At the small village of Clarina, west of Mungret on the N69, turn right to head north for around 1.5km to a crossroads. Turn left and you'll see high up on a ridge the haunting ruin of Carrigogunnell Castle, destroyed in the 17th century. A road to your right heads past the castle, beyond the hedgerow and fields. The ruins famously adorn the back cover of U2's album The Unforgettable Fire. It's quite a sight against the skyline at twilight.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.22 MILES
An obdurate and brooding Norman mass looming over the River Shannon, Limerick's showpiece castle, with its vast curtain walls and towers, was built on the…
5.19 MILES
Although named for its benefactors, this museum, opened in 1997, is also a treasure hunt. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers and poke around the…
25.53 MILES
Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…
22.83 MILES
The centrepiece of this fascinating historic site where St Tola founded a monastery in the 8th century is the four-storey, 15th-century O'Dea Castle…
17.09 MILES
North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating…
22.08 MILES
Extending along a lovely river, Dromore Wood encompasses some 400 hectares of picturesque Irish woodland as well as the ruins of the lakeside 17th-century…
4.64 MILES
Dating from the 15th century, square, hulking Bunratty Castle is only the latest of several edifices to occupy its location beside the River Ratty…
4.81 MILES
This museum dedicated to Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, can be found in his former school building in Limerick's Georgian quarter. The museum…
Nearby County Limerick attractions
1. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
4.64 MILES
Dating from the 15th century, square, hulking Bunratty Castle is only the latest of several edifices to occupy its location beside the River Ratty…
4.65 MILES
From 1995 until 2007, the Munster province rugby team was undefeated in this legendary stadium; it was also the venue for their famous victories over New…
4.76 MILES
This bronze statue of Daniel O'Connell, depicting the hero of Catholic emancipation as a Roman senator complete with toga, was unveiled in 1857. It stands…
4.81 MILES
This museum dedicated to Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, can be found in his former school building in Limerick's Georgian quarter. The museum…
5. Limerick City Gallery of Art
4.9 MILES
Limerick's art gallery adjoins the peaceful People's Park in the heart of Georgian Limerick. Among its permanent collection of paintings from the last 300…
4.91 MILES
This lovely wooded park in Pery Sq at the heart of Georgian Limerick is an excellent place for collapsing onto the grass with a chunky novel when the sun…
5.1 MILES
The Treaty Stone marks the spot on the west bank of the River Shannon where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691, guaranteeing religious freedom for…
5.19 MILES
Although named for its benefactors, this museum, opened in 1997, is also a treasure hunt. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers and poke around the…