The hike was a good way to get to know people and see beautiful landscapes. As internationals, we were warned that most Irish students get to go home for the weekends. This is a thing that we cannot do as taking a flight every Friday is not responsible for the environment or our wallet. So, here are things you can do on a Sunday around Limerick.
When I arrived in Ireland, one of the first things I discussed with my best friend from France is what I was going to do on Sundays. In France, Sunday means shops closed, theatres closed, in general: everything closed. I found out that it was not really the same here in Ireland.
Here are things I’ve done on Sundays that you can try:
Hikes
Last Sunday, a few international friends and I decided to spend the day outdoors and go hiking together. At first, it might not sound like the most exciting plan but hiking is actually one of the best ways to connect with people. When you’re walking for several hours through nature, often with little to no phone signal, you naturally start talking more. There’s no distraction, no scrolling, no rushing. Just long paths, fresh air, and real conversations. We chose the Ballycuggaran Loop, located in County Clare. It’s a seven kilometer loop that offers breathtaking views over Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s largest lakes. The trail is surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains, and as you climb higher, the landscape opens up into panoramic views that make you forget about the effort of the walk. The mix of forest paths, open fields, and lakeside scenery keeps the hike interesting from start to finish. The walk itself is manageable for most fitness levels. It’s not extremely steep, but there are a few uphill sections that will definitely make you feel like you’ve earned your coffee at the end. We took our time, stopped a few times to enjoy the view and take pictures. If you’re planning to do this hike, I’d strongly recommend bringing a raincoat — Irish weather is famously unpredictable, and you can experience sunshine, wind, and rain all within the same hour. Good footwear is also important. Hiking shoes are ideal, but at the very least, wear shoes with a solid grip. Some parts of the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Getting there is surprisingly easy and affordable. You can take the 345 bus from Arthur's Quay to Foley's Cross. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs around €3, which makes it a perfect low-budget day trip. We caught the bus at 11:07 in the morning and returned at 4:42 in the afternoon. At the end of the trail, there’s a small coffee shop — the perfect place to warm up and reward yourself with a hot drink after the hike. It’s also a nice moment to relax, reflect on the day, and laugh about the toughest parts of the walk. I’d also recommend bringing a deck of cards. We ended up playing different games from our home countries and even started a tournament, which I’m currently losing!
Each international student introduced a different card game to the others. Shopping
As I mentioned before, not many shops are open on Sundays in France, which is very different from here. If you’re feeling bored (and not too worried about your budget) you can head to the Crescent Shopping Centre, which is open in the afternoon and easily accessible by bus. It’s a great place to walk around, browse different stores, or simply enjoy being somewhere lively. Even if you don’t want to shop for clothes, Sunday can also be a good opportunity to go grocery shopping. During the week, our schedules can be quite busy with classes, work, or assignments. Doing your groceries on Sunday helps you feel organised and prepared for the week ahead. It can also save you time and stress later on.
Cooking
Our weeks can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why I think Sunday is the perfect day to cook. Instead of rushing through quick meals during the week, you can take your time, try new recipes, and even cook in bigger portions to prepare meals in advance. You could ask friends to share recipes from their home countries and turn it into a cultural exchange. Cooking together is also a great bonding activity — you learn about different traditions while sharing stories and laughter in the kitchen. Planning your meals for the week on Sunday can make everything feel more structured and balanced.
Watching Movies with Friends
Another simple but enjoyable Sunday activity is watching movies with friends. After a long week, sometimes all you need is a cozy evening, a blanket, some snacks, and a good film. You can choose a classic movie, discover something new, or even organise a themed movie night where everyone picks a film from their country. It’s an easy and affordable way to spend time together, especially when the weather isn’t ideal. And in Ireland, having a cozy indoor plan is always a good idea. In the end, Sundays don’t have to be boring. Whether you decide to explore nature, go shopping, cook, or simply relax with friends, it’s all about taking time for yourself and the people around you. Sometimes the simplest plans create the best memories.
By Blanche Rocher, France
