Take a step back in time at Limerick’s most famous landmark – King John’s Castle (known as Caisleán Luimnigh in Gaelic). Strategically placed on King’s Island in the River Shannon, it was initially planned and built in the early 1200s AD under orders from the newly crowned King John of England. Since then it’s survived 800 years of sieges and battles becoming the only castle in not only Ireland but the world to have constantly been in use. After learning some sword swinging from James Corr, Master at Arms, I learned more about how it’s been able to stay standing for so long from Michael Casey, court jester, and castle historian.

If I could give you one tip for visiting Limerick, it’s to go with plenty of space in your suitcase for all sorts of souvenirs. Back in the late 1800s, a huge arts and crafts movement began in Ireland with the aim of creating goods that would be uniquely Irish. This means today there’s a ton of opportunity to seek out handmade creations as seen in the shop MADE in Limerick. This co-op is full of products made by local artisans. I met with both Linda Wilson, a textile artist who comes up with her designs and makes them with a knitting machine, and Claire Jones, a ceramist whose designs are inspired by ancient pottery found in the magical Lough Gur.

Located between Herbertstown and Bruff in County Limerick, Lough Gur is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped lake that surrounds Knockadoon Hill. While the views are picturesque, what really makes this area special is its long archeological history that’s still revealing new mysteries to this day. Starting with megalithic remains dating around 3,000 BC, you can see the way humans have lived and evolved over the last 5,000 years all right here. I join Brian Collopy, operations supervisor with Lough Gur Developments, to learn more about its history as well as the mysterious Grange stone circle.

No, not curling – hurling! The sport itself, which looks like a combination of soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, not only predates all those sports but predates Ireland itself. It’s referenced often in Irish myths and legends. I get on the field with Brian Hennessey, Brian O’Grady, and Seán Finn of the Limerick Senior Hurling Team to learn how exactly this game is played and see if I can make the team.

Located in the incredibly charming Adare Village, Adare Manor was once home to the Earl of Dunraven and is now the type of luxury hotel that’ll make anyone feel like royalty. I would know – I felt like a queen enjoying one of the most decadent afternoon teas I’ve ever had while sitting in the second longest hall in Ireland! Beyond the castle walls, there’s a variety of manor-inspired activities spread out around the property. While you have the classics like fishing and golfing, one of the more unique experiences involves some fiercely regal creatures. With the help of falconer Liam Forde, I got acquainted with some of Adare’s onsite falcons and owls.

The Burren in County Clare is the kind of place you don’t really arrive at but descend into. As soon as you arrive, you can feel the ancientness of the land surrounding you. Located in the middle of this magical land sits The Burren Perfumery. This small-scale, family-owned company quite literally encourages you to stop and smell the flowers. As owner and head perfumer Sadie Chowen explains, all perfumes are inspired by The Burren, and all perfumes are made, bottled, and packaged onsite.

Owned by the Curtin family for over 150 years, The Roadside Tavern takes advantage of its proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way to offer up some seriously delicious organic salmon. Not only do they offer it on the menu, they have a whole smokehouse dedicated to its creation, the Burren Smokehouse. I joined owner Birgitta Curtin to see just how they smoke their salmon and how every little detail is kept organic – even the salt and fish food.

Did you know that the very first passenger transatlantic flights were actually flying boats and that the River Shannon acted like a runway? They made only twelve of them, and at the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, you can see a replica of what one would’ve looked like inside. While there, I met with museum tour guide Helen Enright to learn more about these flying boats and how exactly they would’ve worked.