Why Visit Limerick This Autumn?
Autumn brings a different energy to Limerick.
The trees along the River Shannon begin to turn, the evenings become cosier and the city’s calendar fills with food, music, sport, culture and festivals.
You can spend the morning walking beside the Shannon, explore an 800-year-old castle in the afternoon, settle in for cocktails and dinner in the city centre and wake up the following morning ready to explore Adare, Lough Gur, Curragh Chase or West Limerick.
And because The Savoy Hotel and The George Hotel are both located in Limerick City Centre, many of the city’s attractions, restaurants, shops and nightlife are within easy reach. (Savoy Collection Hotels)
September in Limerick: Food, Culture, Jazz & Rugby
September is a particularly exciting month to plan an autumn break in Limerick.
Linger: Limerick Festival of Food, Heritage and Place
11–13 September 2026
Food lovers have a brand-new reason to visit Limerick this autumn.
Linger: Limerick Festival of Food, Heritage and Place takes place from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, with more than 25 events celebrating local food, producers, heritage and the places that make Limerick unique. (Limerick)
The programme includes food tours, tastings, workshops and dining experiences across the city.
The Savoy Collection Food Trail also features as part of the festival programme, inviting guests to enjoy a culinary journey through three of our city-centre venues. (Limerick)
Begin at Hamptons Bar & Grill, continue to the five-star Savoy Hotel and finish with dessert at Vincenzo Grill House & Bar.
Three courses. Three venues. One celebration of Limerick.
It is a wonderful way to discover not only our restaurants but also the local and regional farmers, producers and artisan suppliers behind our menus.
Culture Night Limerick
18 September 2026
On Friday 18 September, Culture Night brings another evening of creativity and discovery to Limerick, with arts, music, heritage and cultural experiences taking place across the city. (Limerick)
For visitors, it is an ideal opportunity to explore Limerick after dark before finishing the evening over dinner or cocktails in the city centre.
Limerick Jazz Festival
23–27 September 2026
One of the highlights of the autumn calendar, the Limerick Jazz Festival returns from 23 to 27 September 2026.
Now in its 15th year, the festival brings Irish and international jazz musicians to Limerick for five days of performances and events. (Limerick)
Make a weekend of it and stay at The Savoy or The George, enjoy dinner before a performance and soak up the atmosphere as music fills venues across the city.
Munster Rugby Returns to Thomond Park
There are few experiences quite like a Munster Rugby weekend in Limerick.
The 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season brings Munster v Glasgow Warriors to Thomond Park on Saturday 26 September, followed by Munster v Vodacom Bulls on Saturday 3 October and Munster v Sharks on Saturday 31 October. (Munster Rugby)
If you are travelling for a match, make it more than just 80 minutes of rugby.
Stay in Limerick City Centre, enjoy a pre-match meal and drinks, experience the atmosphere around the city and return afterwards for a nightcap.
Twilight Thursdays: Experience Limerick After Dark
Limerick’s Twilight Thursdays continue throughout the autumn, with dates scheduled for:
24 September | 29 October | 26 November
The initiative brings extended opening hours, entertainment, cultural experiences and food and drink activity into Limerick City Centre, creating a great atmosphere for both visitors and locals. (Limerick)
It is another perfect reason to turn a Thursday into a Limerick city break.
Look out for The Savoy Collection Food Trail, bringing guests on a foodie adventure through Hamptons, The Savoy Hotel and Vincenzo’s.
October in Limerick: Sport, Walking & Halloween
October is when Limerick really begins to embrace autumn.
Cook Medical Mini Marathon
4 October 2026
The Cook Medical Mini Marathon returns to the University of Limerick on Sunday 4 October.
Starting at UL Sports Arena, participants can run, jog or walk either the 5km or 10km route, with approximately 4,000 participants expected and a strong focus on raising funds for charities. (Limerick Mini Marathon)
Whether you are taking part or supporting someone who is, stay in the city and turn race weekend into a Limerick getaway.
Ballyhoura Walking Festival
8–11 October 2026
For anyone who loves the outdoors, head into County Limerick for the 30th Ballyhoura Walking Festival, taking place from 8 to 11 October.
The festival combines walking and outdoor adventure with music, heritage, food and community events throughout Ballyhoura Country. (Limerick)
The Ballyhoura region is particularly beautiful in autumn and makes an ideal contrast to a city-centre stay.
Explore during the day and return to Limerick City that evening for dinner, cocktails and a comfortable night at The Savoy or The George.
Halloween in Limerick
23 October–1 November 2026
If you love Halloween, late October is a fantastic time to visit.
Halloween in Limerick runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with family-friendly activities, entertainment and Halloween-themed experiences planned across the city and county. (Limerick)
It is a particularly good option for an October mid-term family break — explore the city during the day before returning to the warmth and comfort of your hotel.
Traditional Music in West Limerick
From 27–31 October, the Brendan & Martin Mulvihill Traditional Music Week takes place in Glin, County Limerick.
