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Brand New Social Circle European City Break in the Medieval City of Limerick: 31st March - 2nd April
There is always something to do in Limerick which is virtually bursting with fascinating historic sights, wonderful old pubs, fashionable bars, glossy shops and smart restaurants that won this city Trip Advisor's Travellers Choice Award in 2012!
Whether you are a fan of theatre, opera, ballet, modern dance or something more active like rugby, Gaelic football or hurling Limerick city offers these in abundance.
Conquered by the Vikings in the ninth century, this bustling modern city has a rich medieval past, which resounds around its ancient streets. Yet, with almost 50 per cent of the population under the age of 30, Limerick is a vibrant, living, cosmopolitan city.
Come and experience the craic in one of Ireland’s friendliest cities.
Fantastic Luxury Accommodation: Absolute Hotel Limerick
Overlooking the Abbey River in Limerick’s Medieval Quarter, this luxurious 4* Spa Hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms with modern décor. All rooms at the Absolute Hotel Limerick boast 32 inch plasma TV’s with satellite channels. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Each room is equipped with a relaxing Rain Shower. Treat yourself at the luxurious Vanilla Browns Spa which offers a range of relaxing body and beauty treatments to guests.
http://www.absolutehotel.com/en/
Itinerary
Friday
After an early morning flight and short bus journey from Shannon airport we will arrive in Limerick and check- in to the hotel.
After getting to know each other over a few drinks and brunch, we will then head straight out and jump on the red sightseeing bus to explore the medieval glories of Limerick, including:
King John’s Castle:
King John’s Castle is situated on 'King’s Island' in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The stunning exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. In the busy courtyard, you will discover a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmiths forge and scenes from a seventeenth century siege.
St Mary’s Cathedral -
The Cathedral has seen many changes as the city expanded around it and it remains today the oldest and most historic building in Limerick.
Hunt Museum
The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century, including works by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats.
No Social Circle weekend would be complete without a legendary pub crawl and our first evening in Limerick will be truly magical.
Experience the warmth and comfort of our own private horse-drawn carriage as it ambles along some of Limericks oldest streets taking us to some of the best venues in Limerick.. See the many wonderful historical sites beautifully lit up after dark as their lights dance and sparkle off the majestic River Shannon.
The carriage features warm wool rugs to snuggle into and an elegant table equipped with glass holders so we can enjoy a tipple on the way before finally landing at the Locke Gastro Pub for great food, traditional irish music and plenty of dancing!
Options over the Weekend! 
Walk along the Breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
We will explore two of Ireland’s most dramatic natural wonders on this full-day tour from Limerick. Walk along the awe-inspiring sea cliffs of the Cliffs of Moher, which tower 702-feet (214-meters) over the Atlantic coast, then explore the otherworldly karst landscape of The Burren. That’s not all: we’ll also visit the fishing village of Kinvara, Bunratty Castle and Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music. Film-lovers will be able to capture photos from the sets of ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’.
Explore the Neolithic mysteries of Lough Gur.
The adventurous amongst us will enjoy a brisk morning walk around the rugged countryside surrounding Lough Gur to the south of Limerick. Humans have lived near Lough Gur since about 3000 BC making it one of Irelands and there are numerous megalithic remains , such as Grange stone circle, dolmen, Crannogs and remains of Stone Age houses have been unearthed . A number of ring forts are found in the area, with one hill fort overlooking the lake. Great for photos but make sure you pack your waterproofs and walking boots!
Milk Market
Limerick Market has become a haven for all foodies!. From passionate amateur cooks to people on the look-out for variety and value or to those who just love finer foods, this market has it all. But it’s not just the variety and quality of food and horticultural produce on offer that makes the Market so special – it is also about the people and the place. Most of the stallholders are themselves producers who grow, rear or bake the food they sell. Others are importers with an intimate knowledge of the product they source from far and wide. It is a place to explore, to ask questions, to discover new flavours and savour the unique atmosphere at hand.
Take the Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour
Literature Lovers will want to wander around the Frank McCourt museum which features a vivid reconstruction of life in the lanes of Limerick and at school at Leamy School, with memorabilia from the life and time of Frank McCourt, as depicted in Angela’s Ashes, the first of his autobiographic memoirs and one that was rewarded with the Pulitzer Prize. The Walking Tour takes you around the streets mentioned in the book as you learn about Limerick’s history.
Explore Adare: Ireland’s Prettiest Village.
With its picture postcard main street of thatched cottages and medieval buildings, it is easy to see why the beauty and tranquility of Adare has attracted the title of ‘Irelands Prettiest Village’. Stroll among the gems of the village such as Desmond Castle, The Franciscan Priory, the Trinitarian Priory and Augustinian Priory.
Enjoy a leisurely Sunday Lunch at the 1826 restaurant, which was awarded a Michellin Bib for its great food.
An Evening at the Dogs
No trip to Limerick would be complete without sampling its eclectic mix of sporting events.
You will get experience the excitement of greyhound racing at Limerick Stadium. Watch the speed and power of the dogs disappearing in a blur round the track as we enjoy our evening meal from the restaurant overlooking the track. You can even put a euro or two on your favourite dog via the tableside tote - who knows, you may attract the luck of the Irish!
Whisky Tasting at Michael Flannery’s Pub.
Michael Flannery’s Pub is a traditional Irish bar which boasts one of the largest Irish whiskey collections in Ireland with over 100 in stock. Craft Beers and favourites like Guinness are also available for those who want an opportunity to enjoy a tipple in a quiet, warm and welcoming environment.
Michael Flannery’s offers a truly authentic experience, from its 100 year old bar counter to its warm leather snug, dark woods, a sun terrace upstairs and an enviable heated smoking area.
Tubing on the River Shannon
Lie back and chill out in a giant inflatable ring as you float down the river without a care in the world. Then let the water do all the hard work as you descend the Falls of Doonass amongst the many whitewater features on the Shannon. You will flow through the beautiful countryside, passing ancient ruins and wading herons on your easy but adrenaline inducing journey.
No experience is necessary. You don't even need to be able to swim! All equipment provided. Sense of Humour essential.
So what are you waiting for?
Price includes accommodation in your ideal city centre 4* Hotel. Price Inclusive of guide and a truly great time with other European dwellers, any tour costs are payable when there.
What's left to do? Simply book your flight and come join us.....
Recommended flights Ryanair 4776: Depart Manchester 8:45am March 31st arriving in Shannon at 9:55 and Ryanair 4777: Depart Shannon April 2nd 22:20 arriving in Manchester at 23:30. https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT OF £150, SIMPLY EMAIL INFO@SOCIAL-CIRCLE.CO.UK
When you go on holiday you want a stress free no hassle way of travelling. But are you bored of travelling solo? Are you tired of arguing with friends over where to have dinner when you would rather be exploring? With Social Circle you will have your very own guide who will make your trip one to remember. Add to this the great company, friendships that are formed, lively conversations, nights out and general relaxed atmosphere , this is your Social Circle Guarantee. Just an incredible trip organised for you with like-minded people.
