I took the tour on Wed, May 27th 2009. It's very lightly publicized -- a short blurb on an obscure website. It was wet and cold and we waited in front of the Information Center opposite Arthur's Quay when all of a sudden Mike O'Donnell appeared in our midst as if out of the ground. What followed was a humor-filled, enjoyable walking tour of Limerick along the places that McCourt mentions. Mike has a way with words and a gentlemanly manner. The tour cost 10 Euros -- the same amount as it did in 2004 (from a review on this page). And he never asked us for money until the very end of the walk. Go for it if you can. Mike is not growning any younger!

Mr. Michael O'Donnell, who's been running the tour for ten years, brings the story to life. Besides telling the story, pointing out the remaining sites, Michael pays attention to us, the visitors' responses. He also asks people have read the book to share their favorite part. It's a delightful experience, although the weather was not so cooperative. Two hours were too short. Thank you, Michael.

An excellent walking tour through Limerick, visiting several of the places mentioned in Angela's Ashes. The guide is from the area, and came from a similar background as Frank McCourt. He knows Frank and Malachy McCourt, and operates the tour with their permission. Malachy has been on the tour and given it the thumbs up -- Frank has not been on it yet, but is due to give it a go in August 2008. As well as visiting the sites, Michael (the guide) talks people through the book, telling Frank's story, so that it appeals to those who haven't read the book almost as much as it does to those who have. He also throws in some stories and tidbits that aren't in the book. Highly recommended for anyone on a trip to the area. It's been running for 10 years (since 1998), and hopefully it will continue to run for many more!!!

For those who love the writings of Frank McCourt, especially Angela's Ashes, then this tour is a must if you are in Limerick.

I had been living in Limerick for a few months, but my sister came to visit me so we went on the tour. I absolutely loved it! The tour guide was so funny and knows the McCourt family quite well. He indulged stories not in the book and it added to the tour. Most of the sites in the book are no longer standing, but you do go by where there once were. A lot of the stuff is still standing and you get a good idea of what life was like in Limerick back then.
I would do this tour again when in Limerick!