Getting there- the best routes to Limerick
Limericks central location in the Midwest of Ireland makes it is easily accessible from all corners of the country. In addition to its superb location, Limerick is well connected by public transport links. Driving is also a convenient means of travel as the city lies along the path of many major Irish motorways. In addition to this, Shannon International Airport is just a mere thirty minutes west of the city so you are spoilt for choice when it comes to convenient ways in which to reach Limerick!
By car
Limerick is situated at the crossroads of several of Ireland’s main motorways, so driving can be a practical mode of transport. By taking the N7 from Dublin, this straightforward route will have you in the city in less than 3 hours. The N20 motorway connects Cork to the city in about an hour and a half, and when coming from Galway, take the N6 motorway to the N66 and then the smaller N19, which will take you straight into Limerick.
By rail
Irish Rail operate a high-speed commuter rail line from Dublin with seventeen trains running daily from Heuston Station. Other towns can also be accessed from these hubs, including Rosslare Europort via Waterford, Cork and Tralee.
All trains arrive at Limerick’s Colbert Station, which is centrally located and is a 5 minute walk from the City Centre and also serves as the city’s main bus terminal. Thomond Park and the Gaelic grounds are 20-25 minutes away. Bus Éireann provide a shuttle service from the City Centre to Thomond Park for all major fixtures.
For more information on train schedules and fares, contact Colbert Station (tel: +353 61 315555).
By bus
Bus Eireann provides bus services between Limerick and the other cities in Ireland. There are regular connections with Dublin (1 hour, 15 minutes), Tralee (2 hours), Cork (1 hour, 50 minutes) and most of the other main towns in the region. Bus Eireann also operates the bus service between Shannon Airport and the city centre.
All buses arrive at Limerick’s central bus terminal, Colbert Station, which is also the city’s train terminal. From Colbert Station, it is a five minute walk to the city centre. There are tourist information and currency exchange kiosks at the Bus Eireann information desk. For more information about bus schedules and fares, contact Bus Eireann (tel: +353 61 313333).
By air
Access to Limerick by air is handled by Shannon Airport, the regional air hub. Shannon International Airport is the gateway to the West of Ireland servicing many destinations throughout Europe and the US. This modern and efficient airport has a single terminal, which handles all of its domestic and international flights. Air travel from the UK is mainly handled by Aer Lingus and Ryanair which operate frequent flights from all the main cities. From the United States, Delta, Continental, US Airways and Aer Lingus operate regularly scheduled flights, while flights from Canada are looked after by Air Transat to Toronto.
The airport’s terminal has all the usual facilities which travellers might need. ATMs, four currency exchange offices and a branch of the Bank of Ireland can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, a news-stand, gift shop and duty-free shopping. An airport information desk, open daily from 06:00 to midnight, is located in the Arrivals Hall to assist with any questions you might have (tel: +353 61 712000).
Shannon International Airport transportation
Shannon Airport Authority operates all car parks at Shannon Airport, offering both short term (less than 24 hours) and up to 5 long term car parks within the airport with over 5,000 spaces available in total. All car parks are regularly patrolled by airport police. There are separate Coach Parking facilities for the set-down of departing passengers and the pick-up of arriving passengers.
Bus Eireann provide connections from Shannon International Airport to all major Irish cities. These airport buses depart frequently from outside the terminal, taking passengers to Colbert Station, Limerick in approximately 30 minutes. The Bus Eireann desk is located in the Arrivals Hall, and is open from 08:00 until 16:00 (tel: +353 61 313333).
There is no train service from Shannon Airport. If you rent a car, simply follow the N19 from the terminal to the N18 leading into Limerick, which is well-signed and easy to navigate.
If planning a visit to Limerick then please check out the free destination guide at http://limerickhotels.jurysinns.com/destination_guide
Visit Jurys Inn Limerick with great offers on limerick hotels and a heap of free information on what to do.