Your one-stop guide to visiting one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites.
Lough Gur in County Limerick is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. Many fascinating discoveries throughout the years suggest that humans have been living around it since 3000 BC.
Today, you’ll find an engaging visitors’ centre complete with a guided tour, and you can even take a dip in the waters.
To find out more about Lough Gur, see our helpful guide below.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Lough Gur:
- There is no public transport from the city of Limerick to Lough Gur. However, there is an onsite car park at the visitors’ centre. The drive from Limerick takes about 30 minutes.
- The number 329 bus will take you from the nearby town of Bruff to the lough. You can take the 328 from Herbertstown.
- Take advantage of the lough’s proximity to Limerick by checking out some of the excellent pubs the city has to offer.
- Your admission fee covers a self-guided look around the visitors’ centre and a guided tour of the lakefront.
- There is a picnic area, so feel free to bring some lunch with you. Onsite toilets are also available.
Fun facts about Lough Gur:
- Lough Gur forms a horseshoe shape and lies at the foot of Knockadoon Hill.
- It is one of Ireland’s most significant archaeological sites: it has no fewer than 2,000 archaeological monuments within a 5 km (3.1 mi) radius.
- There is evidence that humans have lived here since 3000 BC.
- Lough Gur is home to Ireland’s oldest and largest stone circle.
- The remnants of at least three crannogs (artificial islands) are present, as well as the outlines of Stone Age houses.
- The lake is often used for water sports, although motorboats are prohibited.
What’s nearby
Food: Lakeshore Park Kiosk (onsite café), Sal’s Pizza (Italian), Cafe Cotto (breakfast and lunch), Glynn’s (fish and chips), Hanna (Chinese)
Drink: Reardon’s Bar & Restaurant, The Swans Bar, Derry’s Bar, Clancy’s Bar & Restaurant, Dave Clarke’s
Accommodation: Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel (4-star), The Old Bank B&B Bruff (4-star), Deebert House Hotel (3-star), Ash Hill B&B
Other attractions: Desmond Castle, Askeaton Castle, Doneraile Estate, Treaty Stone, Thomas Fitzgerald Centre, Limerick City Gallery of Art
Your questions answered about Lough Gur
Is Lough Gur free?
No, there is an admission fee to enter Lough Gur. Prices can be found below.
Can you walk around Lough Gur?
Yes, the out-and-back trail along Lough Gur is about 2.6 km (1.6 mi) long. The trail is considered moderately difficult and is great for hiking, running, and walking.
What is the deepest lough in Ireland?
With a depth of close to 75 m (246 ft) at points, Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, is the deepest lough in Ireland.
Contact and more info
Address: Lough Gur Lakeshore Park & Visitor Centre, Lakefront, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, V35 ED96
Phone: +35361385186
Email: [email protected]
Opening times: 10 am–6 pm daily during summer.
Price: Adult €5, Senior €4, Student €4, Child (7-16) €3, Family (of 5) €15.
