Day 12 (Limerick) – Thatched Cottages, Castles and Kayaking
It’s crazy to think that we haven’t even reached the end of week two yet.
Day 12 takes us from Kerry to Limerick.
Get a lie in after your night out in Dingle and hit the road for 10. There’s a lot of exploring on the cards for today.
1 – Conor Pass
// Dingle to Conor Pass – 10-minute drive (arrive for 10:10) //
If you read our guide to the craziest roads in Ireland, then you’ll recognise Conor Pass.
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
Conor Pass runs from Dingle out towards Brandon Bay and Castlegregory, and is one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland, standing a whopping 410 m above the sea level.
The tight, narrow road snakes alongside the mountain and weaves its way along sharp cliff faces on one side and an enormous drop to the other.
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
You can pull in at the side of the road before the pass and admire the views around you.
On a busy day, this’ll be a nervous drivers nightmare, but just take your time, drive carefully and you’ll be fine.
2 – The gorgeous village of Adare
// Conor Pass to Adare – 1 hour and 50-minute drive (arrive for 11:30) //
Photo by Patryk Kosmider (Shutterstock)
We’ve a long drive to Adare in County Limerick.
The Geraldines of Kildare developed Adare during medieval times. The present village was largely an early 19th-century creation by the Dunravens.
As you make your way through the village, you’ll encounter many gorgeous thatch roof cottages.
Park the car, stretch the legs, and have a little wander around the town.
3 – King John’s Castle (one of the finest castles on this Ireland road trip)
// Adare to King John’s Castle – 25-minute drive (arrive for 12:30) //
Photo by Shannon Development
You’ll find King John’s Castle in the heart of medieval Limerick City.
The castle, which was established in the 13th century, reopened in 2013 following a multi-million euro investment.
Those that visit the castle will experience a brand new visitor centre with state of the art interpretive activities and exhibitions.
Outside in the courtyard, you’ll discover a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmiths forge, and scenes from a 17th-century siege.
Head off on the tour and soak up some of Limerick’s rich past.
4 – The Buttery for lunch
// St. John’s Castle to the Buttery – 10-minute drive (arrive for 14:00) //
When you’re in Limerick and hankering for a feed, head to the Buttery.
Their brunch is seriously damn good.
Fuel up here and get ready for the rest of the day.
5 – Kayaking on the River Shannon
// The Buttery to Get West Kayaking – 3-minute walk (arrive for 15:30) //
Photo via Get West
This is a verrrrry unique way to experience Limerick.
The folks at Get West are among several companies that run kayaking excursions along the River Shannon.
You’ll get to see Limerick from a completely different perspective – just look at the view you’ll be treated to of King John’s Castle above!
6 – Round off the day with a feed, a pint and some live Music at Dolan’s pub
I spent a night in Dolan’s pub a few years back with a couple of friends.
The lady running our B&B told us that if we didn’t enjoy it, she’d give us the nights accommodation for half price.
We went. We had a fine feed. We supped many a pint. And we tapped our feet to live music.
A mighty pub and the perfect way to round off your day.
7 – Where to rest your head
I’ve only stayed in Limerick City once over the past few years.
We spent the night in the George Hotel, which was central, reasonably priced, and faultless.
I’ve popped in an affiliate link to it above (you won’t be charged extra, but I’ll get a small commission which helps pay for this site).
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Leeann Nolan
Wednesday 15th of November 2023
Hi Keith Thank you so much for all the work you have done on The Irish Road Trip. I have used much of it to plan my 7 week trip to Ireland in 2024. It has been invaluable :)
Mick Bourke
Sunday 24th of September 2023
G’day Keith-thanks for your trip. My wife and I will be over there in late April and most of May (about a month in total before heading to Scotland for a couple of weeks). I think I’ll be using your trip (which is great (as also is the additional info at the bottom)) as the basis for ours, however, I would like to do abit more of the inland (like a figure eight of the island). Do you have any suggestions?
Keith O'Hara
Wednesday 27th of September 2023
Hey Mick,
Is there anywhere in particular you have in mind with the inland section?
Cheers,
Keith
MIchael Katekar
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
A big thank you for all of the time and hard work you have put into this blog. Great information. I don't think we can keep up with your pace but will certainly take up many of your suggestions.
Isabella Dennison
Sunday 26th of March 2023
Good day Keith,
Wow, what an amazing work you've done! I'm forever grateful!!! Please can you email this to me. We are planning to explore Ireland for the first time this year 2023, all the way from South Africa.
Thank you
Keith O'Hara
Monday 27th of March 2023
Thanks Isabell!
Sorry it's taken me so long to reply!
I've tried to get this converted to PDF on a number of occasions, but the result is very messy due to the volume of photos in it.
If there's any specific questions that I can help with, please fire them on and I'll do my best to answer them.
Keith
Jodie Wilson
Sunday 26th of March 2023
First retirement trip. Ireland for a month! Go big or go home. So excited to start this new chapter in our lives - and to hit the roads of Ireland. This guide is perfect - but I’d love a more readable copy if you could email it to me.