Whether you're planning a visit, staying with us, or simply looking for inspiration close to home, we've gathered some of our favourite local highlights, upcoming events and a few personal updates from life at The Old Bank.   Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We hope this month's newsletter inspires you to explore, make new memories, and enjoy everything that makes Limerick and Ballyhoura such a special place to visit. Miriam, Family & Team The Old Bank, Bruff

Walk Ballyhoura Country with the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club, a long-established local hillwalking club based in Kilfinane, right in the heart of Ballyhoura Country.   With a love of the outdoors and a wealth of local knowledge, the Bears organise regular guided walks throughout the Ballyhoura, Galtee and surrounding countryside. Whether you are an experienced hillwalker or simply enjoy getting outdoors and exploring somewhere new, there are walks to suit different abilities and fitness levels.   Thursday evening walks are particularly ideal for visitors, with walks generally lasting around two hours at an easy, leisurely pace.   Sunday walks offer a choice of different grades, including more moderate walks and more challenging hillwalking for those looking for a bigger adventure.   One of the lovely things about walking with the Ballyhoura Bears is that you are not simply following a trail. Their members have an excellent knowledge of the local landscape, trails and countryside, making it a wonderful way to see a side of Ballyhoura that you might otherwise miss.   Check out their website for more details https://ballyhourabears.com/

A new season, a little family chaos & plenty to explore September has arrived in Bruff, bringing cooler evenings, the first hints of autumn colour and, for us, a definite change of pace.   The children are heading off on their next adventures, school and college routines are starting again, and just when we thought the house might become a little quieter, Pat decided we needed one more bit of chaos and brought home Milo, our very cute (and very mischievous) sheepdog puppy!   So between Mum’s Taxi, crutches, college, school, puppy training, missing shoes and the occasional open gate, there is never a dull moment at The Old Bank! But September is also a lovely time to welcome our guests. With fewer crowds, beautiful countryside, local events, good food and plenty happening around Bruff, Ballyhoura, Lough Gur and Limerick, there is lots to discover.

Looking for live music in Limerick? Every night at The Locke Bar, they host Limerick’s biggest traditional Irish Music session. With musicians playing classic Irish & contemporary tunes, accompanied by live Irish dancers - this true taste of Ireland is not to be missed! Nightly sessions kick off each evening from 9pm until late. Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis each evening.   The Locke Bar & Restaurant The Locke Bar, 3 Georges Quay, Limerick Telephone +353 61 413733 Email enquiries@lockebar.com More Info www.lockebar.com

Ballyhoura Walking Festival 2026 Friday 9th - Sunday 11th October   The 30th Ballyhoura Walking Festival takes place from 9th-11th October in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. As part of the year’s Ballyhoura Walking Festival, a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities will be on offer – from sunrise hikes to family-friendly strolls!   Running alongside it is the much-loved Joyce Brothers Music Festival, celebrating the legacy of PW and Robert Dyer Joyce, natives of Glenosheen, Co. Limerick, this vibrant festival brings music, song, dance, and history to the weekend.   The event programme will be revealed later in the year on the Visit Ballyhoura Website , so keep an eye out for more updates.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Autumn School in Bruff is traditionally held as a major multi-day heritage event during the October Bank Holiday weekend. In Bruff, events are anchored around the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre, while for a broader national festival of politics and history.     Rooms are held for the speakers and any availble rooms will be released on October 11th

Heading to Limerick for a concert in 2027?   Why not make a night of it! Limerick has an exciting year of live music ahead, from intimate gigs at Dolans to some very big names taking to the stage at Thomond Park. And with Take That, Amble, Robbie Williams and Kingfishr all performing in Thomond Park in July, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic summer for music lovers.   Make The Old Bank Family Townhouse in Bruff your base for your concert night. Stay somewhere a little quieter, enjoy a good night's sleep after the music, and wake up to a delicious breakfast before heading home.   Coming for the concert? Stay with us and make a night of it! Concert dates can be busy in Limerick, so we recommend booking your room early to avoid disappointment.   Check back for more concert  date releases

The dates for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor have been confirmed, with the biennial matchplay event taking place from 13-19 September. The Limerick course was awarded the event back in 2019, when the tournament was originally envisioned to take place in 2026 until the Covid pandemic pushed back the schedule by a year.   It will mark the second time that Ireland has hosted the event, the K Club having been the scene of Europe's most dominant win on home soil back in 2006, when Ian Woosnam's team won 18.5 to 9.5.   The JP McManus-owned resort at Adare Manor has hosted the Irish Open on two occasions in 2007 and 2008, with Pádraig Harrington becoming the first home winner in a quarter of a century in '07.