Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

My name is Hannah and I’m currently an Erasmus student from the University of Malta. Besides studying dance and journalism, I love checking out new coffee shops. 

Because if there is one thing you’ll find in every city and village in Ireland, it’s coffee shops. So here are my four favourite spots in Limerick and nearby, with how to get there and what to expect. Hopefully this helps you discover some new favourites. 

1. Babylon – Limerick City 

Let’s begin with the one which will probably be the closest to you as a UL student: Babylon. 
This one is right in the city. To get there from the UL Campus you can take the 304 bus and after around 30 minutes you can get off at Roches Street.  

If you are a matcha lover then this is the place to be, because their matcha is honestly so good and they always have different flavours depending on the season, from summery blueberry iced matcha to cozy cinnamon foam matcha. If you aren’t a big matcha fan you will also find really great coffee for very fair prices or even iced homemade lemonades. They also offer sandwiches, protein balls, Açai and smoothie bowls. 
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8am- 5pm, Weekend 8am-4pm. 

2. SOS Cookies – Limerick 

Another place you shouldn’t miss out on in Limerick is SOS Cookies, because here you will get the softest and yummiest cookies ever. 

This spot is perfect when you spend your Saturday morning at the Milk Market in Limerick City, just pass by and try one of their cookies. Besides cookies, the coffee is also amazing, and you can get cappuccino, flat white or americano for under 4 euro, which is great if you don’t want to spend too much. 

Make sure to be early on the weekend, since they are only open on Saturday from 8:30am to 2pm and on Sunday from 11am to 2pm. If you are really desperate for a sweet treat during the week while you are studying, you can also get a cookie from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4pm. 

3. Adare – The Good Room 

Adare is literally straight out of a fairytale. 
The Bus 300 (make sure it is the one going to Killarney Mission Road) will bring you from UL Student Centre to Adare in around 40 minutes. And then you will see these beautiful cottages that will immediately remind you of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Adare is a great place to spend an afternoon.  
If you google food spots you will probably find The Good Room because it’s quite popular – but I can tell you, it’s popular for a reason. 
 

From Scones to French Toast to Hummus Toast, this is an amazing place for brunch and late breakfast, so you should definitely arrive hungry if you come here.  

4. Killaloe – Ponte Vecchio 

Killaloe is a very beautiful place at the bottom of the lake Lough Derg. From the UL Student Centre you can easily take the 232 bus to Nenagh direction. If you love cozy living room vibes, then you will love this Italian gem in Killaloe called Ponte Vecchio 
You will find this very cozy space filled with old books and a vintage interior design. The people are so kind and besides getting coffee for very fair prices, they also offer cake and scones. It’s really giving La Dolce Vita ✨ 

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