3 Best Hotels in Limerick City, The Southwest

This thin sliver of Bedford Row is in a quiet area in Limerick, while being in the very heart of the city. Formerly a clothing factory, it has been lovingly, albeit slightly quirkily, refurbished into an intimate city retreat in the middle of a pedestrianized street, close to high-street shopping and restaurants. Rooms are modern chic with good tech facilities and there's a small gym and café on-site.  

One of Limerick's finest Georgian houses—a tall redbrick structure with classical cut-stone portico, overlooking leafy People's Park—has been converted into a sumptuous boutique hotel with a reputation for attentive service. The four largest bedrooms are furnished in keeping with the period, and the rest, while still spacious, have a more contemporary feel, with restful color schemes in neutral grays and cream. Tall Georgian windows illuminate the ground floor Long Room bar, with its welcoming atmosphere and all day menu of light dishes. Afternoon tea (book in advance) can be taken in the airy first-floor, period-style drawing room, or head up to the second floor to eat in the informal Sash restaurant. The spa in the vaulted basement is a popular urban retreat with candlelit treatment rooms.

The Strand, a seven-story cube of glass, has become a city landmark since its construction during the Celtic Tiger economic boom. With one of the best locations and the best leisure facilities in town---which includes a 20-meter pool---it's a safe bet for families and weekend visitors. Located on the west bank of the Shannon (the panoramic views of the city from its glass elevator across the river are legendary), the major attractions are at the other side of Sarsfield Bridge. Rooms are modern, with all the facilities you'd expect from a quality city center property, and there are good in-house dining options.