Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Lakeshore Park

About the museum

Lough Gur is a horseshoe-shaped lake between Herbertstown and Bruff in County Limerick and one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Ireland. People have lived around the lake since about 3000 BC, and about 2,000 archaeological monuments lie within a few kilometres. They include the Grange stone circle, described as the largest in Ireland, wedge tombs, house foundations from the Stone Age on the Knockadoon peninsula, crannogs, ring forts and medieval tower houses.

The visitor centre stands on the hillside above the lake and is run by Discover Limerick DAC with the support of the Lough Gur Development Group. Its interactive exhibition follows the story of the area from the Stone Age to the nineteenth century, with reproductions of Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age objects, audio-visual presentations, listening posts and a dress-up area.

Outside, visitors can walk around the lakeshore park, see the Grange stone circle and join guided tours of the monuments. The centre also offers programmes for school groups and seasonal events such as Heritage Week and solstice evenings.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibition on the history of the lake from the Stone Age to the nineteenth century
• Grange stone circle, described as the largest in Ireland
• Guided tours of the archaeological monuments, tailored from 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Lakeshore park with trails, playground and picnic area
• Education programmes for school groups

Permanent exhibition

• Lough Gur exhibition – An interactive exhibition on the settlement of the Lough Gur area from the Stone Age onwards, with reproduction artefacts, audio-visual presentations and a dress-up area.

Operated by

Discover Limerick DAC

Admission & discounts

The ticket covers the self-guided visitor centre exhibition and the lakefront walk. Guided tours cost extra and prices depend on the length and content. Prices as listed by Heritage Ireland and Travel Extra; they are not shown on the centre’s website.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor centre has accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces, and visitors with mobility or access needs are asked to contact the centre in advance. A 2025 guide reports a ramp and a lift in the centre, while the outdoor trails include steep steps and uneven ground.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The exhibition has a dress-up area, and there is a playground, picnic benches and changing facilities. The centre also runs summer camps and family events.

Getting there & parking

Lough Gur lies between Herbertstown and Bruff in County Limerick.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Woodland Coffee Kiosk beside the visitor centre serves coffee, tea, ice cream and snacks; a small gift shop is in the centre. Public toilets and a playground are on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit