Horse and Hound Limerick: Reviews, Menu, Hours Guide

Tucked into a narrow street just off Limerick’s main shopping district, The Horse and Hound Bar has built a loyal following among locals who need a dependable spot for a quick lunch or an evening unwind. What started as a straightforward Irish pub has grown into something of a neighbourhood anchor — a place where the coffee arrives fast, the breakfasts are generous, and the telly’s usually tuned to whatever match is on.

Address: 1 Mulgrave Street, Limerick V94 E4E3 Ireland · Cuisines: Irish · Price Range: €€ – €€€ · Phone: (061) 419194

The table below summarises key facts about The Horse and Hound Bar, drawing from multiple review platforms and menu sources.

Horse and hound limerick reviews

The Horse and Hound Bar pulls decent scores across review platforms, though the numbers don’t always tell the full story. Tripadvisor shows 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 12 reviews, placing it fifth among nine bars and pubs in Limerick on that platform. Google ratings come in higher at 4.6, a gap that reflects the difference between casual visitors and regular lunch crowds.

Reviewers across platforms consistently praise three things: the food quality, the speed of service, and the staff’s friendliness. A July 2024 Tripadvisor visitor described it as “a lovely place for a meal, very friendly staff, great food and great choice. The atmosphere is always good and waiting time is short.” Another Gastroranking user went further, calling it the “Nicest pub in limerick, lovely friendly staff, food is 10/10 everytime.” Those kinds of repeat compliments signal that the kitchen maintains standards even during busy periods.

Restaurant Guru reviewers highlight specific dishes that earned praise: salads, pork, sausages, beer, and tea all appear in positive mentions. Quick service comes up repeatedly in the context of weekday lunches — several reviewers note they’re happy to pop in for a quick meal when working locally, with food arriving promptly and at a reasonable price.

TripAdvisor ratings

Tripadvisor’s 3.9/5 ranking puts The Horse and Hound Bar in the middle of Limerick’s bar scene on that platform. With only 12 reviews total, the score is sensitive to any new input — a couple of negative ratings could shift it noticeably. The ranking of #5 of 9 Bars & Pubs in Limerick means it sits comfortably but not at the top of the list.

Yelp feedback

Yelp-specific feedback wasn’t prominent in the research, but cross-platform mentions suggest the venue attracts a loyal local base rather than a strong tourist review presence. Patrons who do leave detailed feedback tend to focus on value for money and the consistency of breakfast items.

Facebook mentions

The bar maintains an active Facebook page where visitors sometimes leave comments alongside reviews. A visitor’s post references meeting Johnny the owner and notes both the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the food at good prices.

The Horse and Hound Bar menu

The menu at The Horse and Hound Bar leans into Irish pub tradition with a selection that covers most of what a visitor might want across a full day. Menuweb lists 24 dishes and drinks, though the official PDF suggests a broader offering when all categories are combined. Breakfast, lunches, and evening food are served seven days a week according to Fanzo, with the kitchen open across extended hours.

The Menuweb listing flags specific items: Big Breakfast, Hash Brown, Mushroom Sauce, Orange Juice, Club Sandwich, and Baguette appear alongside more substantial evening options. The PDF menu includes French Fries, Hot Drinks, Tea, Lamb, Salad, Fish, Tuna Steak, and Bread — a range that covers light bites through to proper evening meals. The full Irish breakfast and fish and chips come up repeatedly in review mentions, suggesting those are signature items worth trying.

Lunch options

Lunch service draws repeat customers who appreciate both speed and quality. The Club Sandwich, baguettes, and lighter salad options cater to daytime diners who may be pressed for time. Restaurant Guru mentions the bar as a good spot for those working locally who want something quick and filling without a long wait.

Evening food

Evening service expands the menu to include roasted leg of lamb, fish dishes, and heartier portions. A reviewer specifically praised the roasted leg of lamb, and fish and chips appear frequently in positive mentions. The function room becomes more relevant in the evening for private bookings and occasions.

Drinks selection

Beer and tea are highlighted in positive reviews, and the sports bar setup means live sport is shown during evening hours. The drinks selection appears to cover the expected pub offerings without documented specialty cocktails or an extensive wine list.

Horse and hound limerick owner

The research points to a person named Johnny as connected to the ownership or management of The Horse and Hound Bar. A Facebook visitor’s comment — “Got to meet Johnny the owner. Great lad” — provides the clearest direct reference. The research notes flag this as a medium-confidence claim since no official business registration or press profile was found to confirm the full details of his role or ownership structure.

Owner background

Beyond the name, public records didn’t surface detailed background information about Johnny. The mention comes from visitor social media rather than official filings or press coverage, so the exact nature of his involvement — whether sole owner, part-owner, or long-term manager — isn’t fully verified.

Customer interactions

Visitors who mention meeting Johnny describe the interaction positively. Combined with the consistent praise for “friendly staff” across reviews, there’s a pattern suggesting the management style creates a welcoming atmosphere. The owner’s presence as a visible figure in the bar may contribute to the repeat-customer loyalty that shows up in the review data.

Horse and hound limerick opening hours

Opening hours for The Horse and Hound Bar differ somewhat between sources, and visitors should verify before making a trip — particularly on Sundays when the closing time appears least consistent. The official Menuweb PDF states Monday to Saturday 07:30–00:30, with Sunday 09:00–00:00. An alternative listing on Fanzo gives Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 9.30pm, Sundays 9.00am to 9.30pm for breakfasts, lunches, and evening food.

The discrepancy matters more for evening visits than breakfast or lunch. Someone planning dinner on a Saturday based on the 9.30pm closing from Fanzo could be an hour early if the PDF hours (00:30, or 12:30am) are accurate. Calling ahead on (061) 419194 before an evening visit remains the safest approach.

Weekday hours

Monday through Saturday, the bar opens early at 7.30am, making it viable for breakfast even before most city-centre businesses get going. The late-night closing (whether 9.30pm or 12.30am depending on source) accommodates both early risers and late-evening customers.

Sunday hours

Sunday opening at 9am appears consistent across sources, but the closing time is the question mark. The PDF’s 00:00 (midnight) seems more plausible than Fanzo’s 9.30pm for a bar, but the research confidence on Sunday closing is lower than weekday confidence.

Contact for updates

The phone number (061) 419194 provides a direct line for confirming hours before visiting, especially for Sunday evening or holiday periods when schedules may vary from the standard pattern.

Horse and Hound Limerick Breakfast menu

Breakfast service at The Horse and Hound Bar runs daily starting at 9am on Sundays and 7.30am Monday through Saturday. The menu includes traditional Irish breakfast items alongside lighter options, with the Big Breakfast appearing as a standout choice based on menu listings and review mentions.

Breakfast offerings

Documented breakfast items include the Big Breakfast (a full Irish setup), Hash Brown, Mushroom Sauce, Orange Juice, and lighter fare like baguettes. The full Irish breakfast — featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, and toast — is the benchmark dish that reviewers return to when praising the morning kitchen.

Reviewers note quick preparation times for breakfast items, which matters for visitors who are working locally and need to get back to the office. Several reviews specifically mention breakfast arriving promptly even during busy periods.

Pricing details

The exact pricing for individual breakfast items isn’t documented in the research materials. Tripadvisor classifies the venue in the $$–$$$ range, placing it between moderate and upper-moderate pricing for Limerick pubs. Reviewers consistently describe the food as good value, which suggests breakfast items fall within a reasonable range for what you get — generous portions and fresh preparation.

“This is a lovely place for a meal, very friendly staff, great food and great choice. The atmosphere is always good and waiting time is short.”

— TripAdvisor user, 2024

“Nicest pub in limerick, lovely friendly staff, food is 10/10 everytime.”

— Gastroranking user

“I regularly have lunch here, and the food is consistently delicious. The service is friendly and professional. Top marks every time.”

— TripAdvisor.ie user, July 2024

Related reading: Limerick Houses for Sale – Latest Prices and Top Areas

Fans at Horse and Hound Limerick often follow live horse racing schedules while enjoying the bar’s full menu and breakfast specials.

Frequently asked questions