Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Let’s be real: being a broke college student is not just a phase—it’s practically a rite of passage. Especially if you’re studying abroad, like I am. Between tuition, rent, and trying to not starve, the whole “treat yourself” thing becomes more like “treat yourself… to a walk because that’s free.” 

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: you can have a seriously good time without spending money. Actual fun, not just sitting in your room scrolling TikTok until your eyeballs hurt (although, no shame. Been there). Limerick is full of little gems and hidden adventures that don’t cost a cent. You just have to know where to look. 

So, here’s your go-to guide for free (and fun) things to do in Limerick. Let’s live our best budget-friendly lives. 

1. Just Start Walking 

Some of my favorite days here started with zero plans. Just toss on your sneakers, grab a friend (or your headphones), and wander. Seriously. It’s underrated. 

Shannon River Trail: If you’re at UL, you’re already right by one of the prettiest trails in the city. It winds along the River Shannon, and it’s perfect for a walk, a relaxed bike ride, or even sitting by the water with a snack. You’ll see everything from old ruins to locals walking their dogs. If the sun is out (rare but beautiful), it’s a total vibe. 

Street Art Scavenger Hunt: Limerick has some wild murals and graffiti all over the city. Honestly, walking around trying to find the coolest one makes for a fun afternoon.  

People’s Park: Want to feel like the main character in a chill indie film? Sit on a bench here, put in your earbuds, and people-watch. There’s always something going on: kids running around, couples picnicking, old folks feeding pigeons. Free entertainment. 

2. Culture Without the Price Tag 

Wanna feel smart and artsy without spending your grocery money? Limerick has you covered. Museums and galleries around here are super accessible, and a lot of them are completely free. 

Hunt Museum (Basement’s Free): The main exhibits cost money, but the basement? Free and still cool. You’ll find random artifacts and a chill vibe. It’s small, so you’re not overwhelmed, but you still walk out feeling cultured. 

Limerick City Gallery of Art: Even if you don’t know anything about art, it’s fun to pretend for a while. Stare at a painting like it holds the meaning of life. Say things like, “Wow, the movement in this piece really speaks to me.” Bonus: it’s right by People’s Park, so you can double up on the free fun. 

Limerick Museum: Small but interesting. Old swords, vintage tech, some historical stuff about the city. Worth popping into if you’re downtown and have some time to kill. 

3. The Broke Student Picnic Plan 

Here’s a secret: food tastes better when you eat it on the grass. You don’t need a fancy charcuterie board. Just grab what’s left in your fridge, maybe a €1 roll from Aldi, and head to a nice green space. 

Where to feast on scraps: 

• UL’s campus green spots: Plenty of space to sit and chill. The vibe is usually relaxed, and you might run into other students doing the same thing. 

• By the Shannon: Pick a spot near the river, put down a blanket, and enjoy. It’s peaceful, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Pinterest board. 

• People’s Park (again): Yes, again. It’s a winner. Go there. 

• Arthur’s Quay Park: With a view of King John’s Castle across the Shannon in the heart of Limerick City with plenty of steps and benches to enjoy a snack! 
   

Don’t forget to bring a speaker or a deck of cards. Instant upgrade. 

4. Free Music = Free Happiness 

One thing I didn’t expect when I moved here? How good the music scene is. And better yet—how accessible it is. You don’t need a concert ticket to hear great live music. 

Dolan’s Pub: Iconic. They have paid gigs, yeah, but sometimes there’s music in the bar area for free. And the atmosphere? 10/10. 

The Locke Bar: This one’s cozy and always buzzing. They often have traditional Irish music nights, and it’s such a vibe. Grab a glass of water if you’re being extra frugal, or go wild and treat yourself to a cheap cider. 

Random pubs: No joke—some of the best music I’ve heard came from walking into a random pub because I heard a fiddle. Just follow the sound and see where you end up. 

5. Move Around Without Paying Up 

Let’s talk transportation. The bus is fine, but it adds up. Good news? UL students have options. 

UL’s Bike Rental = Free Freedom: If you’re a student here, you can rent a bike for free. It’s literally the best way to explore the city and surrounding areas. Plus, you feel like a little European local zipping around. 

Walking: Not groundbreaking advice, but still: Limerick is super walkable. Once you figure out where everything is, walking becomes the default. And it’s good for clearing your head between lectures, too. 

6. Window Shopping at the Milk Market 

The Milk Market is like a little food festival every weekend. It’s full of amazing smells, cool vendors, and yes, overpriced artisan stuff. But just walking around and pretending you’re going to drop €15 on organic pesto? That’s the fun part. 

There’s music, free samples (if you’re lucky), and a great atmosphere. You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy it. It’s also perfect for people-watching or snapping cute pics for the ‘gram. 

Bonus Broke-Friendly Tips: 

• Check out free campus events. There’s usually something going on, especially in the Globe—film nights, society meetups, free talks with tea and biscuits. Keep an eye on your student emails, UL Global and Globe social media pages, and UL Wolves/UL Student Life. 

• Join a society. Some student societies do trips, movie nights, or game nights that are either super cheap or free. Most clubs are only €5 to join but their events are free then! 

• Make your own walking tours. Look up fun facts about Limerick and go find them. 

• Library chill sessions. UL’s library is genuinely nice. There are comfy spots, quiet corners, and solid Wi-Fi. Not just for studying. 

• Fun For Free section on Limerick.ie has a lot of upcoming free events – keep an eye on it regularly for events that appeal to you! 

Final Thoughts: Broke But Living 

Look, being broke in college kind of sucks sometimes, but it’s also weirdly freeing. You get creative, you find joy in the simple stuff, and you start to realize that money doesn’t equal fun. The best memories I’ve made in Limerick haven’t involved fancy dinners or expensive activities. They’ve been about wandering the city, laughing with friends, and saying yes to random adventures. 

So don’t let your bank account tell you you’re not allowed to have fun. Limerick has plenty to offer—no cash required. Now go out, get exploring, and enjoy the broke student life while it lasts. You’ll be nostalgic for it one day. (Probably.)