More Information

Local Attractions

Lots to see and do…

While you are in the Lough Gur area why not spread your wings a little further and visit Old Irish Ways Museum located just 3km from the lake front Visi Centre. The town of Bruff located just 8kms from Lough Gur Heritage Centre is a must see. The ancestors of President John F. Kennedy moved from Lough Gur to Bruff where they made this quaint town their home. Tours are on offer from local community guides.

The Medieval town of Kilmallock is well know to scholars from near and far and offers lovers of history and archaeology a delicious selection to choose from including the Abbey, tower houses and castles. Lough Gur highly recommends lunch or dinner in Deebert House Hotel during your visit to the ever interesting Kilmallock.

Limerick City boasts a huge variety of attractions from The Hunt Museum, King John’s Castle, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Thomond Park , Treaty Brewery , Bunratty Castle & Folkpark , St. Mary’s Cathedral,more information on things to do can be found on https://www.limerick.ie/

You will find information on all of the attractions within the Ballhoura region on www.visitballyhoura.com.

Places to Visit

Old Irish Ways

Old Irish Ways is an award-winning museum which represents a true and unique reflection of a forgotten Ireland in Co.Limerick , It is a collection of various artefacts and collectables which were used as part of everyday life down through the years in an Ireland long past. From the kitchen to the farmyard the collection built up over a number of years represents an Ireland of bygone days.

Medieval Kilmallock

Medieval Kilmallock is set in the valley of the River Loobagh and nestled at the foot of the Ballyhoura Hills to the south with the Galtee mountains to the east. Kilmallock is an important Norman town and was at the centre of Ireland’s political development from the 13th through to the 17th centuries, a history that is evident through the rich architectural heritage that is the town’s national monuments.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Meet the adorable donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll – they love getting attention from new visitors! This shelter is an Irish registered charity working to improve conditions for donkeys and mules. Located in the lush Cork countryside, it is the perfect spot for a picnic and a scenic walk. The Donkey Sanctuary is open 7 days a week with free admission and free parking, well worth a trip.

The Great Southern Greenway

The Limerick Greenway is a unique stretch of countryside, It is the route taken by the Limerick-Tralee railway line which opened in 1867/1880 and closed in 1975/1977. Today the Great Southern Greenway Limerick is a 39km walking and cycling off-road route running along the old railway line connecting the towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. https://www.limerick.ie/great-southern-greenway-limerick

Ballyhoura Trailriders

Known as the adventure capital of Ireland, it comes as no surprise that the Ballyhouras are home to the largest mountain biking trail in the country.
The largest trail network of its kind in Ireland. 98km of trails including forest road climbs, tight twisty singletrack with loads of ups and downs, board walk, tight turns and technical rocky bits are guaranteed to leave you smiling. Visit Ballyhoura Trailriders to experience these amazing trails within the Ballyhouras.

Ballyhoura Apple Farm

Based in the beautiful hillside town of Kilfinane in Co. Limerick, the Ballyhoura Apple Farm cultivates the tradition of apple growing in Ireland which dates back to the 1700s. Take a tour and taste the delicious local produce. Ballyhoura Apple Farm was founded in 2004 in Churchtown in North Cork by Gerry Murphy and Maurice Gilbert. In a Herculean manoeuvre the 4,500 tree orchard was moved – lock, stock and barrel – from Churchtown to Kilfinane in 2014. Maurice Gilbert is CEO and chief mixologist at Ballyhoura Apple Farm and is constantly working on new product development and marketing.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Foynes Flying Boat Museum relays the story of the role played by Foynes in the establishment of passenger flights across the Atlantic, it is excitingly captured in the Museum. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors, carrying a diverse range of people from celebrities to refugees. The award winning Flying Boat Museum recalls this era with a comprehensive range of exhibitions and memorabilia.

Glenstal Abbey

Glenstal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in County Limerick , it is a 500 acre estate with streams, lakes and woodland paths which surrounds a castle built in the romantic Norman style. The monks combine their daily prayers with managing a boys boarding school, a farm and a guesthouse. It is a wonderful place to explore, taking in the splendid grounds, the gift shop, and a tour of the icon chapel which is a real treat.

Places to Stay

The Old Bank – The Old Bank B&B in Bruff is the town’s most prominent and inviting building and has been tastefully restored to its original nineteenth century grandeur. https://www.theoldbank.ie/

Deebert House Hotel is located in Medieval Kilmallock , Modern facilities and old world charm combine to create a twenty first century experience with the charm of a bygone era. https://www.deeberthousehotel.com/

The Strand Hotel – The strand Hotel is a beautiful 4 star hotel situated in Limerick City. https://www.strandhotellimerick.ie/

Ballyhoura luxury homes – Set in the Ballyhoura Mountains, the perfect getaway location. We have 6 stunning, luxury self catering holiday homes built in a forest, fitted to the highest standards… waiting for you to experience. https://www.ballyhouraforestluxuryhomes.com/

The Absolute Hotel – Our hotel in the old Treaty city has the great King Johns castle on its doorstep, where its proud medieval past competes for your attention with Thomond Park and the artisan produce found at the atmospheric milk market. https://www.absolutehotel.com

Charleville Park Hotel – The location of the Charleville Park Hotel on the border between Cork and Limerick in the heart of Munster makes it the perfect base to explore the beauty of the Ballyhoura Countryside. Families are important to us and this is particularly the case at the Charleville Park Hotel. https://www.charlevilleparkhotel.com/

Music in the Area

The HoneyFitz Theatre – The Lough Gur ramblers host a traditional rambling house session at 8.30pm on the first Thursday night of each month all year round. These sessions are totally free of charge and offer the best music, song, storytelling and much more so please come along and enjoy a really good nights entertainment and sample home made brown bread, tea and scones.

Dolans Warehouse :  Dolans bar and restaurant is situated in Limerick City,  Dolan’s opened its doors in 1994 and offers the people of Limerick and visitors alike a great choice of Entertainment right here on the Dock Road. Throughout our Pub, Kitchens and purpose-built Live Music Venues we strive to be the best at what we do and hope to welcome you. https://dolans.ie/

University Concert Hall : UCH is Munster’s premier award winning venue featuring the biggest names in music, comedy & more. https://www.uch.ie/

Live at the Castle: Live at the castle has become a must-see music event, with King John’s castle providing the perfect venue for a unique live music experience. https://www.dolans.ie/liveatthecastle/

Connect with us @visitloughgur

Instagram Feed Here

More Information