Committed to its sustainable ethos, Rift Coffee sources from the best Irish and international roasters. Perch by the window to sip as you gaze out onto Mallow Street, and if you’ve a pup in tow they gladly welcome furry friends. Next door, sister company The Larder tempts with bakes like salted caramel cinnamon buns. Savoury options are on hand too, try the Reuben on rye with house made pastrami. As the two shops are nestled between the River Shannon and People’s Park, on a sunny day pop into both to gather a picnic feast. 

For breakfast, brunch and lunch swing by Canteen. Pair a flat white brewed from Badger & Dodo beans with their slow cooked ham hock and smoked Gubbeen Farmhouse Cheese sandwich. For vegetarians and vegans, choices like a mezze box with peanut butter hummus and spiced roast vegetables hit the spot. At the cosy plant filled Story Café, savour a Bob Marley omelette with spinach and cheese, or go sweet with apple and brown sugar crêpes. Their green juice is a healthy hit to start your morning or energise an afternoon. 

Artful homeware and handmade cosmetics meet great Cloud Picker coffee at Duo, with a focus on sustainability and wellbeing throughout the store. Bold, bright colours pop in this interior designed space with mixed materials like terrazzo and recycled plastic. Drop in for a takeaway cappuccino, stay for beautiful products like the Oxmantown skincare range and Chilly’s rainbow of refillable bottles.  

Photo credit: @duoireland

If you’re craving proper pizza, visit Doh. Handmade dough is topped with cheese from Toons Bridge Dairy and ethically raised charcuterie from The Wooded Pig. Fired up to over 400°C, their Gozney Napoli oven cooks these crispy masterpieces in less than 90 seconds. 

For epic weekend brunches, The Buttery has two stylish central locations where highlights include eggs Benedict with homemade Hollandaise, divine French toast with berries, and a vegan burger with all the plant based trimmings.

Specialising in rotisserie, The SpitJack is putting a new spin on the roast. It’s a meat lovers’ dream with options from West Cork chicken to pork belly porchetta to slow cooked ribs. But vegetarians have delicious choices too, like halloumi tabbouleh salad. Whatever you choose, save some room because their white chocolate cheesecake is to die for. 

Photo credit: @dohpizzas

With its ten themed spaces 101 Limerick is an adventure, from the polished wood of the Martini Bar to the leafy Yard with its orange leather banquettes. Explore them all in this grown up playground, with all roads eventually leading to the dance floor. At Howley's Quay, turn into House Limerick for small plates, cheese boards and classic cocktails along with highly Instagrammable settings. From the twinkling fairy lights in the garden to high velvet stools in the main bar, House is begging to be in the background of a selfie or two. 

Club classics and chart hits make Angel Lane Nightclub a student haven. It’s a place where neon flashes, blacklights glow and the cocktails are slushies. There are three levels of bars and dance floors to let rip, and you can also listen to live bands in their beer garden. For a quieter affair, head to The Red Hen Bar and its homey feel. Perfect for convivial chats, with its noon opening time The Red Hen isn’t just for after dark. Pizzas are served all day, there’s a bar food menu, plus afternoon tea and cocktail masterclasses on tap. 

Want a taste of Limerick’s burgeoning hip-hop scene? Dolans have hosted the likes of local legends Rusangano Family and Rubberbandits over the years. But there’s something for every musical taste here, from free trad Irish sessions in the bar nightly to headliners like Pillow Queens and Villagers in the Warehouse. Check the listings to see what’s on in the various performance areas. 

Photo credit: @houselimerick

Serving the people of Limerick since 1852, is any visit to the city complete without a trip to The Milk Market? On Friday the Food Fashion Fusion Market is held, while Saturdays are for the Farmers Market and Street Food. Sunday is the Patchwork Market where anything goes with a kaleidoscope of food, fashion, collectables, yoga, tai chi class, you name it. Stroll through the stalls and munch on authentic French galettes at Bon-Appétit Crêperie or choose from a range of bakeries and delis to try. Shop pre loved finds at Veto Vintage, browse natural handmade skincare by The Sunvale Soap Company and investigate the many other vendors’ unique wares.

Lucky Lane’s covered warehouse is adorned with large scale work by local painters and muralists. This space with its funky courtyard atmosphere is also a handy hub for information on the local music and arts scene. Stop in for a chinwag with those in the know, and while you’re there look at the clothes, accessories, furniture and books that Lucky Lane sells to fund the enterprise.

Meander around Wickham Way to find handmade crafts, art, clothes, baked goodies, and DJs spinning in The Loft. This community space holds over 30 vendors at their weekend Indoor Market and special added attractions like slow flow candlelit yoga classes. On Friday, the food court is open with feeds from the likes of hotdog and burger experts Republic of Grill, woodfired pizza from Dough Mamma and beers by Crew Brewing Company.

For affordable four star luxury in the heart of Limerick City, check in to The George Boutique Hotel. Here modern designs feature contrasts, like the main bar with its sleek pyramid glass roof and ornate chandeliers. There’s a great eatery and spa onsite, and complimentary access to The Savoy Aqua & Fitness Club. Also centrally located, the Absolute Hotel in the Medieval Quarter overlooks the Abbey River. Rooms have state of the art entertainment options and Nespresso machines, and the fitness suite is open 24 hours a day.

The Old Quarter Townhouse is another central choice. A variety of recently renovated accommodation includes triples, making this a particularly good call for groups. Add breakfast to your stay or have a nightcap at the Old Quarter Pub & Café next door. The Townhouse’s facilities include 24 hour reception for evenings out that end up going on into the small hours.