The programme celebrates traditional Irish music with concerts, sessions, music and dance classes, heritage walks and performances throughout the village. (Limerick)
Combine a day exploring Glin and the Shannon Estuary with an evening back in Limerick City.
Music Throughout the Autumn
Limerick’s autumn entertainment calendar extends beyond the major festivals.
The Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series runs from 25 August until 24 November 2026, bringing a programme of classical and contemporary performances to All Saints Church in Castleconnell. (Limerick)
University Concert Hall also has an active programme throughout the season, giving visitors even more reasons to combine a performance with dinner and an overnight stay in Limerick. (UNIVERSITY CONCERT HALL, LIMERICK)
Experience Autumn Afternoon Tea at The Savoy Hotel
There is something particularly special about Afternoon Tea when autumn arrives.
This season, take time out and enjoy our Autumn Afternoon Tea at The Savoy Hotel.
Settle into the elegant, book-lined surroundings of The Library and enjoy a seasonal selection of savoury bites, freshly baked treats and indulgent sweets accompanied by a selection of teas.
Afternoon Tea has long been one of The Savoy’s most cherished traditions, and The Library provides a wonderfully cosy setting for catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an autumn afternoon in Limerick City. (Savoy Collection Hotels)
Add a glass of bubbles and make an occasion of it.
For visitors staying overnight, it is also the perfect pause between a morning exploring the city and an evening of dining and entertainment.
Where to Eat and Drink During Your Limerick Autumn Break
A great city break should always include great food.
At Hamptons Bar & Grill, enjoy a New York-inspired city-centre dining experience and dishes prepared around its signature grill.
At The Savoy Hotel, settle in for drinks, dining or Afternoon Tea in elegant five-star surroundings.
And at Vincenzo Grill House & Bar at The George Hotel, enjoy great food, cocktails and a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The emphasis across The Savoy Collection is also firmly on celebrating quality Irish ingredients and supporting local and regional producers.
Explore Limerick City on Foot
One of the best things about an autumn break in Limerick is how easy the city is to explore.
Wrap up, step outside your hotel and discover:
- The Three Bridges Walk along the River Shannon
- King John’s Castle
- The Medieval Quarter
- St Mary’s Cathedral
- The Hunt Museum
- The Georgian Quarter and Pery Square
- The People’s Park
- Limerick’s independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars
The Three Bridges Walk follows the Shannon through the historic heart of Limerick and is a particularly enjoyable way to experience the city in the crisp autumn air. (Limerick)
Discover County Limerick in Autumn
Staying in Limerick City also gives you an excellent base for exploring the wider county.
Adare
Spend an afternoon wandering through Adare, with its thatched cottages, boutiques, cafés and historic streets.
With the village preparing to welcome the world for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, there has never been a better time to discover this famous County Limerick destination.
Lough Gur
Step back thousands of years at Lough Gur, one of Ireland’s most important archaeological landscapes.
The lake, surrounding countryside and nearby Grange Stone Circle make this a particularly atmospheric place to explore during autumn.
Curragh Chase Forest Park
Few places showcase autumn colour quite like a forest.
Head west from Limerick City and explore the woodland walks and lakeside scenery of Curragh Chase Forest Park.
Limerick Greenway
Walk or cycle part of the Limerick Greenway, which travels through the countryside of West Limerick and connects Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale.
Foynes & the Shannon Estuary
Follow the Shannon Estuary towards Foynes, discover the fascinating story of transatlantic flying boats and learn about the birthplace of Irish Coffee before continuing towards Glin and West Limerick.
November: One More Reason to Visit
Autumn may be drawing to a close, but Limerick is not slowing down.
Twilight Thursday returns on 26 November, while the Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series continues until 24 November. (Limerick)
And from 23 November, Christmas in Limerick begins, meaning an autumn break towards the end of November comes with an added touch of festive magic. (Limerick)
Where Should I Stay for an Autumn Break in Limerick?
For a hotel in the heart of Limerick City, choose between two distinctive Savoy Collection experiences.
The Savoy Hotel Limerick
For a luxurious five-star hotel in Limerick City Centre, The Savoy Hotel offers an elegant base for an autumn escape.
Spend the day exploring before returning for Afternoon Tea, dinner, cocktails or simply the comfort of your room.
The George Hotel Limerick
For a contemporary four-star city-centre hotel in Limerick, The George puts you in the middle of the action.
Enjoy a stylish room, dinner and cocktails at Vincenzo’s and easy access to Limerick’s shopping, nightlife, cultural attractions and events. (Savoy Collection Hotels)
Make Limerick Your Autumn Escape
This autumn, come for the festivals, food, rugby and music — and stay for everything else Limerick has to offer.
Walk beside the River Shannon beneath the changing leaves. Discover centuries of history. Explore the countryside. Enjoy an Autumn Afternoon Tea. Spend an evening over cocktails and great food. Experience the roar of Thomond Park or the sounds of the Limerick Jazz Festival.
Then return to your home in the heart of the city.
Stay at The Savoy. Stay at The George. Discover Limerick this autumn.
Event dates and programmes may be subject to change. Guests are advised to check individual event organisers before travelling.