You ever walk into a place and just feel your shoulders drop about three inches? That’s the vibe at No. 1 Pery Square Hotel. It’s sitting right there on the corner of the most handsome Georgian terrace in Limerick, looking out over the leafy canopy of People's Park. Honestly, it feels less like a hotel and more like you’ve been handed the keys to the townhouse of a very wealthy, very tasteful aunt.
The building itself dates back to 1830. Back then, it was built by the Pery Square Tontine Company, and it’s widely considered the finest example of late Georgian architecture in Ireland. But don't let the "historic" label fool you into thinking it's stuffy. When Patricia Roberts bought the place in 2006, she didn't just polish the silver; she basically breathed new life into the limestone.
What makes No. 1 Pery Square Hotel actually different?
Most city hotels are just glass boxes with generic art. This place has 20 bedrooms, and every single one is different. You’ve got the Heritage rooms that feel like a period drama set—think freestanding copper baths and original fireplaces—and then you’ve got the Club rooms which are a bit more "city-slicker" but still cozy.
The real magic, though, is in the basement. They’ve turned the old vaulted cellars into a spa. It’s got exposed brickwork and a "coal bunker" sauna. It sounds sort of gritty, but it’s actually incredibly luxe. They use VOYA products, which are all organic and made from Irish seaweed. If you haven't sat in a basement vault in Limerick while smelling like the Atlantic Ocean, you haven't lived.
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The food isn't just "hotel food"
The main restaurant here is Sash. It’s named after the sash windows, obviously. The menu is very focused on what’s growing in the surrounding counties. We're talking about farm-to-fork before that was a marketing buzzword.
- You might get Lough Derg trout.
- Or maybe some local Skeaghanore duck.
- The breakfast is legendary. Seriously.
They do this traditional cream tea in the Drawing Room too. It’s got those massive marble fireplaces and a turf fire that smells exactly like an Irish winter should. It’s the kind of spot where you can lose four hours just reading a book and drinking Earl Grey.
Getting around the Georgian Quarter
One of the best things about the No. 1 Pery Square Hotel location is that you're right in the heart of the historic district but away from the noisy stag parties on O'Connell Street. You're a five-minute walk from the city center, but it feels a world away.
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Right next door at No. 2 is the People’s Museum of Limerick. It’s run by the Civic Trust and gives you the real-deal history of the city without the shiny tourist gloss. If you’re into literature, the Frank McCourt Museum (of Angela’s Ashes fame) is literally around the corner. It’s a bit of a somber visit, but essential if you want to understand the "old" Limerick.
A few things to keep in mind
It's a boutique hotel, which means things are intimate. If you’re looking for a 50-foot swimming pool or a massive gym, you’re in the wrong place. They do have access to a pool at a partner property nearby, but if you want to stay on-site, it’s all about the thermal suite and the relaxation rooms.
Parking can be a bit of a thing. There’s street parking, but it fills up. Most people end up using the Q-Park on Henry Street. It’s only a short walk, but it’s something to plan for if you’re arriving with a boot full of luggage. Also, because it's a Grade 1 listed building, they can't just stick an air conditioning unit anywhere they want. Most rooms have it now, but the older period rooms rely on those thick stone walls and big windows to keep things cool.
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Is it worth the price?
Look, it’s not the cheapest bed in town. You’re paying for the MICHELIN Key status and the fact that the staff actually knows your name by the second time you walk past the desk. It’s a "Blue Book" property, which in Ireland is basically a seal of approval for places that have actual soul.
If you’re coming to Limerick for a quick business meeting and just need a desk and a duvet, maybe go to one of the big chains by the river. But if you’re here to actually see Limerick—to walk the Milk Market on a Saturday morning and then retreat to a room with high ceilings and a view of the park—this is it.
Actionable steps for your visit
- Book a Period Room: If you can swing the extra cost, the views of People's Park from the Heritage rooms are worth it for the morning light alone.
- The Thermal Suite: Don't just book a massage; give yourself an hour before the treatment to hit the herbal cocoon and the mist showers.
- The Milk Market: It’s an 11-minute walk. Go on Saturday morning. Get a sausage roll from one of the vendors and bring it back to the park.
- Late Check-in: Check-in is at 4 PM. If you get there early, drop your bags and head to the Limerick City Gallery of Art—it’s right across the street and it’s free.
- Dining Reservations: Sash fills up, especially on weekends. Don't assume you can just wander down for dinner; call ahead.