 20‑metre pool, sauna, steam room and gym, as well as a spa. Guests can choose from several dining options, including a restaurant and more informal brasserie spaces. Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking are available.

• Kilmurry Lodge Hotel set in landscaped gardens in Castletroy, close to the University of Limerick and the National Technology Park and around 10 minutes from Limerick city centre. The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms and suites with free high‑speed Wi‑Fi, along with Nelligan’s Bar & Restaurant, serving classic Irish dishes and drinks. Guests benefit from complimentary on‑site parking and easy access to local bus routes and the M7.
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Further details on booking and how to access conference rates will be provided to registered participants.

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Local Attractions

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For those arriving early, or staying on after the conference, there are museums, galleries, and historic sites. Highlights in Limerick include King John’s Castle, a dramatic thirteenth-century castle on the banks of the River Shannon; Saint Mary’s Cathedral, founded in 1168 and one of Ireland’s most important medieval buildings; the Hunt Museum, housing a major collection of art and antiquities; The People’s Museum of Limerick, reflecting the lives and stories of Limerick’s people, streets and buildings in a restored Georgian townhouse; Treaty City Brewery, a working craft brewery in the medieval quarter offering tours and tastings; and the Limerick Whiskey Experience, offering tastings and introductions to Irish whiskey in the heart of the city.
 

The Milk Market is a staple of Limerick life and a must-visit for food lovers, with fresh produce, artisan foods and local specialities. Day trips to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are also easily arranged and offer classic Irish heritage and landscape experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way.

 

Limerick is also a gateway to the wider Shannon Region. To the west, County Clare offers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery: from the Burren’s unique limestone landscape to the Cliffs of Moher, part of the UNESCO-recognised Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and one of the signature points along the Wild Atlantic Way. Charming towns such as Ennis, Lahinch and Doolin, and villages like Adare, often described as Ireland’s prettiest village and future host of the Ryder Cup, make rewarding day trips.

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Practical Information about Ireland

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Ireland is a stable, friendly and safe country. The Global Peace Index ranks Ireland among the most peaceful countries in Europe.
 

The national currency is the Euro. Ireland has two official languages, Irish and English, with English the main language of everyday communication.

Ireland has a temperate climate. November typically brings cooler, wetter weather, with average daytime highs around eleven degrees Celsius and nighttime lows around six degrees Celsius. Packing layers and rain gear is recommended.

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