I’ve Never Walked This Much Before: Navigating Life in Limerick Without a Car
Trip to Galway
Studying abroad, living in Limerick for a year, I’ve had experiences I never imagined before. One of them is simply this: walking. Long walks to class at MIC, to the city centre, to the supermarket with heavy bags for the week, or even wandering through other towns on weekend trips with friends. I had never thought I would walk so much in my life.
Back in Vietnam, walking was rare. In the scorching 40-degree summer heat, even ten minutes under the sun left me drenched in sweat and exhausted. The quickest, most convenient way to reach anywhere was always by motorbike, and I loved that ease.
But in Ireland, I had to learn a new rhythm, moving through the country on foot. And slowly, I began to enjoy it. Step by step, I found myself marvelling at every shade of green this country offers, at the charming old houses with their brightly painted doors, at the crisp, clean air that fills my lungs. Walking gradually became a way of seeing!
The leisurely walk to enjoy the beautiful streets.
If there is one tip I could give about walking in Ireland, it would be this: wear a pair of comfortable sneakers, a light waterproof jacket, and never forget your umbrella. The Irish weather will always surprise you, you never quite know when the rain will arrive. Yet, walking here feels refreshing in a way I’ve never experienced before. I can wander the streets freely, unhurried, and notice the details around me. And there is one small but beautiful thing: when you step onto the road, drivers almost always pause, smile warmly, and gesture for you to cross first. That simple kindness makes every walk lighter, turning the city into a place where you feel safe, welcomed, and at home.
When Walking Feels Too Long
Of course, not every journey can be done on foot. If my legs grow tired or the distance stretches beyond 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles), I would turn to the bus. The very first thing you should do when you arrive in Ireland is register for a Student Leap Card. It’s a little card that makes a big difference, you’ll get almost half off the regular fare, paying only about €0.65 per ride. Getting around even with long distances now becomes indeed simple: just follow Google Maps, hop on the right bus, and you’ll be on your way. For me, Bus 304 has become an old friend; I take it so often that I know its stops by heart.
Travelling Between Cities
When it comes to travelling between cities in Ireland, the train is always my first choice. Just last weekend, I took a day trip to Galway with my friends - the most romantic city I have ever visited. We strolled leisurely to the station at 9 a.m., boarded the train, and watched the Irish countryside unfold like a painting outside the window. By 11, we were in Galway. The ride was smooth, the perfect chance to sink into a book or listen to familiar songs, all while feeling as though a little dream had come true: backpack on my shoulder, off to places I had only ever seen before on Instagram reels.
The day trip to Galway and the breath-taking view of Galway Cathedral.
And you know what? Taking the last train back to Limerick turned out to be the wisest decision of all. From my window seat, I was gifted with one of the most breath-taking sunsets I have ever seen, a sky awash with pink colour and crimson, so mesmerizing that for a moment, I forgot everything else.
The stunning view of the sunset on the train from Galway to Limerick.
Walking, biking, or hopping on buses and trains: moving through Ireland without a car has taught me more than just navigation. It has taught me patience, observation, and the joy of simple moments. Every step, every ride, every view is a chance to fall in love with a city, a country, and a new way of life.
By Linh Dong, Vietnam
